NDP MLA Brenda Bailey says strengthened recovery funding will help support local artists and organizations in Vancouver

VANCOUVER – New Democrat MLA Brenda Bailey says strengthened support from the BC New Democrat government will help local artists and art organizations in Vancouver recover from the impacts of the pandemic.

“The arts and artists play an integral role in strengthening vibrant communities, encouraging creativity and building local economies” said Brenda Bailey, MLA for Vancouver-False Creek. “Our government is committed to continuing to support them as we move along the path of recovery so their work can have an impact and enrich people’s lives for years to come.”

Two hundred and seventy-five artists and organizations in Vancouver will be benefitting from this recovery funding, including:

  • Arts Club Theatre Company
  • Arts Umbrella
  • Ballet BC
  • Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival
  • Cultch
  • Vancouver Art Gallery
  • Vancouver International Film Festival
  • Vancouver Opera
  • Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

This funding to local artists and organizations comes from more than $12.4 million in one-time funding to the BC Arts Council. The BC Arts Council will distribute $7.9 million in resilience supplements to over 300 organizations currently receiving operating assistance. These grants recognize the impact the pandemic has had on sector organizations. Grants will range from $15,000 to $60,000. Additionally, BC Arts Council will direct $4.5 million to top up the Arts Impact Grant program.  Arts Impact Grants enables applicants to prioritize what activity or activities will provide the greatest and most meaningful impact to their organization, practice and/or community.

This grant program signals a new focus on flexibility, equity, inclusion, and diversity in how the BC Arts Council supports arts and culture organizations. Funding is available to organizations and collectives with an arts and culture mandate and/or offering dedicated arts and culture programming, including non-profit organizations and Indigenous governments and community organizations. 

Learn More: 

To learn more about these grants and see the provincewide list of recipients, visit: news.gov.bc.ca/26517