PORT MCNEILL – New Democrat MLA Michele Babchuk says more people across the North Island will benefit from improved arts spaces and facilities thanks to the BC New Democrat government’s continued support of artists throughout B.C.

“Artists bring so much to our communities, entertaining and inspiring both visitors and year-round residents,” said Michele Babchuk, MLA for North Island. “With this infrastructure funding for new equipment, we’re supporting artists of all ages and the long-term success of our local arts scene.”

Two local arts organizations are receiving Arts Infrastructure grants to purchase new specialized equipment. The BC Movement Arts Society in Sointula will receive $4,800 and the Gate House Theatre Community Association in Port McNeill will receive $17,650.

Through the Arts Infrastructure Program a total of 84 arts and cultural organizations will share in $4 million in grant funding. The program provides grants to arts and cultural organizations to develop and enhance spaces that support B.C.’s arts and cultural practitioners. Eligible activities include planning and consultation and capital improvements, such as improving safety features; increasing accessibility; or purchasing specialized equipment.

In April, the BC Arts Council introduced its Extending Foundations: Action Plan 2022-2024 which marked a shift in focus in the way the council provides funding to respond to calls to action for reconciliation, diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.

In alignment with these commitments, 50 per cent of grants in this recent round of Arts infrastructure funding was distributed to organizations from rural or remote communities or those led by or rooted in Indigenous and equity-deserving communities.

Learn More:

To learn more about these grants and see the list of recipients, visit news.gov.bc.ca/26762