NORTH ISLAND – New Democrat MLA Michele Babchuk says strengthened support from the BC NDP government will help local artists and art organizations on the North Island recover from the impacts of the pandemic.

“Arts and culture organizations add so much richness and diversity to our communities on the North Island,” said MLA Babchuk. “And we’re so fortunate that these organizations worked so hard during the pandemic to keep the lights on. I’m glad we’re able to continue supporting their recovery from the pandemic, and look forward to visiting them soon.”

Seven organizations in the North Okanagan will be benefitting from this recovery funding.

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 list of recipients, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022TACS0010-000473