VERNON – New Democrat MLA Harwinder Sandhu says more people in Vernon will benefit from improved arts spaces and facilities thanks to the BC New Democrat government’s continued support of artists throughout B.C.

“I’m so proud of our local artists and the vibrance they bring to our community,” said Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee. “This grant will help purchase new equipment for our Performing Arts Centre, so we can all continue to enjoy wonderful productions there. The Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre Society does amazing work in Vernon-Monashee, and I am thrilled to see this funding to support this work.”

The Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre Society is receiving a grant of $40,000 to purchase new specialized equipment.

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