NDP MLAs Dan Coulter and Kelli Paddon say more people will enjoy improved arts spaces in Chilliwack

CHILLIWACK – New Democrat MLA Dan Coulter and Kelli Paddon say more people in Chilliwack will benefit from improved arts spaces and facilities thanks to the BC New Democrat government’s continued support of artists throughout B.C.

“The arts sector has been hit hard by COVID-19, and Chilliwack is no exception,” MLA Dan Coulter. “Our government continues to support the dynamic arts sector as it recovers and thrives, so people can once again enjoy events and gatherings at venues like the Chilliwack Cultural Centre.”

The Chilliwack Arts & Cultural Centre Society will be benefitting from this Arts Infrastructure funding, receiving a grant for $39,842.

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.

“The Chilliwack Cultural Centre delivers amazing events all year round- I especially enjoyed CSOPA’s The Spongebob Musical this year (and not just because my kids were in it),” said Kelli Paddon, MLA for Chilliwack-Kent. “It’s great to see Arts Infrastructure Grants going out to amazing organizations across the province that do so much for local people.”

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: Enhancing spaces for arts and culture organizations | BC Gov News