NDP MLAs Dean, Fleming, and Lore say more people will enjoy improved arts spaces in Greater Victoria

VICTORIA – New Democrat MLAs Mitzi Dean, Rob Fleming, and Grace Lore say more people in Greater Victoria 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 delighted that local arts and culture organizations will be receiving these important investments to support future projects and to invest in new facilities and equipment,” said Mitzi Dean, MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin. “These grants will help ensure that the arts sector can continue celebrating and sharing their creativity.”

Eight artists and organizations in Greater Victoria will be benefitting from over $330,000 in Arts Infrastructure funding, including:

  • Dance Victoria
  • Open Space
  • Ministry of Casual Living
  • Victoria Multi-Cultural Society

“Victoria’s Arts and Culture sector is part of what makes our community vibrant,” said MLA Rob Fleming, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake. “These grants will help with purchasing needed equipment and is part of our larger investment in B.C.’s dynamic artists, dancers, musicians and cultural spaces.”

“Laughter, healing and connection are just some of the benefits of a robust arts and culture sector” said Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria- Beacon Hill. “These grants will make a big impact in our community by supporting local arts organizations here in Victoria.”

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: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022TACS0014-000711