NDP MLAs Malcolmson and Routley say more people will enjoy improved arts spaces in Nanaimo and on Gabriola Island

NANAIMO – New Democrat MLAs Sheila Malcolmson and Doug Routley say more people in Nanaimo and on Gabriola Island will benefit from improved arts spaces and facilities thanks to the BC New Democrat government’s continued support of artists throughout B.C.

“Nanaimo Art Gallery is a bright light in our local arts and culture community, and I’m so glad we can help fund their work,” said Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo. “This is a win for Nanaimo.”

People on Gabriola Island will be benefiting from over $15,000 in total funding for the Gabriola Arts Council and Gabriola Players Theatre Society. The Nanaimo Art Gallery is receiving $25,000 in funding.

“I am pleased that Gabriola Arts Council and the Gabriola Players Theatre Society have been chosen as BC Arts Council’s grant recipients” said MLA Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan. “Gabriola is already known as the Isle of Arts and these grants will only further the thriving arts and culture sector.”

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