NDP MLAs say funding will support people working in the arts in Burnaby

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BURNABY – New Democrat MLAs Janet Routledge, Katrina Chen, Raj Chouhan, and Anne Kang say that provincial funding for arts organizations and people working in the arts will help the local sector continue to recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic.

“We know that a vibrant and diverse arts sector reflects the communities we call home” says Janet Routledge, MLA for Burnaby North. “Our government is stepping up to support the recovery of arts organizations like Moving Images Distribution by providing the funds necessary that will support them in delivering their work.”

In Burnaby, the following projects are receiving a total of $370,713 in funding:

  • Burnaby Moving Images Distribution, $14,787
  • Burnaby Arts Council, $12,454
  • Burnaby Art Gallery, $123,146
  • Nikkei National Museum, $141,323
  • SFU Galleries, $79,003

“The past three years have brought ongoing challenges to everyone involved in our arts community,” said Katrina Chen, MLA for Burnaby-Lougheed. “Arts and culture are critical to a vibrant and healthy community. Supports for these organizations will help connect people and bring positive outcomes to our community through arts and culture activities.”

The funding is distributed through the BC Arts Council and will provide a total of $34.5 million to arts and culture organizations throughout B.C. Grants will help support infrastructure projects and address rising costs for organizations who have been impacted by a loss of audiences, reduced profits, and increased expenses since the pandemic.

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“Our communities are better because of arts and culture organizations, and it’s important that we continue to support them in their work,” said Raj Chouhan, MLA for Burnaby-Edmonds. “I’m pleased that we are bringing new funding to the Nikkei National Museum, which will help them address challenges, so that they can keep up their invaluable work.”

“Although we have been working hard to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, we know that the arts scene is still recovering,” said Anne Kang, MLA for Burnaby-Deer Lake. “Burnaby is fortunate to have a vibrant arts and culture community that reflects the diversity of our community, and I am pleased see our government provide important funding for the Burnaby Arts Council and Burnaby Art Gallery.”

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/28659

Funding backgrounder: https://www.bcartscouncil.ca/funding/recipients/