RICHMOND – New Democrat MLAs Henry Yao, Aman Singh, and Kelly Greene 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.

“As we continue to recover from the pandemic, we know that the arts community needs our support now more than ever,” says Henry Yao, MLA for Richmond South-Centre. “That’s why our government is continuing to bolster the arts and culture community to help meet rising costs and secure equipment for artists in these organizations.”

In Richmond, five projects are receiving a total of $376,758 in funding, including funding for Richmond Gateway Theatre Society, Richmond Museum Society, and Richmond Art Gallery Association.

“Our vibrant and diverse arts scene reflects our amazing communities, and we know the past few years have been challenging for the people working in this sector,” says Aman Singh, MLA for Richmond-Queensborough. “I am pleased to see our government provide funding for these organizations, so that we can continue to see the amazing work they do.”

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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“We know that the arts are a crucial part of celebrating and sharing Richmond’s identity and diversity, and that the pandemic has contributed to challenges faced by people in this field,” said Kelly Greene, MLA for Richmond-Steveston. “Our government is listening to these ongoing concerns, and I am pleased to see new funding support for organizations like the Gateway Theatre Society, which will enrich the productions our community loves.”

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

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