NEW WESTMINSTER – New Democrat MLA Jennifer Whiteside and Aman Singh say more people in New Westminster 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 Infrastructure Program exists because we know that a thriving arts and culture sector is an important part of every community,” says Jennifer Whiteside, MLA for New Westminster. “I am excited to see local arts and cultural organizations use this funding for the space and equipment they need to continue their invaluable work.”
2 artists and organizations in New Westminster will be benefitting from this Arts Infrastructure funding, including:
- Save Production Society, $6,758
- Massey Theatre Society, $200,000
“During the challenges of this pandemic, I know that many of us found comfort and joy in arts and culture,” says Aman Singh, MLA for Richmond-Queensborough. “I am proud to see the Arts Infrastructure Program supporting local arts and culture organizations, both to continue their work in the future and to give thanks for all they have given us already.”
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/26762