RICHMOND – New Democrat MLAs Henry Yao, Kelly Greene, and Aman Singh say more people in Richmond will benefit from improved arts spaces and facilities thanks to the BC New Democrat government’s continued support of artists throughout B.C.
“When arts and culture organizations like Canadian YC Chinese Orchestra Association and Gateway Theatre Society continue to flourish, people in Richmond will continue to thrive,” says Henry Yao, MLA for Richmond-South Centre. “The arts plays a vital role in maintaining a person’s mental health, cultural connection, and overall wellbeing. I am thrilled to see this funding go towards supporting exactly that.”
2 artists and organizations in Richmond will be benefitting from this Arts Infrastructure funding, including:
- Canadian YC Chinese Orchestra Association, $39,097
- Gateway Theatre Society, $12,171
“Richmond Gateway Theatre Society and the Canadian YC Chinese Orchestra Association have come through these difficult years and are onto their next step of artistic and technological advancement to further promote arts and culture in Richmond,” says Kelly Greene, MLA for Richmond-Steveston. “I am pleased to see them receive this support to continue and expand their work.”
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.
“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.”
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