NDP MLAs say strengthened recovery funding will help support local artists and organizations in Richmond

RICHMOND – New Democrat MLA Kelly Greene, Henry Yao, and Aman Singh say strengthened support from the BC New Democrat government will help local artists and art organizations in Richmond recover from the impacts of the pandemic.

“Through challenging times, local arts and culture organizations have provided great comfort to people in Richmond,” says Kelly Greene, MLA for Richmond-Steveston. “Organizations like the Turkish-Canadian Society enrich the Richmond community, and this funding will allow them to continue their valuable work.”

Four organizations in Richmond will be benefitting from this recovery funding, including:

  • Richmond Art Gallery Association, $22,500
  • Richmond Gateway Theatre Society, $40,000
  • Richmond Museum Society, $24,000
  • Turkish-Canadian Society, $30,000

“The pandemic demonstrated the importance of mental health and social connection,” says Henry Yao, MLA for Richmond South Centre. “I am grateful for the phenomenal work arts and culture organizations do to support, entertain, and enlighten us, and this funding will support them as they continue to enrich the lives of people in Richmond and B.C.”

This funding to local artists and organizations comes from more than $12.4 million in one-time funding to the BC Arts Council. The BC Arts Council will distribute $7.9 million in resilience supplements to over 300 organizations currently receiving operating assistance.  These grants recognize the impact the pandemic has had on sector organizations. Grants will range from $15,000 to $60,000. Additionally, the BC Arts Council will direct $4.5 million to top up the Arts Impact Grant program.  Arts Impact Grants enables applicants to prioritize what activity or activities will provide the greatest and most meaningful impact to their organization, practice and/or community.

“Arts and culture organizations enhance the lives of so many people across the province, whether it’s through joining a local theatre group or spending an afternoon at the museum,” says Aman Singh, MLA for Richmond-Queensborough. “Part of building back better means supporting our arts and culture sectors, so they can keep inspiring, teaching, and bringing people together.”

This grant program signals a new focus on flexibility, equity, inclusion, and diversity in how the BC Arts Council supports arts and culture organizations. Funding is available to organizations and collectives with an arts and culture mandate and/or offering dedicated arts and culture programming, including non-profit organizations and Indigenous governments and community organizations. 

Learn More: 

To learn more about these grants and see the provincewide list of recipients, visit: news.gov.bc.ca/26517