NDP MLAs say strengthened recovery funding will help support local artists and organizations on the Mid-Island

NANAIMO – New Democrat MLAs Sheila Malcolmson, Doug Routley, and Adam Walker say strengthened support from the BC New Democrat government will help local artists and art organizations in the Mid-Island region recover from the impacts of the pandemic.

“Supporting Nanaimo’s talented creative organizations and artists is vital as we recover from the impacts of COVID-19,” said Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo. “I’m glad to fund these Nanaimo groups, to help welcome visitors and host community-building gatherings this summer ”

Over 25 artists and organizations in the Mid-Island region, including Nanaimo, Cowichan Valley, Gabriola Island, Parksville, and Qualicum Beach will be benefitting from this recovery funding, including:

  • Crimson Coast Dance Society
  • Nanaimo Art Gallery
  • Gabriola Arts Council
  • Qualicum Beach Historical and Museum Society
  • Oceanside Community Arts Council
  • Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society

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.

“From Gabriola Island to the Cowichan Valley, we are blessed with a rich arts and culture sector,” said Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan. “Local artists and organizations have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to adapt their operations and continue to provide creativity and inspiration, at a time when it was needed the most. I am happy to see so many organizations in our community, including the Gabriola Arts Council and the Chemainus Theatre Festival, benefit from this new funding.”

“These organizations in Oceanside do valuable work connecting people to the community and I am glad we are supporting them as they rebuild from the pandemic,” said Adam Walker, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum. “We are investing in a stronger tourism sector for visitors and a vibrant culture for people who live here.”

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 list of recipients, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/26517