VICTORIA - Almost $2 million is being provided to 116 artists and arts organizations in British Columbia as part of the latest round of successful BC Arts Council grant adjudications.
The $1.86 million in funding is being provided for arts-based community development initiatives as well as professional development, innovation, touring initiatives, capacity and sustainability in the performing arts and studio arts fields.
These most recent awards are a result of applications examined by the BC Arts Council's independent peer-review process between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31, 2014.
The funding is part of the $24 million provided to the BC Arts Council by the Government of British Columbia to support the province's arts and culture sector in 2014-15.
The recently approved grants were awarded to individual artists in addition to community and professional arts organizations in 25 B.C. communities from Atlin and Skidegate to Vancouver and Vernon.
For a full list of recent recipients, visit: https://www.bcartscouncil.ca/documents/publicationforms/pdfs/recipientlist_sept_oct2014.pdf
As British Columbia's lead agency for arts funding and development, the BC Arts Council enlists the expertise of the province's artistic community to evaluate grant applications independent of government.
Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes said, "The Government of British Columbia recognizes the important contribution the arts sector makes to both our economy and to vibrant, healthy communities."
BC Arts Council chair Stan Hamilton noted, "The BC Arts Council is able to support our outstanding artistic talent, thanks to funding from the Government of British Columbia and the invaluable contributions made by dedicated participants of the independent peer-review process."
Quick Facts:
• Again this year, the Government of British Columbia is providing $24 million for the BC Arts Council — the highest level of funding in the council's history. Overall, the Government of British Columbia is investing $60 million in B.C.'s artists, arts organizations and cultural institutions in 2014-15.
• Established in 1995, the BC Arts Council consults with the arts and culture community to develop policies, programs and strategic priorities for the sector.
• Last year, council approved in excess of 1,000 grants in more than 200 communities in every region of the province.
• Funding recipients represent British Columbia's amazing diversity of artists and cultural organizations in urban and rural communities.
• Since 2001, the Government of British Columbia has invested almost $234 million through the BC Arts Council to support B.C.'s artists, arts and cultural organizations — including an all-time high of $24 million during each of the past two fiscal years.
• Since 2001, the Government of British Columbia has provided more than half a billion dollars for arts and culture in B.C., more than any other government in the province's history.