Thirteen arts organizations throughout the province will enhance their creative spaces with the support of $499,500 in small capital grants from the British Columbia government.

On behalf of Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Peter Fassbender, Cariboo North MLA Coralee Oakes congratulates the Island Mountain Arts Society for receiving $40,000 as part of the 2016-17 Collaborative Spaces program, which encourages co-operation between arts organizations through the sharing of space and specialized equipment.

On behalf of Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Peter Fassbender, Chilliwack-Hope MLA Laurie Throness congratulates the Hope and District Arts Council for receiving $40,000 as part of the 2016-17 Collaborative Spaces program, which encourages co-operation between arts organizations through the sharing of space and specialized equipment.

On behalf of Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Peter Fassbender, Vancouver-False Creek MLA Sam Sullivan congratulates the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Society for receiving $40,000 as part of the 2016-17 Collaborative Spaces program, which encourages co-operation between arts organizations through the sharing of space and specialized equipment.

Five arts organizations are receiving a combined $250,000 through the Government of British Columbia’s International Presence funding in 2016-17.

2016 was a year of historic investments in transit for Metro Vancouver. It began with a commitment by the Government of British Columbia for approximately a quarter of a billion dollars ($246 million) over three years for significant transit improvements and expansions in Metro Vancouver.

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development and Minister Responsible for TransLink issued the following statement:

The BC Arts Council is accepting applications from arts and culture organizations for two funding programs with deadlines in January.

The BC Arts Council is distributing close to $5 million to more than 400 artists and arts organizations in 57 communities throughout the province.