Thirteen B.C. communities will benefit from government grants aimed at breaking down barriers to participation in sport.

Schools and school districts can now apply for $1.5 million in grants to help bring artists into classrooms.

Key community cultural organizations and events, including local arts councils, art galleries, theatres, museums and arts festivals throughout British Columbia shared nearly $13 million in BC Arts Council grants.

Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, issued the following statement in recognition of the 15th annual BC Arts and Culture Week.

A $100,000 pilot project will be delivered in northern B.C. communities to help youth thrive during a period of community transition.

Arts and culture thrive in British Columbia. Cultural activities contribute to our economy and help our communities shine as great places to live, work, play and visit.

Non-profit cultural organizations, First Nations and friendship centres are sharing $804,000 in B.C. government grants to improve local arts infrastructure.

Applications are now being accepted for B.C. government grants supporting school-based extracurricular activities.

The B.C. government provided $50,000 to support the Capital Region Music Awards Society's bid to bring BreakOut West, an annual musical showcase, to Victoria in 2015.