The Province is providing $800,000 to help B.C. communities make local arts and culture an important part of upcoming anniversaries, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Ida Chong announced.

British Columbia communities celebrating significant anniversaries - including a 25th, 50th, 100th 120th or 150th - during 2012 qualify for funding from the provincial government's City Anniversary Celebrations.

Communities will determine how to use their grant to enable local artists, as well as arts and culture groups, to participate in anniversary celebrations. Funding will be available as specific communities finalize preparations for local celebrations.

Funding will come from the 2010 Sport and Arts Legacy, established to carry on the spirit of community celebration that played a key role in the success of the Vancouver Olympic Games.

Quotes:

Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

"Last year, the City of Victoria and Corporation of the Township of Esquimalt inquired about support to celebrate their respective municipal anniversaries in 2012. Communities approached government looking to partner in celebrating their milestone and we responded."

"I'm happy to announce that the Province will provide financial support to communities around B.C. to enhance arts and culture as part of local anniversary celebrations."

Quick Facts:

• The Province will maintain funding levels to arts and culture in 2012-13, spending more than $53 million on artists, arts and culture organizations.
• Government is also maintaining funding to arts and culture through the Community Gaming Grant Program. In 2012-13, the Province anticipates that $17.5 million will once again be distributed to the arts and culture sector.
• Since 2001, the provincial government has provided over $2.6 billion in support for arts and culture in British Columbia, including the screen-based entertainment industry.

Learn More:

Check out the provincial government's role in supporting artists, arts and cultural organizations through the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/cscd

Contact:

Gillian Rhodes
Communications Manager
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 356-6334