The British Columbia government is again providing $16,831,000 to the BC Arts Council (BCAC) to support arts and culture in communities throughout the province during the 2012-13 fiscal year.

Artists and cultural organizations apply for grants from BCAC, a publicly funded, independent agency of the B.C. government. Council enlists the input of the B.C. arts community to evaluate funding applications through an independent peer review process.

Last year, BCAC approved 1,027 grants to applicants from more than 200 communities throughout British Columbia. Funding recipients represent a great diversity of B.C. artists, such as writers, painters, playwrights, actors, musicians, composers, dancers and sculptors. A variety of cultural organizations receive BCAC grants annually, including community arts councils, art galleries, museums, historical societies, orchestras, film societies, theatres and publishing companies.

BCAC grants enable key arts organizations, including ArtsBC, BC Touring Council and the First Peoples' Cultural Council, to provide funding for many individual artists and cultural activities.

Young British Columbians enjoy opportunities to experience the arts through BCAC support for groups such as ArtStarts in Schools and Arts Umbrella. The council provides scholarships for B.C. students to excel in the arts by studying at prestigious schools and universities in the province, across Canada and internationally.

Several of British Columbia's largest annual cultural events receive BCAC funding, including the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival, the Vancouver International Film Festival, the Vancouver International Children's Festival and the Kaslo Jazz Etc. Summer Music Festival.

Quotes:

Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Ida Chong -

"Arts and culture help build healthy communities across British Columbia. Cultural activities support jobs, attract tourist revenue and create inclusive local events that promote community pride."

"Congratulations to British Columbia's amazing artists and outstanding cultural groups for everything they do to enrich the quality of life for families, citizens and communities in all regions of our province."

BC Arts Council chair Stan Hamilton -

"On behalf of the board, I want to thank the government of B.C. for this support. This funding is essential to ensuring the long-term health of B.C.'s creative sector. It enables council to continue providing a high level of service to our clients. With these resources, council can take the strategic steps to ensure the arts in this province will grow and thrive over the long term."

Quick Facts:

• The BC Arts Council's $16.831-million 2012-13 budget consists of $7.931 million from the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, $2.150 million from the BC150 Cultural Fund (a $150-million interest-generating endowment fund) and $6.75 million from the 2010 Sport and Arts Legacy.
• The B.C. government established the BCAC in 1995 and appoints the council's chair, vice-chair and 15-member board.
• Since 2001, the BC Arts Council has granted more than $185 million to artists and cultural organizations in British Columbia.
• Total arts and culture support from the B.C. government exceeds half a billion dollars over the last decade.

Learn More:

For more information, visit the BC Arts Council's website at: http://www.bcartscouncil.ca

Check out the B.C. 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:

Jeff Rud
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 208-4028