Arts Umbrella is receiving $424,500 from the B.C. government to help children appreciate, enjoy and learn from the arts, Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Kevin Falcon announced today on behalf of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett.

The grant allocations are:

• $200,000 from the 2010 Sport and Arts Legacy (2011-12 funding).
• $200,000 from community gaming grants (2012-13 funding).
• $24,500 from the BC Arts Council (2012-13 funding).

Since 1979, Arts Umbrella has provided arts education to children from all backgrounds. Today this successful non-profit organization reaches over 24,000 children every year in Greater Vancouver through tuition-based and free outreach programs. Activities cover a range of art forms, including music, theatre, dance, film, visual and media arts.

The funding will support Arts Umbrella programming, including the organization's expanded presence in Surrey - where the organization is opening its second new location this year.

Quotes:

Bill Bennett, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

"Children love the creativity and excitement of the arts. Thanks to Arts Umbrella, thousands of young British Columbians enjoy opportunities to experience the arts - and have fun in a positive, learning environment. I'm confident that Arts Umbrella will continue to inspire young people to appreciate the arts."

Kevin Falcon, MLA Surrey-Cloverdale -

"Congratulations to Arts Umbrella on the organization's successful expansion in Surrey. Families in our growing community will benefit into the future from local access to Arts Umbrella's renowned arts education for children and youth. The B.C. government is proud to support Arts Umbrella's high-quality programs and strong presence in Surrey."

Lucille Pacey, president and CEO, Arts Umbrella -

"We believe that children are our most important assets, and that access to quality arts education will ensure they develop to their fullest potential. With the support of the B.C. government, many more children in Surrey will be able to access Arts Umbrella's beneficial arts programs."

Quick Facts:

• In 2012-13 the B.C. government will award about $135 million in community gaming grants, including approximately $17.5 million for arts and culture organizations in communities in British Columbia.
• Funded by the government of British Columbia, the BC Arts Council supports arts and culture in communities throughout the province. Since 2010-11, council has approved $84,600 for Arts Umbrella.
• The B.C. government is providing more than $53 million in funding for arts and culture during 2012-13.
• Since 2001, the B.C. government has provided more than $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 sport, arts and culture through the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/cscd

Find out more about the BC Arts Council at: http://www.bcartscouncil.ca

Visit Arts Umbrella at: http://www.artsumbrella.com

Contact:

Jeff Rud
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677
250 208-4028 (cell)