Non-profit arts and cultural organizations, First Nations band councils and friendship centres in B.C. will share $2.384 million in grants for 118 projects through two new arts programs, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett said today.

BC Creative Spaces provided $1.25 million for 37 projects to improve community arts infrastructure. Approved projects include museum and studio construction, art centre renovations and the purchase of arts equipment, including stage lighting and sound systems. Besides generating immediate opportunities for local businesses, BC Creative Spaces will help community organizations engage residents and visitors in arts and culture.

BC Creative Communities funded 81 projects with $1.134 million to help arts and culture organizations encourage participation in local creative activities. Funding will support community celebrations, events and cultural mapping/planning projects to maximize economic and social benefits from the arts.

For a complete list of grant recipients, visit: http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/arts_culture/index.htm

BC Creative Spaces and BC Creative Communities are funded by the British Columbia government.

Quotes:

Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett -

"Arts and culture make good things happen throughout British Columbia. Cultural organizations bring colour and ceremony to urban and rural communities, improving the quality of life for residents and attracting visitors. Cultural activities generate revenue for local businesses and support jobs. Through their amazing creativity, artists offer perspectives that build positive images of our province as a great place to live and work. This new funding will refresh arts infrastructure and programming, helping local organizations continue to bring the many benefits of arts and culture to their communities."

Quick Facts:

• In 2013-14, the B.C. government will increase funding for arts and culture to over $60 million - about $7 million higher than last year.
• This year, the B.C. government will provide BC Arts Council with a record high funding of $24 million.
• 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

Contact:

Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 896-4923 (cell)