The BC Arts Council is distributing over $150,000 through 30 grants to artists and arts organizations in 10 B.C. communities. This funding supports a range of learning, professional development and touring initiatives, including performances, residencies, scholarships, skill development and research.

The awards are the result of applications examined through the BC Arts Council’s independent peer-review process between Jan. 1 and Feb. 29, 2016.

Funding was distributed in the following program areas:

• Professional Development Funding – 15 awards: $60,000
• Professional Project Funding – one award: $6,900
• Scholarships – three awards: $9,000
• Touring Initiatives – 11 awards: $75,000

For a full list of recent recipients, visit: https://www.bcartscouncil.ca/mediaroom/recipients.htm

Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Peter Fassbender –

“Great artists are at the heart of B.C.’s creative economy and help to drive the BC Jobs Plan. I am proud to see so many B.C. artists advancing their careers with support from the BC Arts Council. Through these grants, we also have the opportunity to share our incredible talent with the rest of the country and world. Thank you for enhancing our reputation as a great place to live, work, play and invest.”

BC Arts Council chair Merla Beckerman –

“Artists are always seeking to improve their craft and expand their horizons. By investing in professional development, the BC Arts Council raises the standard of excellence for art produced in our province. This round of funding also highlights the global profile of B.C. artists by supporting national and international tours. Congratulations to all the recipients, and thank you to the hard-working award juries.”

Quick Facts:

• With 24,800 artists, B.C. has more artists per capita than any other province.
• The B.C. government is spending more than $60 million on artists, arts and culture organizations in 2016-17, including about $17.5 million in community gaming grants.
• In 2016-17, the BC Arts Council, an independent agency funded by the Government of British Columbia, is providing $24 million to help artists and cultural organizations flourish in communities throughout B.C.
• Since 2001, the BC Arts Council has distributed about $259 million, provided by the B.C. government, to artists, arts groups and cultural organizations across British Columbia.
• Community arts councils, galleries, museums and individual artists throughout the province receive arts council funding.
• Last year, council approved grants benefitting more than 200 communities in every region of the province.
• Launched in February 2016, the Creative Economy Strategy will help grow the creative sector. This strategy focuses on four key areas:
  • Leveraging talent and creative clusters.
  • Accessing new markets.
  • Maximizing investment.
  • Enriching communities.
• The United Nations has identified the creative economy as one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors for income generation, job creation and export earnings.

Learn More:

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