The BC Arts Council is distributing close to $5 million to more than 400 artists and arts organizations in 57 communities throughout the province.

This funding invests in emerging British Columbian artists through scholarships and early career development, and supports arts and culture more broadly through professional development, project assistance, touring initiatives and other programs.

This round of funding, totalling $4,984,500, also includes the inaugural Leon and Thea Koerner Awards, which support collaborations between community social services and professional arts organizations and artists. Funding for the awards is provided through an endowment from the Leon and Thea Koerner Foundation and is administered by the BC Arts Council.

The awards are the result of applications examined through the BC Arts Council’s independent peer-review process between June 1 and Sept. 30, 2016.

Highlights of the most recent funding include:

• Art-based community development – 18 awards; $240,000
• Early career development – 66 awards; $1,250,000
• Leon and Thea Koerner Awards – three awards; $75,000
• Media artists – 22 awards; $440,000
• Professional development – 17 awards; $82,000
• Project assistance – 77 awards; $869,000
• Scholarships – 154 awards; $753,000
• Touring initiatives – 11 awards; $100,000

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

Quotes:

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development –

“Building B.C.’s creative economy starts with investing in artists at every stage of their career, from post-secondary scholarships to early career development to ongoing professional development. Thank you to our artists and arts organizations for continuing to enhance the arts and culture scene in communities throughout the province.”

Merla Beckerman, BC Arts Council chair –

“These awards demonstrate the vitality and diversity of arts and culture activities in the province. B.C.’s artists are recognised for their high quality and ability to enhance our lives and stimulate curiosity and dialogue. Individually and collectively, our artists and arts organizations contribute to building communities, strengthening the economy and providing enjoyment for all.”

Quick Facts:

• The Government of British Columbia 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 Government of British Columbia is providing the BC Arts Council with $24 million to help artists and cultural organizations flourish in more than 200 communities throughout the province.
• Since 2001, the BC Arts Council has distributed about $283 million to artists, arts groups and cultural organizations throughout British Columbia.
• The BC Arts Council draws upon the expertise of British Columbia’s arts and culture community to provide an independent peer-review adjudication process.
• In February 2016, the Province launched the three-year Creative Economy Strategy to help grow the creative sector. The 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.
• With 24,800 artists, British Columbia has more artists per capita than any other province.

Learn More:

BC Arts Council: http://www.bcartscouncil.ca

Creative Economy Strategy: http://www.gov.bc.ca/creativeeconomy