The Government of British Columbia has appointed five new members to the BC Arts Council board to strengthen arts and cultural activity in communities throughout the province, with veteran arts administrator Susan Jackson appointed as chair.

“I’d like to congratulate the newly appointed members and chair. Together we are building an ever more vibrant arts and culture sector,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “The diversity, knowledge and expertise of these distinguished members will enhance the work of the arts council, and serve as an inspiration to young artists as they prepare to shape the future creative economy of this province.”

The BC Arts Council board is composed of 15 members representing different regions, and diverse cultural and artistic communities, throughout British Columbia. Since 2001, the BC Arts Council has distributed about $283 million to artists, arts groups and cultural organizations in the province. The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture selects members for the council on the basis of their expertise and dedication to the arts.  

The new appointees to the board are:

• Chair: Susan Jackson – Vancouver
• Vice-Chair: Jane Brindley – Vancouver
• Ian Case – Victoria
• Dean Heron – Victoria/Terrace
• Corrine Hunt – Vancouver/Alert Bay
• Manjot Bains – Vancouver

“It’s an honour to accept this position as chair of the BC Arts Council board,” said Jackson. “In British Columbia, we are privileged to have an outstanding number of accomplished and emerging artists and arts organizations who work hard to enrich the lives of all British Columbians. I look forward to working with this council to continue supporting arts and cultural activity throughout the province.”

The BC Arts Council is funded by the provincial government. It was established in 1995 to support development and funding for the arts, arts and cultural organizations, and individual artists. The council also contributes to a range of activities, such as funding for professional artists and arts organizations, community initiatives and training, and scholarships — including a youth-engagement program.

From professional dance companies, to art galleries, local museums and music festivals, the council works to enrich the lives of everyone in B.C.

For detailed biographies of BC Arts Council members, visit: http://www.bcartscouncil.ca/about/councilmembers.htm#

Quick Facts:

• In 2017-18, the B.C. government is spending more than $60 million on artists and arts and culture organizations, including approximately $17.5 million in community gaming grants.
• In 2017-18, the BC Arts Council is providing $24 million to help artists and cultural organizations flourish in more than 200 communities throughout B.C., with funding provided by the B.C. government.
• The BC Arts Council draws upon the expertise of British Columbia’s arts and culture community to provide an independent peer-review adjudication process.
• 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, B.C. has more artists per capita than any other province.

Learn More:

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