New actions strengthen diversity, equity in arts funding (flickr.com)

Media Contacts

Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 952-2928

Backgrounders

Facts about arts, culture and the BC Arts Council
  • In 2021, the Province provided $40.19 million in COVID-19 supports to the arts and culture sector:
    • $35 million through StrongerBC and $5.19 million through the BC Arts Council budget.
    • In addition, nearly $30 million was invested for fairs, festivals and events recovery.
    • The BC Arts Council’s budget is now at a record high of $39.61 million that supports more than 600 organizations and hundreds of artists and cultural practitioners in every part of B.C.
  • The BC Arts Council was established in 1995 as an agency of the Province of British Columbia.
  • On behalf of the government of B.C., the arts council administers arts funding to foster and support arts and cultural activity in communities throughout British Columbia.
  • From community arts in rural and urban centres, to individual artists, professional performing arts companies, Indigenous artists and cultural organizations, art galleries, local museums and music festivals, BCAC supports a range of activities while engaging with artists and communities to inform policies and programs.
  • The Extending Foundations: Action Plan 2022-2024 outlines areas in the council’s commitment to enhance accessibility, reduce barriers and support diversity in B.C. arts community.
  • Key measures in the Extending Foundations: Action Plan 2022-2024, are:
    • the introduction of targeted programs and initiatives for equity-deserving applicants;
    • the launch of Application Assistance and Access Support funds for applicants who are deaf or have a disability;
    • an increased flexibility in grant applications, with the addition of a second application deadline for many project assistance programs, across disciplines; and
    • a designated priority groups policy to address gaps and strategic priorities.
  • Of the BC Arts Council’s 15 appointed members, more than 50% identify as Indigenous, Black and people of colour, including three Indigenous artists.
  • The Extending Foundations: Action Plan 2022-2024, is aligned with the Province’s commitment to upholding equity, inclusiveness, mutual respect and diversity in British Columbia.