NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release 2010TCA0007-000397 April 9, 2010

Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts BC Arts Council

 

BC ARTS COUNCIL AWARDS $1.9 MILLION TO ARTISTS, ART GROUPS

 

VICTORIA – Artists and arts organizations in communities across British Columbia are receiving almost $1.9 million in government grants which are allocated through the BC Arts Council grants, Tourism, Culture and the Arts Minister Kevin Krueger announced today.

 

“Arts and Culture are an important part of our communities and our economy,” said Krueger. “I applaud the council for their pilot Capacity and Sustainability program, which supports groups as they build organizational capacity and enhance sustainability. Programs like this support the long-term health of the arts and culture sector.”

 

The council is awarding funding to almost 150 individuals and organizations, in a range of programs that includes professional development, support for touring and music commissioning, awards to visual artists and book publishers and the new capacity and sustainability pilot program.

 

“The council’s mission is to engage all British Columbians in a healthy arts and cultural community that is recognized for its excellence,” said council chair Jane Danzo. “This funding helps us enrich artistic practice in B.C. communities and build a more stable future for the artists and arts organizations across the province.”

 

This is the final round of funding for fiscal 2009-10. Including today’s $1.9 million, the government, through the BC Arts Council, has awarded a total of $10.9 million in funding to B.C. artists and arts and culture organizations this year. Since 2001, the BC Arts Council has provided over $134 million of government grants to assist artists and Arts and Cultural organizations throughout B.C.

 

The BC Arts Council is an independent agency that supports a range of activities including funding for professional artists and arts organizations, community initiatives and public education. Its funding decisions reflect recommendations that come out of a peer-review process.

 

 

For a full list of grant recipients or to view the council’s 2010-2013 Strategic Plan, visit www.bcartscouncil.ca.

 

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Media Contact:

David Greer Communications Manager Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts 250 387-2799

 

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