Two arts and culture organizations serving the riding of Nechako Lakes have been awarded a total of $13,971 in B.C. Arts Council grants, Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad announced today.
“We are fortunate to enjoy a vibrant arts scene in our region,” Rustad said. “I am pleased to see this funding support the great work of the arts councils in Burns Lake and Fort St. James.”
The B.C. Arts Council awarded grants to the following arts and culture organizations:
· The Community Arts Council of Fort St. James received $7,722.
· Lakes District Arts Council received $6,249.
The funding comes from a record-high $24 million the B.C. Arts Council received from the provincial government to support artists, arts activities and culture in the 2013-14 fiscal year.
As B.C.’s lead agency for arts funding and development, the B.C. Arts Council enlists the expertise of British Columbia’s artists to evaluate grant applications through a peer review process independent of government.
Established in 1995, the B.C. Arts Council consults with the arts and culture community to develop policies, programs and strategic priorities for the sector. Last year, the Council approved more than 1,000 grants in over 200 communities in every region of the province.
The provincial government is providing $24 million to the B.C. Arts Council this year, the highest funding level in the Council’s history. Overall, it is investing $60 million towards B.C.’s artists, arts organizations and cultural institutions during the 2014-15 fiscal year.
For more information about the B.C. Arts Council, including information on how to apply for grants, visit BCArtsCouncil.ca.