The BC Arts Council announced a set of grants Friday for Prince George arts groups, directing more than $176,000 to cultural organizations in this city.
They are:
- Fraser-Fort George Museum Society - $75,000
- Prince George Regional Art Gallery Association/Two Rivers Gallery - $63,000
- Prince George and District Community Arts Council - $21,475
- Prince George Folkfest Society - $9,000
- Bel Canto Choirs Association - $7,700
"Fraser-Fort George is extremely fortunate to have so many talented artists, musicians and actors call this region home," Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris said. "These grants help enable these talented individuals showcase their various productions for the benefit of all residents and visitors."
Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond said, "Thank you to all the staff and volunteers who contribute to Prince George's diverse arts and cultural organizations. It is important that they receive recognition from the BC Arts Council through their grant program."
The Government of British Columbia is providing $24 million this year for the B.C. Arts Council - the highest level of funding in the council's history. Overall, the government calculated its overall investment was $60 million in B.C.'s artists, arts organizations and cultural institutions in 2014-15.
The minister responsible, Coralee Oakes, is from Quesnel and she said the BC Arts Council was part of a wide view that British Columbians are better served by the creative and innovative thinking, not to mention more desirable community aesthetics, that a thriving arts scene provides.
"Arts and culture are key building blocks for creative and vibrant communities and they are essential to our quality of life and competitiveness," said Oakes. "The arts and culture sector is a significant contributor to our provincial economy and is vital in the promotion of British Columbia as a prime location to visit, work, live and invest."
There was no indication from the BC Arts Council or the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development (the government department that funds the BC Arts Council) if these totals represented the amounts requested by these organizations in their applications, or if other local arts groups went without funding.
