A number of Prince George arts, cultural and non-profit sports organizations are benefiting from B.C. community gaming grants.
More than $45 million is being distributed to programs throughout the province and 37 Prince George-based organizations are taking home a $1.3-million piece of the pie.
"Arts and culture are essential to sustaining strong communities. This year more than ever, finding creative outlets and connections has been hugely important to our collective well-being," said Sara Knelman, executive director for Two Rivers Art Gallery in a news release.
"The support we receive from the Community Gaming Grants program is vital to our ability to develop inspiring exhibitions and arts programs for children, youth and families."
More than 700 not-for-profit arts organizations are receiving approximately $18.1 million in Community Gaming Grants to deliver arts and cultural programs in communities provincewide.
The Community Gaming Grants program is also providing more than $27.3 million for more than 800 not-for-profit sport organizations.
"While local soccer drills, arts programs and cultural celebrations may look different this year, I'm so pleased we can continue to support programs like these," said Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs.
"We know how important it is for not-for-profit organizations to continue to plan for the future, so when it is time for us to be together again, we can fully embrace sports, arts and cultural experiences as part of living in our vibrant and healthy communities."
People can participate in performing arts, literature and media arts programs, as well as Indigenous and cultural events, and other related activities through community-based organizations. Some of the local organizations receiving funding this year include the Bel Canto Choirs Association, Prince George Symphony Orchestra, Theatre NorthWest and the Community Arts Council.
"We recognize that everyone is doing their best to keep our communities safe and flatten the curve. I appreciate how incredibly innovative organizations have been during these challenging times," said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport in the release.
"We are committed to distributing these funds to organizations in a timely manner to make sure people can continue enjoying performances online, visiting their local museums by appointment, and taking part in the activities that bring them joy and support their well-being."
Community Gaming Grants provide about $140 million each year to support nearly 5,000 not-for-profit organizations that deliver services to people throughout British Columbia.
The program has made it a condition that all grant funding this year complies with the provincial health officer's orders and provides flexibility for organizations to delay project and service delivery until they can do so safely.
These Prince George-based arts and culture organizations received funding, totalling $622,450 (in alphabetical order):
- Alban Classical Artists Society = $5,000
- Bel Canto Choirs Association = $10,000
- Central BC Railway and Forest Industry Museum Society = $30,000
- CFUR Radio Society = $6,000
- Community Arts Council of Prince George and District = $15,600
- Fraser - Fort George Museum Society = $92,250
- Huble Homestead / Giscome Portage Heritage Society = $50,600
- Le Cercle des Canadiens Francais de Prince George = $30,000
- Multicultural Heritage Society of Prince George = $27,800
- Northern Orchestra of B.C. Society = $5,500
- Prince George Cantata Singers = $6,500
- Prince George Folkfest Society = $26,000
- Prince George Regional Art Gallery Association = $185,000
- Prince George Symphony Orchestra Society = $66,000
- Theatre NorthWest Society = $58,200
- Yalenka Ukrainian Dancers Society = $8,000
These Prince George-based sports organizations received funding, totalling $681,055 (in alphabetical order):
- B.C. Seniors Games Society - Zone 9 North Central = $12,000
- Caledonia Nordic Ski Club = $20,250
- Northern Adapted Sports Association = $25,000
- Northern BC Centre for Skating Association = $65,000
- Powder King Ski Club = $3,000
- Prince George Barracuda Swim Club = $62,000
- Prince George Canoe and Kayak Club = $3,300
- Prince George Figure Skating Club = $57,225
- Prince George Gymnastics Society = $60,000
- Prince George Minor Girls Fastball Association = $13,800
- Prince George Minor Hockey Association = $100,000
- Prince George Minor Lacrosse Association = $10,000
- Prince George Pisces Summer Swim Club = $29,000
- Prince George Ringette Association = $25,500
- Prince George Senior Lacrosse Association = $20,000
- Prince George Ski Club = $16,800
- Prince George Track and Field Club = $9,000
- Prince George Youth Baseball Association = $18,480
- Prince George Youth Soccer Association = $98,400
- Prince George Youth Volleyball Club = $25,000
- Prince George Judo Association = $7,300
