Prince George arts organizations have benefited from grant funding through the province's Tourism Events Program.
The Community Arts Council of Prince George & District (CAC) and the Northern Indigenous Arts Council (NIAC) both received $14,400 to support the upcoming BC Gourmet Arts Festival (CAC) and the Northern BC Indigenous Arts Festival (NIAC).
Coldsnap also received $16,000 towards its festival and the World Junior/U23 Cross Country Skiing Trials received $10,000 in funding.
“B.C.’s many sports competitions, arts festivals and events are vital to our tourism sector and a thriving economy,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.
“This program allows organizers to raise awareness about their amazing events and inspires British Columbians and people from around the world to attend.”
In April 2022, the Province announced $4.8 million for TEP, marking its return after a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
TEP supports a wide range of tourism experiences, including arts, cultural or internationally recognized sporting competitions, bolstering awareness of events, attracting additional overnight visitors and increasing tourism benefits to communities.
During the pandemic, the Province provided COVID-19 relief funding through the BC Fairs, Festivals and Events program, which provided nearly $30 million in support of 680 events throughout B.C.
TEP funding is intended to support events between October 2022 and September 2023.
The funds must also be used to broaden the marketing reach of an event by providing supplemental marketing activities that go beyond what has been planned and budgeted by event organizers.
