Province Doubles Supports for Arts and Culture Spaces

The following is excerpted from a release issued by the Province of British Columbia.

Sikh Heritage Museum. | Image: Robyn Bessenger via Tourism Abbotsford.

Arts and culture groups throughout B.C. can look forward to new and enhanced spaces with $4 million to support the Arts Infrastructure Program.

This is the second year this funding has been made available in response to the needs of arts and culture groups. In 2020-21, the program had an initial budget of $2 million. However, an additional $2 million of one-time funding was made available, resulting in funding for 97 organizations and $4 million in support.

“Improving arts and culture spaces is a priority for our government because we know they inspire artists and enrich B.C. communities for years to come,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “We heard from the sector how important these grants were, especially during the pandemic, and we’re proud to answer that call to action by doubling the supports for these vital spaces.”

The Arts Infrastructure Program dedicates money that allows arts and cultural organizations to improve infrastructure, enhance safety features, increase accessibility, buy equipment and continue to offer virtual programming to contribute to B.C.’s economic recovery.

“During my recent conversations with the arts sector, I heard about how important arts and culture spaces are to bringing people together. These grants will help artists continue to create and will make a big impact for arts and culture organizations across our province,” said Bob D’Eith, Parliamentary Secretary for Arts and Film.

One of the 2020-21 recipients of Arts Infrastructure Program funding was the South Asian Studies Institute and Sikh Heritage Museum in Abbotsford. The museum received more than $24,000 for specialized equipment needed for its permanent, historic Komagata Maru exhibit.

To learn more about the program, click here.