Three arts and culture organizations serving the riding of Kootenay East have been awarded a total of $49,373 in B.C. Arts Council grants, Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett announced Thursday.
"There is a wealth of creativity and cultural diversity in the Kootenays," Bennett said. "These organizations play an important role in sustaining and building strong, creative communities."
The B.C. Arts Council awarded grants to the following arts and culture organizations:
• Cranbrook Archives, Museum and Landmark Foundation received $20,000
• Fernie and District Arts Council received $17,605
• Cranbrook and District Arts Council received $11,768
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.