The B.C. government is providing $34.5 million to arts and culture organizations to support resiliency and economic recovery for people working in the sector, with several East Kootenay organizations in on the funding.

As part of year-end funding from the province, $30 million will be distributed to 337 arts organizations through the BC Arts Council.

The funding was provided in response to the arts and culture sector’s call for support while it continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the government said in a media release.

The sector is experiencing loss of audiences, increased costs, staffing shortages and reduced revenues from sponsorships, memberships, admissions and space rentals. The province provided similar support to the events sector in February 2023 with a $30-million investment in the Fairs, Festivals and Events program.

To support arts infrastructure projects, the province is also providing $4.5 million in one-time funding to BC Arts Council for the Arts Infrastructure Program, which is in addition to the base budget of $4 million.

The program meets the need for arts spaces that are safe, affordable and accessible, and the new investment means $8.5 million will be distributed to 128 arts and culture organizations through the program.

Local Arts Infrastructure Program recipients

Cranbrook and District Arts Council – $126,877

Cranbrook History Centre – $13,427

Fernie and District Arts Council – $21,000

Local Arts and Culture Resilience Supplement recipients

Columbia Valley Arts Council – $19,197

Cranbrook and District Arts Council – $25,186

Creston Museum – $23,015

Creston Valley Arts Council – $4,756

Fernie and District Arts Council – $48,461

Fernie Museum – $18,813

Kimberley Arts Council – Centre 64 – $24,061

See all recipients of the Arts Infrastructure Program and resilience funding.

e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW

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