More than $6.9 million is being provided to 277 artists, museums and arts organizations in 97 British Columbia communities as part of the latest round of successful BC Arts Council (BCAC) grant adjudications.

The Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development announced Feb. 6 that four East Kootenay arts and historical organizations are included in the funding, including:

Cranbrook & District Arts Council – $11,768;

Fernie & District Arts Council – $17,605;

Fernie & District Historical Society – $7,000;

Kimberley Arts Council/Centre 64 Society – $16,014.

“Arts and culture are key building blocks for creative and vibrant communities and they are essential to our quality of life and competitiveness. The arts and culture sector is a significant contributor to our provincial economy and is vital in the promotion of British Columbia as a prime location to visit, work, live and invest,” stated Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes.

Highlights of this most recent funding includes:

* $1.47 million to museums;

* Almost $900,000 to 71 community arts councils;

* $780,000 towards professional arts festivals;

* $1.95 million to 31 visual arts organizations;

* $430,000 to 50 creative writers.

These most recent awards are a result of applications examined by the BC Arts Council’s independent peer-review process between Nov. 1, 2014 and Jan. 31, 2015.

“With the invaluable assistance from dedicated participants of the independent review process, the BC Arts Council works to support our province’s outstanding artistic talent thanks to funding from the Government of British Columbia. This public investment helps foster and promote the creation and enjoyment of the arts for the benefit of all,” said BC Arts Council chair Stan Hamilton.

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