Province maintains support for arts sector
By Contributor
The BC Arts Council received $16,831,000 from the provincial government to help fund artists and cultural organizations in British Columbia for 2011-12.
Arts groups large and small apply to the BC Arts Council – an independent agency of the Province – to support opportunities for artists, strengthen local economies and enhance quality of life for citizens in communities across British Columbia.
This year’s funding will benefit artists, major cultural organizations and institutions, as well as local community arts councils.
British Columbia’s diverse and robust arts scene draws significant support annually from the BC Arts Council for art galleries, theatres, orchestras, museums, festivals and more.
BC Art Council’s $16.831 million 2011-12 budget consists of:
- $7.931 million from the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.
- $2.150 million from the BC150 Cultural Fund (a $150-million interest-generating endowment fund).
- $6.75 million from the 2010 Sport and Arts Legacy.
- Total arts and culture support from the B.C. government exceeds half a billion dollars over the last decade.
- From 2001 until March 31, 2011, the BC Arts Council granted $152 million to artists and cultural organizations in British Columbia.
- B.C.’s creative sector employs more than 78,000 people and contributes $5.2 billion to our provincial economy.
