MLA Conroy announces significant support for West Kootenay arts
By Katrine Conroy
New Democrat MLA Katrine Conroy says strengthened support from the BC NDP government will help local artists and art organizations in the West Kootenays recover from the impacts of the pandemic.
“We are so fortunate to have arts organizations in our communities that do the incredible work they do,” said MLA Conroy. “COVID-19 was a challenge for everyone, especially those in the arts and culture sector. I’m happy that we’re able to support their continued work and recovery, and look forward to attending events in-person again soon.”
Five organizations in the region will be benefitting from this recovery funding.
This funding to local artists and organizations comes from more than $12.4 million in one-time funding to the BC Arts Council. The BC Arts Council will distribute $7.9 million in resilience supplements to over 300 organizations currently receiving operating assistance. These grants recognize the impact the pandemic has had on sector organizations. Grants will range from $15,000 to $60,000. Additionally, BC Arts Council will direct $4.5 million to top up the Arts Impact Grant program. Arts Impact Grants enables applicants to prioritize what activity or activities will provide the greatest and most meaningful impact to their organization, practice and/or community.
This grant program signals a new focus on flexibility, equity, inclusion and diversity in how the BC Arts Council supports arts and culture organizations. Funding is available to organizations and collectives with an arts and culture mandate and/or offering dedicated arts and culture programming, including non-profit organizations and Indigenous governments COVID-19 Resilience Recipientsand community organizations.
Kootenay Gallery of Art, History & Science Society
$24,000
Rossland Council for Arts and Culture
$16,500
Slocan Lake Arts Council
$24,000
Trail and District Arts Council
$24,000
BC Arts Impact Recipients
Rossland Council for Arts and Culture
$16,300
Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre
$30,000
