Throughout COVID-19, the arts and culture industry has had a hard time staying in business with public health orders cancelling or postponing in-person events.
In an effort to help them persevere through the current trying times, B.C. is contributing a total of nearly $16 million for related groups and persons across the province.
This includes $450,320 set aside for Prince George artists and organizations, in which specific funds will be put towards operational needs, resilience supplements, and microgrants for individual artists.
“Arts and culture organizations have been working hard to adjust their businesses while adhering to provincial health orders,” explained B.C. Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Minister Melanie Mark in a statement this morning (March 5).
“Our government values the arts as part of our economic recovery, and we’re here to help them weather the storm. I know this funding comes at a critical time and will help sustain the sector until we can all gather to enjoy arts and culture again.”
The funding is being distributed by the province’s StrongerBC plan, which aims to bring economic aid and recovery to communities.
Money going towards the Prince George arts community are as follows:
Operating Assistance
- $103,500 = The Exploration Place Museum and Science Centre
- $75,000 = Theatre NorthWest
- $70,000 = Two Rivers Gallery
- $35,000 = The Community Arts Council of Prince George & District
- $24,000 = Prince George Symphony Orchestra
- $20,000 = Prince George Conservatory of Music
- $20,000 = Prince George Folkfest Society
Resilience supplements
- $10,000 = The Exploration Place Museum and Science Centre
- $10,000 = Two Rivers Gallery
- $7,000 = Theatre NorthWest
- $5,000 = Prince George Conservatory of Music
- $5,000 = Prince George Folkfest Society
- $5,000 = Prince George Symphony Orchestra
- $5,000 = The Community Arts Council of Prince George & District
- $5,000 = Thimbleberry Magazine: Art + Culture in Northern BC
Project Assistance
- $8,000 = Thimbleberry Magazine: Art + Culture in Northern BC
Professional Development
- $4,820 = Shelby Richardson
Microgrants
- $1,500 = Leanna Carlson
- $1,500 = Catherine Sivertsen
