Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons has indicated that grants for upper and lower Sunshine Coast arts festivals will support artists in community events and installations over the next year while following COVID-19 safety protocols.
“The people of the Sunshine Coast know how to make the most of summer,” stated Simons in a media release. “When not enjoying the beautiful outdoors, we have incredible arts installations and festivals for everyone. With this funding, we’re helping ensure the arts scene is able to adapt to pandemic restrictions so it can remain vibrant this year and into the future while supporting local artists.”
The release stated the grants will support community arts festivals and installations by providing compensation to performing and visual artists for their performances and works. Many of these festivals and events were cancelled last year and are adapting their formats to ensure everyone in the community is kept safe.
Grants coming to Powell River-Sunshine Coast total $27,500. In Powell River, they include: Les Ramsay, $7,500, painting series; Malaspina Art Society, $5,000, LGBTQ2S+ arts exhibition; Powell River Council for Arts and Culture, $5,000, Memento Mori contemporary arts festival.
BC Arts Council is providing a total of $1.19 million through three grant programs: Community Arts Festivals, Visual Artists, and Co-op Placements. These grants streams are just three of more than 40 grants programs offered through the BC Arts Council.
The release stated that in addition to regular grants, the government distributed a total of $35 million from StrongerBC through the BC Arts Council to help artists and arts and culture organizations keep their lights on and adapt to the challenges of the pandemic.
