Two sets of grants coming to the region this month should provide some long-awaited relief for cash-strapped arts and culture groups.
One group of provincial grants is coming to regional arts councils via the B.C. Arts Council.
A number of project grants and operating grants will also be awarded through an application process under the new City of Williams Lake/Cariboo Regional District Areas D, E, and F arts and culture function.
These awards will be made by the City and CRD on the recommendation of the new Cariboo Arts and Culture Society.
Society chair Graham Kelsey says the society expects to be recommending between eight and 15 awards depending on the number and type of applications received.
“The awards are competitive and applications will be adjudicated by a panel of knowledgeable people from the arts and culture community,” Kelsey says.
Project grants of between $500 and $2,000 are available for projects which are new or build creatively on previous work, and increase participation in arts and culture.
Operating grants of up to $3,000 are also available to assist registered non-profit arts and culture organizations in developing and enhancing their arts and culture programming.
The deadline for applications is Thursday, March 31. Full details, adjudication criteria and application requirements can be obtained by request from mailto:ccacsinfo@g.mail.com.
Approved projects must be completed before Dec. 31, 2011.
For more information contact Graham Kelsey 250-243-2440 or gkelsey@xplornet.ca.
The B.C. Arts Council board has approved more than $15,000 in provincial grants for arts councils in this region for core annual support.
“This funding will allow local arts to maintain programs in our northern communities,” says Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett. “Arts groups add to the already vibrant culture.”
The Central Interior Regional Arts Council receives $7,500.
The Community Arts Council of Williams Lake receives $6,055.
The 100 Mile and District Arts Council receives $1,800.
Through peer adjudication, recommendations are made to determine funding per member groups.
The B.C. Arts Council is an independent agency that supports a range of activities including funding for professional artists and arts organizations, community cultural development and public education.
Arts council funding is used to support a range of program areas as determined by the arts council, including media and visual arts, festivals, museums, community arts councils, touring and professional development and individual awards to creative writers.
A full list of grant recipients has been posted on the council’s website, ww.bcartscouncil.com.