NDP MLA Greene says arts funding helps inspire and connect people in Richmond
RICHMOND – New Democrat MLA Kelly Greene says that provincial funding for local artists, arts organizations and events is helping to make Richmond a more vibrant and connected community.
“Arts and culture in Richmond reflect the diversity that makes our community so special,” said Kelly Greene, MLA for Richmond-Steveston. “This funding helps ensure that local artists and cultural organizations can continue to share stories that resonate across generations and backgrounds.”
The following local organizations received funding via the B.C. Arts Council in the 2024/25 year:
- Cinevolution – Arts Impact and Accelerate Grants, $55,460
- Richmond Gateway Theatre Society – Operating Assistance, $30,000
- Richmond Museum Society – Operating Assistance, $30,000
- Richmond Art Gallery Association – Operating Assistance, $26,500
Across B.C., more than $37 million in grant funding was distributed to 1,303 arts organizations, events, and individual artists through the B.C. Arts Council (BCAC).
The BCAC is an agency of the provincial government that nurtures and supports arts and cultural activity in communities throughout B.C., and administers provincial funding to community arts in rural and urban centres, to individual artists, professional performing arts companies, Indigenous artists and cultural organizations, art galleries, local museums and music festivals, supporting a range of activities while engaging with artists and communities to inform policies and programs.
The BC New Democrat government has increased the BCAC budget from $24 million in 2016-17 to more than $40 million in 2025-26.
Learn More: news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025TACS0029-000682