NDP MLAs say grants will strengthen local arts and culture in the West Shore and surrounding communities
COLWOOD – New Democrat MLAs Dana Lajeunesse, Ravi Parmar, and Darlene Rotchford say people in Esquimalt, Sooke, and the West Shore will benefit as local organizations receive grants to support music, theatre, arts, and culture programs.
“Our arts community in Langford and the West Shore is vibrant, diverse, and growing,” said Ravi Parmar, MLA for Langford-Highlands. “These grants ensure local organizations have the support they need to keep creating, performing, and enriching the lives of families across our region.”
In the region, 14 organizations are receiving Community Gaming Grants, totalling over $250,000 including:
- Amber Academy Youth Fine Arts Society, $17,500
- Sheringham Point Lighthouse Preservation Society, $10,500
- Sooke River Bluegrass Festival Society, $13,200
- Victoria On Stage Musical Theatre Society, $68,000
“Our local arts organizations encourage creativity at all ages and stages,” said Darlene Rotchford, MLA for Esquimalt-Colwood. “This funding will help make sure that there are always spaces and programs available for us to explore the arts.”
Across B.C., 771 not-for-profit organizations received more than $16.6 million to support programs, services and activities related to music, theatre and dance, as well as literary and visual arts.
Program funds are provided from general revenues via provincial commercial gambling revenue in partnership with the B.C. Lottery Corporation.
“The community has always demonstrated a strong commitment and a passion for the arts,” said Dana Lajeunesse, MLA for Juan de Fuca-Malahat. “With this funding, our local arts organizations can continue to do what they do best.”
Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/32697