BC Creative Spaces $$$ for Quesnel/Wells

Courtesy of the BC Liberal Government Caucus:

Cariboo North MLA Coralee Oakes congratulated two local arts and culture organizations that applied successfully for BC Creative Spaces grants totalling $69,500.

Local approved projects are:

· Quesnel Tillicum Society (Native Friendship Centre) $48,500
· Island Mountain Arts Society in Wells $21,000

The Quesnel Tillicum Society Native Friendship Centre provides a range of programs, including youth outreach and the Tillicum Learning Centre, to serve the community’s Aboriginal people. The BC Creative Spaces grant supports a building renovation project, including new windows and doors at the centre.

Island Mountain Arts (IMA) Society has been serving northern British Columbia for over 30 years, providing rich cultural experiences and outstanding arts educational opportunities. The BC Creative Spaces grant strengthens IMA’s sustainability by supporting a building renovation project allowing the school to offer year-round programming and cut energy costs.

"Arts and culture organizations add vitality and expression to community life, said Cariboo North MLA Coralee Oakes. “This important funding will enable the Quesnel Tillicum Society Native Friendship Centre and the Island Mountain Arts School in Wells to continue their great work supporting quality of life in the local community.”

Non-profit organizations with a focus on delivering arts and cultural programs are sharing $804,000 in B.C. government grants through BC Creative Spaces to improve local arts infrastructure, including theatres, art galleries, artist-run centres and friendship centres. The program approved 35 projects to help arts and cultural organizations in communities throughout the province develop new spaces, improve existing facilities, purchase or upgrade specialized equipment.

Improved cultural facilities help make B.C. communities vibrant, interesting places to live, visit, work and raise a family. Projects funded under BC Creative Spaces also benefit local contractors and businesses.

Quick Facts:

· Again this year, the B.C. government is investing over $60 million in British Columbia’s artists, arts organizations and cultural institutions in 2014-15.

· Since 2001, the B.C. government has provided more than half a billion dollars for arts and culture in British Columbia, more than any other government in the province’s history.