The local arts and culture scene in Cowichan will be getting a boost, thanks to new provincial grants.
Across the province, 771 not-for-profit organizations are receiving 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.
In the Cowichan Valley, 16 organizations are receiving Community Gaming Grants totalling more than $350,000.
A few of the recipients include the Cowichan Valley Arts Council, which will receive $22,000, Chemainus Festival of Murals Society, which will receive $25,000, the Cowichan Wooden Boat Society, which will receive $39,600, and the British Columbia Forest Discovery Museum, which will receive $56,000.
Other local organizations in the Cowichan Valley that will benefit from this funding include: Cowichan Public Art Gallery Society, Cowichan Folk Guild, Cowichan Exhibition, Cowichan Musical Society, Cowichan Camerata String Orchestra Society, Duncan Cowichan Festival Society, Chemainus Valley Historical Society, Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society, and the Shawnigan Lake Community Association.
“People in the Cowichan Valley love our local arts and culture organizations,” said Cowichan Valley MLA Debra Toporowski. “This funding will help ensure that locals can continue to share their talents and stories with people.”
