Surrey: On Thursday, M
P Nina Grewal (Fleetwood-Port Kells) joined with the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, at the Surrey Arts Centre to announce $1,916,334 in funding for arts and culture in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland and surrounding communities.
“Canada is a nation that boasts a mosaic of cultures and a diverse heritage,” stated MP Grewal. “Through this investment in local festivals, arts, and cultural organizations, our government is ensuring that British Columbians of all ages have the opportunity to celebrate Canada’s rich history and culture,while also benefitting the local economy.”
Altogether, the almost $2 million in funding will support 16 projects throughout British Columbia, including five in Surrey.The projects – which include theatre upgrades to enable the presentation of technically sophisticated shows, promoting the vitality of the province’s French-speaking minority communities, celebrating festivals, and ensuring access to a diverse range of Canadian-authored books in Canada and abroad – are diverse, support the local economy, and provide significant potential for communities throughout British Columbia.The recipient organizations are receiving these funds through several of Canada’s cultural programs, such as the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, the Canada Book Fund, and the Canada Periodical Fund, which the Federal government permanently renewed in the 2014 Budget.
“Arts and culture organizations contribute to the cultural strength of our communities and enrich the quality of life of all Canadians. By supporting these organizations, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and support our arts, culture, and heritage,” concluded Ms. Grewal.
