Funding remained relatively stable for local arts organizations that received financial assistance in the latest round of provincial arts grants, announced Tuesday.
More than 30 Victoria-area arts organizations and individuals received a portion of the $8.36 million awarded by the B.C. Arts Council. The money comes from a total $16.8 million provided to the council this fiscal year by the provincial government, for essential operating support for local museums, galleries and media-arts organizations.
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria received the largest amount in the city — a $262,500 grant in operating assistance, an increase of $12,500 since last year.
Gallery director Jon Tupper said it’s common for a city’s art gallery to be the top recipient for city and provincial funds. He pointed to the Vancouver Art Gallery Association, which received $643,000.
“The money goes to programs, operations and exhibitions,” Tupper said. “Then we raise the rest of the money ourselves.”
The AGGV’s total operating budget this year is $2.5 million.
The Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria received $22,642, plus a $4,850 special project award to upgrade computer equipment.
“It’s about 10 per cent more than we got last year,” director Bob Williams said.
At the same time, both directors said overall, funding has not yet rebounded to 2008 levels.
Other local recipients include Open Space Art Society ($40,000 in operating assistance, plus $25,000 in special projects), the Belfry Theatre ($22,500), the Victoria Jazz Society ($24,000) and Intrepid Theatre Company ($50,000).
B.C. government funding for the B.C. Arts Council in 2013-2014 will reach a record high $24 million, according to the province.
Many local arts organizations are also eligible for funding from the CRD and federal government.