On January 31, 2018, Vancouver City Council renewed its investment in local arts and culture organizations through operating funding and annual assistance funding. $990,850 was committed to five major institutions in Vancouver, and $3,851,800 was granted to 124 organizations.
Council also approved $180,050 from the Public Art Boost of $1.5 million previously approved in 2016 to augment Vancouver's public art activities and increase awareness through new events and projects over 2016-2018. The funds from this portion of the boost will go towards twelve new recommendations for public art projects, ranging from large projections on the façade of the Vancouver Art Gallery to re-wilding urban sites by indigenous artists.
All not-for-profit organizations and artists who receive funding through these significant investments contribute greatly to the vibrancy and diversity of arts and culture activities throughout the City of Vancouver.
"Arts and culture organizations, and artists across the city rely on funding from the City to bring big ideas, immersive activities and cultural experiences to Vancouverites," says Branislav Henselmann, Managing Director, Cultural Services for the City of Vancouver. "We’re recommending City Council continue its financial support with these important investments, while we work to continue strengthening Vancouver's arts and culture sectors with the launch of the Creative City Strategy."
City staff are currently embarking on a reset of the City’s cultural priorities and directions with last week's launch of the Creative City Strategy. The strategy aims to develop a comprehensive plan and vision for art, culture and creativity in Vancouver with extensive community engagement throughout the process. The City will work with the arts, culture, and creative communities to identify priorities to guide Vancouver's future efforts and investments. The strategy will include previously under-represented voices and communities, build partnerships across communities and develop strategies to strengthen arts and culture.
Each year through Cultural Services, the City of Vancouver invests more than $12 million through grant streams including operating, annual assistance, project, community arts, theatre rental grants, arts capacity and the independent artists’ fund.
Read the Council Reports:
- Arts and Culture Grants (PDF)
- Public Art Boost (PDF)
Source: Cultural Services, City of Vancouver
