Arts groups in Abbotsford are receiving almost $460,000 in funding from the provincial government to support economic recovery.
The funding is part of $34.5 million announced Friday (April 28) through the BC Arts Council for 337 arts organizations across the province.
The funding was provided in response to the arts and culture sector’s call for support while it continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The sector is experiencing loss of audiences, increased costs, staffing shortages and reduced revenues from sponsorships, memberships, admissions and space rentals.
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Groups receiving funding in Abbotsford are:
• the Abbotsford Arts Council – two grants of $21,709 and $5,000
• The Reach Gallery Museum – two grants of $119,351 and $40,000
• the Heritage Abbotsford Society – $250,000
• the Valley Echoes Chorus Society – $22,688
Abbotsford-Mission NDP MLA Pam Alexis said the importance of the arts in communities “cannot be overstated.”
“These organizations receiving funding are so important for the people in Abbotsford, like The Reach Gallery, and I’m grateful we can give them a boost,” she said.
vikki.hopes@abbynews.com
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