The provincial government announced financial relief this week for local festivals and multicultural initiatives.
Starbelly Jam Society, Massif Music Festival Society, the Renanscence Arts and Sustainability Society and the Nelson and District Arts Council were each awarded $5,000 in grants.
The money is part of a $1.19-million program provided by the BC Arts Council to support artists during the pandemic.
“Artists of all kinds here in the Kootenays make our lives and communities richer,” said Nelson-Creston MLA Brittny Anderson in a statement.
“After a difficult year for most of them, I’m glad to see that many festivals will be returning to our area over the next few months, some with a different format, where we will all be able to enjoy them safely.”
Funding was also announced for several cultural programs.
Touchstones Museum received $5,000 for a project including Kootenay Pride, while Intercultural Kootenays will use $5,000 for its anti-racism support program.
The Climate Caucus Council was granted $5,000 for its municipal diversity and inclusion training program, while the Capitol Theatre will use $3,800 for its annual Indigenous Culture Celebration Week.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe and welcome in their communities, and I’m so glad to see these organizations stepping up to take on that work,” said Anderson.
The culture grants were part of a $944,000 investment in anti-racism initiatives as part of the province’s economic recovery program.
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