On the same day as one of the city's biggest artistic nights and fundraisers, Vernon-Lumby MLA Harwinder Sandhuk said Vernon is becoming a "more vibrant and connected community" with provincial funding allocated for local artists, arts organizations, and events.
Four organizations are receiving more than $100,000 for the 2024/2025 intake through the B.C. Arts Council, including the Vernon Public Art Gallery, which hosted its 39th annual Midsummer's Eve of the Arts Wednesday, July 16, at the Coldstream Community Hall and Cenotaph Park.
鈥淲e are incredibly fortunate to have such gifted and passionate artists across the Okanagan region 鈥� they are the soul of our communities,鈥� said Sandhu. 鈥淲hether it鈥檚 music, theatre, dance, or the visual arts, our local creators inspire, connect, and enrich our lives in so many ways.
"As the local MLA, I am deeply committed to supporting and uplifting the cultural vibrancy of our region. This funding is an investment in our shared identity, ensuring that the beauty and diversity of artistic expression continues to thrive right here in British Columbia 鈥� for today鈥檚 audiences and for generations to come.鈥�
Across B.C., more than $37 million in grant funding was distributed to 1,303 arts organizations, events, and individual artists through the B.C. Arts Council (BCAC).
Receiving funds in the North Okanagan were:
鈥� Museum and Archives of Vernon, $27,900;
鈥� Arts Council of the North Okanagan, $26,300;
鈥� Vernon Public Art Gallery, $26,000;
鈥� Okanagan Screen Society, $20,000.
The BCAC is an agency of the provincial government that nurtures and supports arts and cultural activity in communities throughout B.C.
