Funding Announced for Whistler Cultural Connections Project

The federal government is providing nearly half a million dollars in funding to the Whistler Arts Council for a project to link diverse cultural attractions along the Cultural Connections pathways in Whistler Village and throughout the Whistler Valley.

The Arts Council will receive $489,500 in funding over two years for the Cultural Connections initiative, a collaborative project with five other community partners: the Audain Art Museum, Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, Whistler Chamber of Commerce, Resort Municipality of Whistler, and Tourism Whistler.

The announcement was made on March 1, 2016 by Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, MP for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage. 

“This is wonderful news for the Whistler Arts Council, and for the entire Whistler community," said Maureen Douglas, interim executive director of the Whistler Arts Council. "The Government of Canada’s financial support will enable us to work with our community partners in strengthening the cultural sector, diversifying our local economy and growing cultural tourism. It recognizes our past successes and sets the stage for building a stronger, more resilient arts and heritage sector in our community.”

The Government of Canada is providing this funding through the Strategic Initiatives component of the Canada Cultural Investment Fund. This component provides funding for projects supported by multiple partners and benefiting many organizations.