City approves cultural and theatre grants for 176 organizations

Cultural organizations, including the Vancouver International Children's Festival and the Vancouver East Cultural Centre, today received more than $7 million in cultural grants and $2.5 in theatre rental grants from the City of Vancouver.

Council approved $2,984,600 in operating grants for 94 organizations and five major exhibiting organizations; $2,583,300 in theatre rental grants for 21 organizations; and $502,100 in project grants for 56 organizations. Theatre rental grants will provide assistance for resident companies including the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company and Ballet B.C.

Grants provide assistance to develop, create, and produce cultural programs that enhance the quality of life for Vancouver residents and visitors. The funds support music, dance, visual and media arts, film screenings, theatre, festivals, multi-media exhibits and more. Many of the organizations receiving grants will participate in Vancouver's 125th anniversary celebrations, showcasing the city's vibrant and diverse arts and culture.

Major institutions receiving grant support for permanent and temporary exhibitions include the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, the Museum of Vancouver, Science World, the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Vancouver Maritime Museum.

Artists and performers will benefit from mentorships and residencies hosted by the arts and cultural organizations receiving the grants.  Grant requests are evaluated on artistic merit, organizational competence, community impact, and alignment with and support for the City's cultural vision and strategic cultural values.

This year's grant funding is higher than last year's total.

More information is available in the reports at:

Cultural grants report
<http://vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/cclerk/20110317/documents/csbu2-2011Cultur
alGrantsAllocationsOperatingMajorExhibitingInstitutionsandProject.pdf>

and the theatre rental grant report
<http://vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/cclerk/20110317/documents/csbu1-2011Theatr
eRentalGrantAllocations-Report.pdf> .