The Province is investing $209 million to support arts and culture across British Columbia, Premier Gordon Campbell announced today.

"Art is essential in communicating and preserving the history, heritage and culture that define us as a province," said Campbell. "The cultural infrastructure this investment creates will provide opportunities for British Columbians to get involved with and experience arts and culture in their community and across the province. We are recognized across the country and we want to be sure British Columbians share in the artistic treasury that is right here at home."

The $209 million in provincial funding will support three initiatives: $150 million to create the BC150 Cultural Fund; $50 million for an expansion of the Vancouver Art Gallery; and $9 million to restore and revitalize the Vancouver East Cultural Centre.

The $150-million BC150 Cultural Fund will provide long-term, stable funding for a wide range of arts and cultural activities in communities across the province. The initial $150 million will be invested, with interest earned on the principal to fund arts and cultural activities in the years ahead.

"The BC Arts Council is absolutely delighted with these announcements," said BC Arts Council chair Donald Shumka. "Establishment of the BC150 Cultural Fund clearly demonstrates the government's confidence in the contribution of the arts and cultural community throughout British Columbia to achieving the strategic priorities of the Province."

"A strong arts and cultural infrastructure is an important part of our economic and social future. The increase of support and improvement of infrastructure will reinforce our international reputation. It enhances opportunities for residents and visitors alike," said Tourism, Sport and the Arts Minister Stan Hagen. "This expansion of the Vancouver Art Gallery will allow for major, impressive national and international exhibits, and attract more tourists, thus helping us in our goal to double tourism revenues by 2015."

Funding for the Vancouver Art Gallery will contribute to establishing a new facility. This is in addition to $603,000 in operating funds provided by government through the BC Arts Council in 2007.

The gallery is currently located in the old court house in Robson Square, well-known to British Columbians for its heritage and visual appeal. However, annual attendance has more than doubled since 1997, putting pressure on the existing space, as does the need to house a growing collection of artworks. A new, larger facility will allow the gallery to display and store its increasing collections and meet modern seismic and environmental standards.

"We are extremely grateful to the Province of British Columbia for providing the lead funding to build a new Vancouver Art Gallery," said gallery director Kathleen Bartels. "This visionary support represents a valuable investment in British Columbia's rich visual culture. A new Vancouver Art Gallery will reach out to an even broader community, affecting more lives and connecting future generations to the visual arts, while providing an enduring legacy for the citizens of this province."

"A bold, dynamic new Vancouver Art Gallery will deliver superior artistic and cultural experiences to British Columbians and to visitors from around the world," said George Killy, chair of the Vancouver Art Gallery's board of trustees. "This dynamic new gallery will further solidify Vancouver's position as the Pacific gateway to North America."

The Vancouver East Cultural Centre, known locally as "the Cultch," will put $9 million in provincial funding towards restoration and revitalization, and to establish an endowment to help with ongoing operating costs. This funding is in addition to $90,000 provided by the Province in 2007 through the BC Arts Council. Revitalization projects underway include building a new three-storey addition to the current facility and restoring the 99-year-old historic building.

"We're absolutely thrilled that the Province is recognizing the important position that the Cultch occupies both locally and nationally," said Heather Redfern, executive director of the Vancouver East Cultural Centre. "The Cultch really is one of a kind, and this investment will ensure that it continues to thrive as a national treasure for years to come."

Office of the Premier
Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts