The province has announced a new round of funding from the Community Gaming Grants program that will go directly to support arts and culture and the participation of youth in extracurricular activities in Victoria.

The funding is part of $140 million the BC government gives out each year to not-for-profit organizations across the province. Some 650 community organizations will benefit from the grants. 

The Belfry Theatre, Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival Association, and the Veselka Ukrainian Dance Association, are among the 37 organizations in Greater Victoria that will share $1.5 million in funding.

“We strongly believe that everyone should have access to arts and culture in their communities," Lana Popham, the minister responsible for arts, culture and sport said.

Access to the arts plays a pivotal role in the overall health of communities. In a 2018 report, the Community Foundations of Canada and Canadian Arts Presenting Association collected evidence suggesting that arts programming fosters a sense of belonging and is a catalyst for cultural connection and understanding.  

“Thanks to this new funding, these volunteers and their organizations can continue to help people in our community thrive,” said Murray Rankin, the MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head.

More than $11M will be used to support the approximate 1,300 parent advisory councils (PACs) and district parent advisory councils (DPACs) throughout the province. Some of the money is to be used to support extracurricular events, activities, and the purchase and upgrade of equipment at Mount Douglas Secondary, Oak Bay Secondary School, Vic High, and Oaklands Elementary School.

‍It's good for the students' sense of belonging

Researchers have demonstrated that participation in extracurricular activities at school fosters a sense of belonging and allows young people opportunities to explore their interests in safe, supervised settings.

“Extracurricular activities are so important for students so they can connect with their friends and maintain their physical and mental health,”Jennifer Whiteside, the minister responsible for mental health and addictions, has said.

Arts programs and extracurricular activities don’t run on their own. Grace Lore, the minister of state for child care and the MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill made a point, at the time of the announcement, of acknowledging the people who make them happen.

“Community-led organizations are at the heart of so much of the work that’s done in Victoria,” she said. “By continuing to support them with grants at a provincial level, they can continue to do the work that changes our community and makes it a better place for all.”