$700,000 available for Basin art, cultural and heritage projects

The Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance (CKCA) received a total of $706,000 in funding support for the 2012 – 2013 season and in partnership with Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) has funded over 160 arts, culture and heritage projects including the Columbia Basin Culture Tour.

“The CKCA Steering Committee was pleased to be able to supply CBT funding to good projects all across the Basin,” CKCA Chairwoman Jacquie Hamilton said in a statement. “We hope cultural organizations will start thinking about activities that will be happening between June 2013 and May 2014 and planning their applications now for the next funding cycle.”

CKCA administers and manages arts, culture and heritage program funding on behalf of CBT. Funding applications were adjudicated in May by the CKCA Steering Committee, with input from community arts councils. Support will go toward a wide range of projects, including individual and group projects, master classes, major exhibitions and heritage capital projects.

“Investing in arts, culture and heritage not only helps sustain the artists and organizations who create the works and preserve our heritage, but allows all Basin residents to benefit from and enjoy their efforts,” said Gary Ockenden, the CBT’s director for  Community Engagement. “We’re pleased we’re able to fund so many worthy projects this year.”

CKCA funding helps individuals and organizations realize heritage projects and projects in all arts disciplines, including visual art, theatre, music, dance, media, literature and inter-arts. For a list of funded projects, visit the CKCA website at www.basinculture.com or call 1-877-505-7355.

CBT delivers social, economic and environmental benefits to residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about CBT programs and initiatives, visit www.cbt.org or call 1-800-505-8998.