Desktop – Leaderboard

Home » Province providing support for fairs, festivals and events

Posted: February 16, 2023

Province providing support for fairs, festivals and events

The B.C. government today announced it is providing $30 million to support B.C.-based events in response to calls from the sector for more help.

Through the B.C. Fairs, Festivals and Events (BCFFE) fund, the government is providing $30 million in one-time grants to eligible events in response to challenges the sector is facing, such as loss of staffing and volunteers, supply-chain issues, and a cautious return of audiences.

Grant amounts will be as much as 20% of the total event budget, to a maximum of $250,000. Depending on the number of applications received, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport may provide grant amounts higher than 20% of the event budget. Single organizations holding multiple events will be capped at $500,000 per organization.

Eligible events include sporting events, arts and culture events, community celebrations, agricultural fairs and rodeos. Examples of eligible expenses include operational costs, health-and-safety measures, venue rental, marketing, wages and promotion.

“The past three years have been incredibly difficult for people in the tourism industry, including live events, and we know not every business has fully recovered,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Our government is proud to provide funding to support fairs, festivals, and events throughout B.C. as they re-establish themselves. We know that these types of gatherings fill British Columbians’ hearts with joy. We also know that in many cases they support a greater economy right across the province.”

“The core of our work is to listen and respond to the priorities of people in B.C.,” said Bob D’Eith, Parliamentary Secretary for Arts and Film. “We know events are integral to the spirit of our communities and economy. Today’s announcement shows we are delivering for the sector by providing more support for the continued recovery and success of fairs, festivals and events across the province.”

This investment builds on the success of the BCFFE program launched in 2021, which provided one-time grants to support the safe return of events earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This timely investment will ensure events and festivals can continue, bringing tourism and economic benefits to the province,” said Walt Judas, CEO, Tourism Industry Association of BC. “Local events in communities large and small bring increased exposure to communities and provide employment opportunities for residents, while contributing to the vibrancy of the community. This is an exciting announcement for the industry.”

Applications will be accepted until March 3. Events between April 1, 2023, and Dec. 31, 2024, are eligible for funding. Organizations are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.

See the B.C. Fairs, Festivals, and Events Fund criteria and application.

Lead image: An example of a a community event/celebration – the formerly named Sam Steele Days in Cranbrook (now Spirit of the Rockies Festival.) e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW


Article Share
Author: