Image: Flag of Abbotsford / Liskonogaleksey / Dreamstime
OPINION

YOUR PERSPECTIVE: Bringing people together with arts and culture

Feb 15, 2024 | 8:00 AM

The Family Day long weekend is a great opportunity to spend time with loved ones and enjoy some of what makes our province and our communities so great. Whether you are planning on getting out for a hike, heading to the mountains for some skiing, or taking part in a community event, there is lots for every family to do. Our government is sponsoring free events across the province, in partnership with the BC Recreation and Parks Association, and the BC Museums Association.

In Abbotsford, you can enjoy free swimming all day at the Matsqui Recreation Centre and creative activities at the Reach Gallery Museum. In Chilliwack, there is a free family skate at Sardis Sports Complex, and in Langley you can check out the Canadian Museum of Flight for free, with crafts and hot chocolate. In Mission, families can enjoy free drop-in sports and take part in a creative genealogy project at the Mission Leisure Centre. You can find more free, fun activities by clicking here.

When we get to know and spend time with our neighbours at events like these, our communities become stronger, making us more resilient to future challenges. While the summer may feel far away, I am already looking forward to the fairs and festivals that will bring people together in an even bigger way this summer.

Many of the events we love continue to face financial challenges as they recover from the impact of the pandemic, and some are facing the effects of last summer’s wildfires. But we believe the show must go on! That’s why we announced $15 million in grants for fairs, festivals and events across B.C. this year.

This funding will support sporting events, music and film festivals, community celebrations, agricultural fairs and many more signature events, helping to make sure they can continue to be there for all of us, while creating jobs, generating regional economic impact, and strengthening our tourism economy. Organizers can apply for this funding until February 25 by clicking here.

As B.C.’s Parliamentary Secretary for Arts and Film, I have the privilege of getting to visit events around the province and meet many of the hard-working people in our arts and creative industries. Music is one of my own passions, and I am incredibly proud of the musical talent that we have here in B.C. – but we need to nurture this talent in order to see it grow.

Last week we were able to provide more than $3.3 million in funding to 220 musicians and music companies through Amplify BC, to develop their careers and businesses. The grants will help artists to create and record new music and pursue their goals, and generate more activity for music businesses, creating more opportunities for good jobs here in B.C.

Our arts, culture and events sector play such an important role in bringing us together, enriching our lives and communities, and provide a huge boost to our local businesses and hospitality sector. I want to wish everyone a great Family Day, and I hope you have the chance to enjoy a local event somewhere close to home.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of Fraser Valley Today or Pattison Media.