The arts are a vital part of the cultural fabric of Greater Victoria. However, a new report shows the importance of the arts in the Capital Regional District stretches far beyond its appeal to the senses.
The 2024 Arts & Culture Impact Report was presented to the CRD board at its June 11 meeting, showing a record high $2.73 million was invested in the region’s arts through arts service grants. The local not-for-profit arts groups that received the 101 grants in 2024 employed over 5,580 people, activated over 9,500 arts events, and entertained over 1,150,000 people.
“Our grant recipients are a powerful, cohesive force in our communities, fostering a sense of belonging, place, and meaning,” says arts commission chair Marianne Alto. “Several stand-out examples are featured in the Impact Report, including Vancouver Island Caribbean Hub, Three on a Tree Productions Society on Pender Island, and the Newcombe Singers of Oak Bay, all of whom produced events that drew community together to celebrate through creativity and connection.”
The report from the CRD Arts & Culture Support Service also emphasised the significant role the arts play in fostering a sense of community and connection in the region, and provided updates on the progress of the Arts & Culture Support Service’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan.
“The Downtown neighbourhood [has] benefited from an increased sense of belonging and a strengthening of community that comes from social connection,” according to a statement from the Victoria Downtown Residents Association highlighted in the report.
The CRD Arts & Culture Support Service is supported by Saanich, Victoria, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, View Royal, Highlands, Metchosin, Sooke and the Southern Gulf Islands. Learn more at www.crd.ca/arts.
