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By Liam Verster

Celebrating Diversity

Vernon Art Gallery among agencies to receive funding for anti-racism programs

Apr 3, 2024 | 1:32 PM

Organizations throughout B.C. undertaking anti-racism work, including the local art gallery, are benefiting from a provincial investment.

The province said $310,000 is being provided through the B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Grants to support community-led initiatives such as anti-racism education and awareness, cross-cultural engagement, and promoting social change.

“Racism is not something that any one person or group can fight alone,” Niki Sharma, Attorney General, said.

“We need to all stand together as a community to stand against racial discrimination. I look forward to seeing the outcomes of the work being done by these inspiring people.”

The investment is supporting 62 projects across B.C., including initiatives in Vernon, West Kelowna and Kamloops.

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• Vernon Public Art Gallery’s Guest Protocols for a New World
  • An event for individuals with refugee and immigrant backgrounds to delve into the concepts of “home” and belonging through the perspective of Indigenous Peoples, in an effort to explore and understand settler-colonization within the context of Canada.
• Westbank Museum and Arts and Crafts Society’s Westside Muticulturalism Day
  • Providing residents and visitors with an opportunity to celebrate their rich culture and diversity and take part in cultural exchanges through song, dance, music, food, activities, workshops, and more.
• Kamloops-Cariboo Regional Immigration Society’s EmpowerHER Retreat: International Women‒s Day
  • An event aimed at promoting inclusivity and empowerment for immigrant women by addressing their challenges, adapting to the culture, and breaking down carriers to integration.

Specific funding allotments for these projects was not disclosed.

To qualify for the grants, the projects will need to start on March 1, 2024, and end by March 31, 2025, though special consideration will be given to proposals from racialized and marginalized communities.

“Indigenous and racialized people continue to experience discrimination in every part of society, and because of this they are often being left behind,” Mable Elmore, Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives, said.

“These grassroots organizations are the heroes working every day to end racism in our communities.”