Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Arts Council and Westminster Savings have partnered to expand accessibility to arts programming.
Westminster Savings donated $20,000 to the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Arts Council.
The money will provide valuable support for those who might not otherwise be able to access arts programs and live performances in their community.
The funding is part of the Westminster Savings Project Better Balance initiative that supports programs and events which encourage physical activity or participation in the arts and remove barriers to participation.
Funding from Project Better Balance will allow more than 735 students from local elementary and secondary schools and community organizations, through the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Arts Council’s Arts Angels program, to experience high quality arts performances at the Arts Centre and Theatre.
As well, funding will go toward subsidized access to the arts for local families, providing increased opportunities to engage in arts programming, such as dance, theatre, music and pottery.
“We are extremely grateful to Westminster Savings for supporting the arts council’s work in the community,” said Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Arts Council executive director Lindy Sisson.
“This important contribution widens accessibility to arts programs and live performance. As we witness children learning new skills and discovering new abilities and audiences coming alive as they are amazed by a new artist, or one that they would not otherwise have the opportunity to experience, it reminds us why we do what we do – it makes our work so fulfilling.
“Westminster Savings is committed to increasing access to the arts in our communities, and we are exceptionally pleased to forward our support for Arts Angels, subsidized arts programming and live performance at the ACT,” says Barry Forbes, president and CEO.
“The arts bring diversity and balance to our communities and this support will help local children and families experience the many long term benefits of participating in arts programming such as self-confidence, goal setting and enhanced creativity.”
The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Arts Council, with more than 40 years of community service, works to build strong arts and culture in the region and provide excellence in artistic presentations and programs, community engagement, and customer and membership services.
The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Arts Council operates the ACT, which is home to two theatres, including a 500-seat proscenium style theatre, year-round arts programs, a computer lab, clay studio and the Maple Ridge Art Gallery and Gallery Shop.
The ACT is the premier location for arts and culture in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.
The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Arts Council is a not-for-profit, volunteer supported society, dedicated to bringing arts to the heart of the community.”
• For more information, visit www.theactmapleridge.org.
