Our Founders & Supporters

The British Columbia Arts Council supports arts and cultural activity in communities across British Columbia. From professional dance companies, to art galleries, local museums and music festivals – the Council works to enrich the lives of British Columbians in virtually every community in the province. The Council supports a range of activities that includes funding for professional artists and arts organizations, community initiatives, training and scholarships.

Each year the City of Cranbrook accepts applications from organizations looking for financial support. Financial support can come in the form of a Grant to Non-Profit Organizations, or through a Permissive Property Tax Exemption. All grants and exemptions are subject to an application and review process, are awarded at the discretion of Council, and are dependent on budgetary considerations.

Community Gaming Grants support the delivery of community organization programs that benefit the citizens of British Columbia.

Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Programs – CBT’s oldest programs – support projects identified as priorities within individual communities. The programs are designed to help address the needs of Basin communities. They are flexible and incorporate community-based funding decisions to better meet local priorities. The Regional District of East Kootenay delivers these programs in the East Kootenay region.
The Community Initiatives Program funds projects that are identified as priorities within the communities and rural areas of the Regional District of East Kootenay. The funding is allocated on a per capita basis between the Cities of Cranbrook, Fernie and Kimberley, Districts of Sparwood, Elkford and Invermere, Villages of Canal Flats and Radium Hot Springs, and Electoral Areas A, B, C, E, F, and G.

The Canada Council for the Arts is Canada’s national public arts funder. They champion and invest in artistic excellence so that Canadians may enjoy and participate in a rich cultural life. In 2014-15, they allocated $155.1 million towards artistic creation and innovation through our grants, prizes and payments. They also conduct research, convene activities and work with partners to advance the sector and help embed the arts more deeply in communities across the country.

The Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance (CKCA)administers and manages the arts, culture and heritage granting programs on behalf of the Columbia Basin Trust.