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Calgary Herald

Alberta government announces $4.5 million boost to arts funding

Article content The Alberta government announced today it is increasing its annual investment in the arts sector to more than $36 million, including a $4.5 million increase to funding for the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA). Article content Joined by leaders in the arts community, Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women, made the announcement Thursday morning at Calgary's Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Article content Article content Article content Fir said the increase is part of a multi-year commitment that will grow AFA funding to a record-breaking amount of over $43 million annually by 2027. Article content Article content 'The AFA plays a vital role in sustaining our province's cultural vibrancy,' said Fir. 'They provide artists access to resources that help them pursue meaningful work, grow their careers and bring their visions to life.' Article content Fir said the funding increase reflects the cultural and economic importance of Alberta's arts sector, which contributes over a $1.3 billion annually to the provincial economy and supports tens and thousands of jobs. The AFA distributes grants to organizations and individual artists across the province. So far this year, the agency has awarded $19.1 million to more than 400 organizations and nearly 200 individuals. Article content AFA board chair Cynthia Moore said the 10 per cent increase in grant funding will help sustain a variety of community arts initiatives including festivals and galleries. Article content Article content 'If you belong to a pottery arts guild, a singing choir or a social dance club, the AFA's 10 per cent increase in grant funding may apply to your organization too,' said Moore. Article content Alberta Ballet CEO Chris George said the AFA is the organization's largest source of operational funding and is essential to delivering professional performances and outreach initiatives. Article content Alberta Ballet plans to deliver over 60 shows next season, according to George, along with free ticket programs and beginner dance lessons for youth in nine Alberta communities including Medicine Hat, Grand Prairie and Fort McMurray. Article content He said the AFA's Alberta Valley school, a full-time academic and artistic training program for students from grades 7-12, also benefits directly from the funding. Article content Natasha Orysiuk, artistic director of Ukranian Shumka Dancers, said the funding will help them to support new choreography, community engagement and an upcoming tour of Canada's Ukranian Nutcracker. Article content 'It's an investment in creativity, cultural heritage, and in the people who bring stories to life through dance,' she said.