The B.C. government is investing $1.5 million in two new arts programs to help cultural organizations continue to provide quality arts experiences in communities throughout British Columbia,  Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett said.

Funding for BC Creative Spaces and BC Creative Communities comes from  the 2010 Sport and Arts Legacy, created by the B.C. government to  carry on the spirit of community celebration that played such a major  role in the cultural success of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and  Paralympic Winter Games.

Eligible applicants include B.C. non-profit arts and/or cultural  organizations, First Nations band councils or friendship centres. The  application deadline is Feb. 15, 2013.

The British Columbia Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, with help from other  public agencies, will assess applications and recommend funding.

For more information, visit:  http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/arts_culture/index.htm or email: BCCreativeSpaces@gov.bc.ca and BCCreativeCommunities@gov.bc.ca