City approves nearly $4M in grants for culture and community sports
Today, Vancouver City Council approved more than $3.8 million in grant funding for cultural organizations, along with a further $78,000 in grants to community sporting groups.
The City’s social, cultural and sports granting programs reflect the City’s commitment to fostering a dynamic, healthy and connected community and are guided by Vibrant Vancouver: City Council’s Strategic Priorities, 2023‐2026, Culture Shift: Vancouver’s 2020-2029 Culture Plan, and the Healthy City Strategy.
"Arts, culture and sport are at the heart of every community here in Vancouver," said Mayor Ken Sim. "Through strategic investments in these areas, we ensure Vancouver remains a vibrant and dynamic city, enriching the lives and well-being of residents while supporting local businesses and creating meaningful jobs."
“Without the support of the City of Vancouver’s operating grant, Firehall would not be able to produce high-quality theatre for our community, including the many school groups who benefit from our performances,” said Donna Spencer, Artistic Producer of the Firehall Arts Centre. “This vital support enables us to showcase theatre and dance that reflects the city’s rich diversity, while also providing a space for other arts organizations in our cherished 118-year-old heritage venue.”
Cultural Grants
Cultural grants approved today provide $3.8 million in core funding to 43 professional, non-profit arts and cultural organizations in Vancouver to develop and share artistic work. The operational grants approved were the result of a rigorous staff and peer-driven assessment process.
Grant recipients include:
- 221A Artist Run Centre Society — Supports artists and designers to develop social, cultural and ecological infrastructure through research and data projects, residencies, public programs, and artist studios.
- Carousel Theatre Society — Vancouver's mainstage theatre for young audiences. Empowers young people and families with playful, inclusive, and accessible theatre experiences that develop emotional literacy.
- The Firehall Theatre Society — Cultural hub in the Downtown Eastside renowned for its bold, thought-provoking productions that champion diverse voices and Canadian storytelling.
- New Performance Works Society — Fosters innovation in contemporary dance and interdisciplinary performance, supporting artists in experimentation, collaboration, and artistic growth.
- Vancouver Maritime Museum — A vital cultural institution preserving Canada’s maritime heritage and history while actively working to amplify Indigenous voices and stories.
This round of arts and culture grant funding follows $2.6M in City funding that was approved for cultural organizations in January. In total, the City awards more than $17 million annually to non-profit arts and culture organizations and artists through a variety of grant programs. Full details can be found at vancouver.ca/people-programs/arts-and-culture-grants.aspx
Community Sports Grants
As part of the Vancouver Community Sport Hosting Program, 17 Vancouver Community Sport Event Grants totalling $78,600 were approved today to provide financial support for sporting events that have the potential to bring economic, social, health and community development benefits to Vancouver.
Community Sport Event Grant recipients include:
- Volleyball Canada for the 2025 U14-U16 Youth Beach Nationals
- Vancouver Female Ice Hockey Association for the Indigenous Female Jamboree
- Tennis BC for the 2025 BC Masters Provincials
- Southlands Riding Club for their Season Welcomer horseback riding event.
- Vancouver Pacific Swim Club for the 60th annual Mel Zajac Jr. International Swim Meet
The total 2025 Vancouver Community Sport Hosting Grant budget is $244,995. The second round of grants will be awarded in fall 2025.
The Council Reports detailing these grant awards can be found here: