Parksville’s Bard to Broadway Theatre Society has received $15,500 and they will “spend it wisely,” said a co-founder of the group.
The money comes in the form of a Community Gaming Grant handed out by the B.C. government, money that was pulled a couple years ago, leaving the theatre society dry for the past couple of years. Gary Brown said it is a huge benefit and he’s delighted they were able to access it again.
“There’s so much gaming money out there from lottery, it’s nice to see the arts getting some again.”
Although the group applied for the money, there weren’t any expectations they would get it, Brown said.
The money will help with startup costs for their summer season next year, Brown said, like building sets and paying for scripts.
Three other local organizations are also benefitting from the gaming grants, with $8,750 for the Oceanside Youth Football Association, $8,000 for the Qualicum and District Curling Club and $2,000 for the Vancouver Island Opera.