Vancouver city council has approved more than $5.5 million in funding for 86 cultural organizations, supporting festivals, events and programming across the city.
The latest round of grants brings the city’s total cultural funding for 2026 to more than $11.1 million, following an earlier allocation of $5.6 million this year.
Mayor Ken Sim said the funding helps provide stability for organizations that contribute to the city’s cultural life.
“Vancouver’s cultural organizations play a vital role in bringing people together and showcasing the best of what our city has to offer,” Sim said in a statement. “These grants offer stability to organizations, allowing them to continue delivering the festivals, programs and services that make Vancouver an incredible place to live and visit.”
The operating grants will support a wide range of groups, including Gallery Gachet, Out On Screen, Raven Spirit Dance, Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre, the Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration, the Vancouver Folk Music Festival and the Vancouver Fringe Festival.
City officials say the funding supports ongoing operations, infrastructure and programming that benefit artists and communities throughout Vancouver.
Grant recommendations are determined through a peer assessment process, with more than half of committee members drawn from historically underrepresented communities as part of efforts to advance equity.
The city reports annually on the distribution and impact of its cultural funding through its Arts, Culture and Community Services grant impact report.