In under a year, the Arts & Community Infrastructure (ACI) Foundation has unlocked three levels of government funding — all in support of one goal: building a new model for community-owned, permanently affordable arts and cultural spaces.
Our latest milestone? A $25,000 grant from the BC Arts Council.
This isn’t just funding — it’s momentum.
This support powers the next phase of our feasibility study exploring a non-profit landlord model that would steward land and space for long-term public benefit. A model designed not just to respond to today’s space crisis, but to change the system that created it.
With this investment, we’re advancing critical Phase 1 work:
- Grounding the project in real data on regional arts and community space needs
- Deepening engagement with artists, organizations, and community leaders
- Expanding outreach of our Arts & Community Spaces – Needs Assessment Survey
- Building a cross-sector steering committee to guide what comes next
Each step brings the model into sharper focus — and closer to reality.
Why this matters: access to stable, affordable space isn’t just a challenge — it’s one of the biggest barriers to a thriving arts and culture sector. And across Greater Victoria, we’re hearing the same thing loud and clear: the status quo isn’t working.
But something else is also clear — people are ready for a different approach.
This milestone marks an integral step forward. With municipal, provincial, and foundational support now secured, we’re on track to complete this feasibility phase and position ourselves to unlock federal funding as we approach our second anniversary later this year.
Three levels down. One bigger vision ahead.
We’re deeply grateful to the BC Arts Council for backing this work — and for investing in new ways of thinking about land, space, and community.
More to come soon.