This year the City will be supporting 46 festivals and celebrations with $390,470 in Festival Investment Grant (FIG) funding to enhance Victoria’s vibrancy, while celebrating our cultural diversity.
New in 2023, the City is supporting a Canada Day funding stream to support community-led programming on July 1. As part of this pilot project, Penmar Community Arts Society has been awarded funding to produce a large-scale Inner Harbour celebration including live entertainment and family-friendly activities.
Funding for five community celebrations, seven new or emerging festivals, 30 established festivals, three signature festivals and one community-led Canada Day celebration has been awarded to local non-profit organizations.
Many of the festivals receiving funding are celebrations of the diverse cultures and communities that make up Victoria. Highlights include Victoria Pride Week, Outstages Festival, African and Caribbean Cultural Week, Khalsa Day Parade, Folktoria Multicultural Festival, Festival Mexicano, One Wave Gathering, Rendez-vous Victoria and the Victoria Highland Games.
Victoria residents and visitors will also have a wide range of artistic disciplines to choose from, whether it’s a day at the Art Gallery Paint-In, enjoying the Symphony in the Summer Festival, or taking in a performance during SKAMpede.
The Festival Investment Grant program, now in its 24th year, has seen more than $4 million in grants nurture the development and sustainability of high-quality annual festivals and celebrations. The pursuit of arts, culture and tourism opportunities is a key goal of the City’s Create Victoria Arts and Culture Master Plan.
Watch for the online City Vibe guide coming in May for a complete list of upcoming family-friendly events and festivals around the city.