New Brunswick updates arts funding model

The New Brunswick government has announced a new approach to arts funding.

Administration of the government’s remodeled Operational Support Program is being transferred to the New Brunswick Arts Board, also known as artsnb, an arm’s-length arts funding agency.

“Transferring administration of this updated program to artsnb leverages the organization’s expertise in jury-based assessment and aligns the delivery of funding for creative purposes for both organizations and individual artists under one roof,” Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Isabelle Thériault said in a statement.

It’s one of several steps the government is taking to modernize its overall approach to supporting the arts.

“This transition builds on artsnb’s long-standing role as a key partner in delivering public support for the arts,” said artsnb chair Jason Guerrette.

With the change, artsnb will be responsible for administering operational funding for eligible arts organizations. It’s expected applicants will benefit from a single, clearly defined access point for creation, development and operational support.

Project-based and sector-development funding will continue to be administered by the Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture.