Six Richmond organizations were granted funding totaling $82,200.
The BC Arts Council (BCAC) approved the grants to support arts and culture in the community.
For the Gateway Theatre, the $18,000 grant is the difference between being able to attract new Canadian works and having to pick up co-productions or less costly theatre productions.
"This operating funding allows us to take risks," said Gateway Theatre's general manager Suzanne Haines. "It primarily allows us to diversify our theatre line-up and offer new shows."
Haines went on to say that its January 2013 production of Sisters (by Simon Johnston) is a perfect example of what the grant means.
"This is a brand new show, which will premiere on our MainStage," said Haines.
"Without the grant, it makes it difficult for us to take a risk such as this show."
- For the full list of Richmond beneficiaries, go to www.richmondnews.com.
