A Port Moody theatre society that aims to educate kids about the environment is the only Tri-City group to get a cultural grant in Metro Vancouver’s latest round of handouts.
The regional authority awarded $8,000 to DreamRider Productions, one of 29 arts and culture organizations to split $140,000 in Regional Culture Project Grants this year.
Founded as a city of Vancouver project in 1997 to teach elementary school students about water conservation, DreamRider presents live theatre shows and challenges children and youth to become green superheroes at home, through its Planet Protector Academy.
It also works with municipal governments, foundations and companies, with Vanessa LeBourdais at the helm as executive producer, co-founder and creative director.
Because of the pandemic and its impact on the arts community this year, Metro Vancouver changed its cultural grant program to allow for more flexibility with projects and timeframes.
“The arts community continues to face extraordinary challenges due to the public health measures enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are pleased to help support artists and organizations as they adapt and find new ways to reach their audiences,” said Sav Dhaliwal, chair of the Metro Vancouver board of directors, in a news release.
