ArtsNL has announced its plans for the $1-million increase to their annual budget they received from the provincial government.

The Provincial Project Grants Program will see an increase of] $490,000, making a total of 1.04 million available.

The Professional Artists’ Travel Fund will double funds from $30,000 to $60,000, the Sustaining Program for Professional Arts Organizations gets an extra $380,000 while the Annual Operating Grant will have an additional $100,000.

The chair of ArtsNL, Stan Hill, says this was always the plan, as there were quality projects that they didn’t have the money to support. He says they felt the best way was to give the one-million right back to the artists.

Hill says the extra funding finally gives the industry hope.

He says it also helps solidify the recognition of the contribution of the arts community to the culture and heritage of the province.