Prince George, B.C. – The BC Arts Council has awarded Two Rivers Gallery a $24,500 grant.

Director of public programs Carolyn Holmes is ecstatic with the news.

“We’re so excited about the program and the support from BC Arts Council, it means a lot to us.

She says the money will go to support MakerLab Youth Immersion, an expansion of their MakerLab 2RG program.

“It’s targeting 15-20 year olds and it’s going to be a small group, people will have to apply to be a part of the program and it’s going to run from October, 2015, to May/June, 2016.

“It means 12 young people will be immersed in our MakerLab space and learn how to use the tools,” says Holmes. “They will be working with artists and crafts people, mentors, who will teach them to do things from First Nations design, metalsmithing, to 3D painting and laser engraving.”

She expects it will have a big impact on those who participate.

“It could be life changing for them, just to be exposed to these people and the generations that will learn together.”

The funding comes from a record-high $24 million that the BC Arts Council has received from the Government of British Columbia to support artists, arts activities and culture in 2014-15.