by Regional Council voted in principle to set up a municipal artist grant program at a special meeting this morning.
The idea was put together by a consortium of local artists and sent to Mayor and Council in March.
Nelson MacDonald with Grassfire Films says small municipal art grants will help local artists get bigger provincial and national grants.
MacDonald asked Council to set aside $50,000 a year to provide grants of between $500 and $2,500 to 50 artists.
Council also voted to ask staff to prepare an issue paper on the idea.