Arts and culture organizations and developing artists can now apply for funding assistance through the BC Art Council’s Early Career Development Program.

The program supports early career artists wanting to develop their practice while building their portfolio, professional exposure and/or career experience through co-op placement, internship, residency or mentorship. The provincially funded program supports the development of knowledge, learning and capacity within the sector to create opportunities for the next generation of artists and practitioners.

Funding is available through four program components:

• Co-op placements provide support to arts and cultural organizations from across British Columbia in hiring co-op students for professional work experiences.
• Internships provide opportunities for BC arts and cultural organizations to host emerging artists in paid internships of up to one year.
• Residencies provide individual artists and practitioners with an opportunity to pursue residencies with arts and culture organizations across the province, nationally and internationally.
• Mentorships provide individuals with the opportunity to develop sustained one-on-one learning and development relationships with established practitioners working in their fields and disciplines, provincially, nationally and internationally.

The application deadline is June 16. Program details and guidelines can be found at www.bcartscouncil.ca.

The BC Arts Council is the Government of British Columbia’s lead agency for arts funding and development. All BC Arts Council grants are awarded through a peer-assessment process that relies on the knowledge and expertise of the province’s talented arts and culture community.

In 2014-15, government is investing $60 million overall in British Columbia’s artists, arts organizations and cultural institutions. This includes $24 million to the BC Arts Council - the highest level of funding in the council’s history.

Media Contacts:

Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677