Applications are now being accepted for several project assistance programs offered by the BC Arts Council.

Visual artists/crafts individual arts awards to assist professional visual artists, contemporary and traditional craft artists and independent critics and curators with the creation of specific projects by providing funds towards subsistence, materials and other related project costs. Applications will be considered according to artistic achievement and feasibility. Application deadline is Nov. 15, 2015.

Professional development project assistance helps professional artists and arts administrators take advantage of opportunities requiring travel or to undertake specific learning activities to advance their practice or career. Next application deadline is Dec. 1, 2015.

Touring initiatives supports B.C. artists and arts organizations undertaking touring activities outside the province that will lead to enhanced professional opportunities. Funding is provided for projects that are part of significant national or international cultural events or that take advantage of significant market development and audience development and touring opportunities. Priority will be given to professionally organized tours for which artists are receiving fees. Next application deadline is Dec. 1, 2015.

Guidelines and program details, including eligibility, can be found at https://www.bcartscouncil.ca/deadlines_date.html.

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 2015-16, government is investing $60 million in British Columbia's artists, arts organizations and cultural institutions, including $24 million to the BC Arts Council.