Arts and culture groups throughout B.C. can now apply for the Arts Impact Grant, for which the Province provided $3.5 million through the BC Arts Council.

“We heard from people in the arts community that more flexibility and greater reach was needed in supporting arts organizations, and these grants answer that call,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Artists and cultural workers hold a mirror up to our culture and push for change. Our society is stronger when these organizations thrive and all perspectives are reflected.”

This adaptable grant is available through the BC Arts Council in response to feedback from arts and culture groups. It provides greater flexibility for organizations as they prioritize how to use the funding. All non-profit organizations with an arts and culture mandate, and Indigenous governments and community organizations offering dedicated arts and culture programming, are eligible to apply.

“The arts and culture community told us they needed room to breathe as they work through the implications of the pandemic on their organizations,” said Bob D'Eith, Parliamentary Secretary for Arts and Film. “These grants provide opportunities for organizations to determine exactly what they need most to succeed.”

The BC Arts Council, an agency of the provincial government, provides funding for arts and culture. Grant recipients represent a diverse group of artists and arts organizations, including Indigenous groups, scholarship students and community arts councils.

“The BC Arts Council is committed to applying lessons learned from our pandemic response and the positive feedback we heard regarding trust, flexibility and self-determination. This program breaks down barriers and provides for a more inclusive program,” said Sae-Hoon Stan Chung, chair, BC Arts Council. “By providing organizations the flexibility and trust to define what will best support them and their communities, particularly during this period of tremendous and continuing change, the Arts Impact Grant program is a testament to our commitment.”

Quick Facts:

• The application deadline is Jan. 20, 2022.
• The Arts Impact Grant program has a $3.5-million budget and is part of the 2021-22 BC Arts Council budget allocation of $36.8 million.
• Through intake of the Arts Impact Grants, eligible arts and cultural organizations can receive as much as $30,000.
• BC Arts Council funding applications are adjudicated through peer assessment. Applications will be assessed on the effect and outcomes of the proposed activities.
• As part of StrongerBC: BC's Economic Recovery Plan, the Province has provided $35 million to support arts and culture organizations’ recovery through the BC Arts Council.

Learn More:

British Columbia Arts Council: https://www.bcartscouncil.ca