BCAC — Arts Circulation and Touring – Organizations

The Arts Circulation and Touring Grant, offered by the BC Arts Council, supports arts and culture organizations, collectives, and individuals in British Columbia to enhance professional and artistic opportunities through circulation and touring activities both within the province and beyond. The grant focuses on increasing exposure for B.C.-based artists by funding projects that facilitate the presentation of artistic works at regional, national, and international levels.

The Arts Circulation and Touring Grant is a comprehensive funding initiative designed to support the distribution and touring of artistic works created by B.C.-based artists, collectives, and organizations. This grant, administered by the BC Arts Council, enhances opportunities for artistic expression and cultural exchange, allowing artists to share their projects with broader audiences. **Eligibility Criteria** The Arts Circulation and Touring Grant is accessible to a range of applicants, including individual art practitioners, collectives, and arts and culture organizations. There are distinct eligibility criteria for each applicant category: - **Organizations** must be registered as non-profit societies or community service co-ops in B.C. for at least one fiscal year. They should also primarily focus on providing arts and cultural programming. Indigenous community organizations and governments, as well as public post-secondary institutions or local government-operated professional arts organizations, also fall under this category. - **Collectives** must consist of at least three independent artists or cultural practitioners who are active in their field. Members must demonstrate two years of professional practice, be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and have lived in B.C. for at least 12 months prior to applying. - **Individual Artists** can apply based on separate guidelines tailored for individual practitioners. Applicants must demonstrate fair compensation for artists involved, adhere to intellectual property rights, and follow cultural protocols. Importantly, preferences are given to organizations serving designated priority groups which include Indigenous Peoples, people of color, those located outside greater Vancouver, and those with disabilities. **Grant Categories and Eligible Projects** The Arts Circulation and Touring Grant is divided into three categories, each designed to address different aspects of circulation and touring activities: 1. **Outbound Activity** – This involves the touring of artistic works from B.C. to destinations within or outside the province. Eligible activities include performing exhibits or cultural performances and can involve single artistic travel opportunities for future developmental benefits. 2. **Inbound Activity** – This includes hosting or presenting artistic works originating from outside the applicant’s local area or from international artists within British Columbia. This category helps local communities engage with external artistic influences. 3. **Digitization and Translations (Pilot Project)** – This category supports digitizing art for greater access or translating written works to reach a wider audience. Examples include converting analog works for online access or translating literary pieces to engage local diasporas. For all categories, projects must promote artistic mobility and aim to enhance the stature of B.C. artists domestically and abroad. **Financial Framework** Applicants can request up to $25,000, with the grant covering up to 50% of total eligible project costs, or up to 65% for designated priority groups. Budgets must be realistic and balanced, and they should outline all contributions, including both cash and in-kind ones. The grant cannot be used for projects that have commenced prior to submission, capital expenses, general operating expenses, or deficit reduction. Instead, it focuses on specific projects that elevate the profile of B.C. artists and creatives globally. **Submission Guidelines** Applications are submitted online, with a typical intake period running from mid-July to early September. A single application is permitted per organization or collective per intake period, and approvals or rejections are communicated around 16 weeks post-deadline. A complete application must include a thorough description of the proposed project, a balanced budget, and all required support materials, such as project timetables, letters of confirmation, and financial statements. Additionally, applicants should provide evidence of new partnerships or collaborative endeavors. **Assessment Criteria** An independent assessment panel evaluates applications against criteria emphasizing artistic contribution, impact on community and sector, and feasibility. Priority is often given to projects demonstrating strong potential for artistic and cultural development within defined communities. The level of engagement, the integrity of artist compensation, and strategizing for audience development are integral factors during the review. The BC Arts Council places significant emphasis on reconciliation, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility throughout the evaluation process, aligning with its broader strategic priorities. **Importance and Impact** The Arts Circulation and Touring Grant plays a crucial role in fostering a dynamic arts scene across British Columbia by promoting the mobility and visibility of local artists. It helps stories from B.C.’s diverse communities reach a broader audience, offering them opportunities for international recognition. Importantly, the grant supports the cultural economy by creating opportunities for innovative artistic expressions and professional development. As artists step into new frontiers through the propagation of their works, they contribute to an enriched cultural dialogue and network that resonates on local, national, and international stages. The grant thus supports the lasting vitality of arts communities while stimulating cultural tourism and economic growth in British Columbia.