How much funding can be received?

The Arts Infrastructure Program by the BC Arts Council supports eligible organizations in developing and enhancing spaces for B.C.'s arts and cultural practitioners. The program funds projects related to planning and consultation, capital improvements, and specialized equipment acquisition, aiming to improve accessibility, sustainability, and capacity of arts spaces. All projects must be completed by December 31, 2027, with grants available up to $25,000 for planning, $250,000 for capital improvements, and $40,000 for equipment acquisition.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant is specifically for projects operating within British Columbia, Canada. Eligible organizations must be based in British Columbia or have their activities and leadership primarily in B.C.

Organizations registered and operating within British Columbia.
Indigenous community organizations based in British Columbia.
Local government or post-secondary organizations in British Columbia that operate arts and culture facilities.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the organization's structure, purpose, and activities in the arts and culture sector.

The organization must be registered and in good standing as a non-profit society or community service co-op in B.C. for at least two fiscal years prior to application.
The majority of key staff (paid or volunteer) and board members must be based in B.C.
The organization must maintain creative control and decision-making for programming and engagement primarily within B.C.
The organization must have a purpose or mandate dedicated to arts and culture programming and activities or a mandate to provide services to the arts and culture sector in B.C.
Operations and activities must reflect a dedicated purpose or mandate specific to arts and culture.
Indigenous community organizations, Indigenous governments, arts and culture organizations operated by local governments or public post-secondary institutions in B.C. are also eligible under specific conditions outlined in the guidelines.
Eligible organizations must provide public arts and cultural programming or service in B.C. as a primary activity and have done so for a minimum of two years.
The programs must benefit the community at-large and not solely the interests of its members.
The organization must engage skilled artistic, curatorial, and administrative leadership for project or service delivery and fairly compensate all participants.
Follow international intellectual property rights standards and cultural ownership protocols.
Have completed and submitted any overdue final reports on previous BC Arts Council grants by the application deadline.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Arts Infrastructure Program is open to eligible organizations in British Columbia that aim to develop and enhance spaces supporting arts and cultural practitioners. The program supports projects that catalyze development of cultural spaces, improve accessibility, and enhance access for underserved communities.

Non-profit arts and cultural organizations registered in British Columbia for at least two fiscal years.
Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) community organizations registered in British Columbia for at least two fiscal years.
Indigenous governments in British Columbia offering regular arts and culture activities.
Arts and culture organizations operated by local governments with autonomous programming and a community-based board.
Organizations operated by public post-secondary institutions in British Columbia with autonomous operations and dedicated programming spaces.
Book publishers that meet eligibility requirements under BC Arts Council’s project or operating assistance programs.
Organizations providing public arts and cultural programming or services as a primary activity for a minimum of two years in British Columbia.
Organizations engaging in fair compensation for artists and cultural practitioners according to relevant industry standards.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

The Arts Infrastructure Program imposes specific exclusions to ensure that the funding is allocated to suitable applicants involved in arts and cultural activities. Organizations from certain industries or with particular operational statuses are not eligible.

Private or for-profit entities, except for-profit book publishing companies.
Member-funded societies.
Social service organizations.
Educational institutions, schools, or school authorities.
Regional or local governments.
Entities involved with industrial sites, archaeological sites, heritage sites, or historic places.
Organizations dedicated to archives.
Museums with only temporary exhibitions.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The Arts Infrastructure Program provides funding for the development and enhancement of arts and cultural spaces. Eligible projects include activities supporting the acquisition, enhancement, and accessibility improvements of such spaces.

Planning, consultation, feasibility studies, and research to support the development or acquisition of arts and cultural facilities including architectural plans, energy studies, engineering studies, and community consultation.
Purchase of specialized equipment such as audio, video, lighting, exhibition, or other equipment primarily utilized for artistic programming.
Acquisition, construction, renovation, remodeling, refurbishment, or expansion of an arts and cultural facility and space used for arts and cultural purposes more than 50% of the time.
Upgrades to heating and cooling systems in arts and cultural facilities to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Projects to improve accessibility.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the enhancement and development of arts and cultural spaces.

Planning, consultation, feasibility studies, and research processes to support the development or acquisition of arts and cultural facilities.
Purchase of specialized equipment such as audio, video, lighting, exhibition, or other equipment primarily utilized for artistic programming.
Acquisition, construction, renovation, remodeling, refurbishment, or expansion of an arts and cultural facility and space used for arts and cultural purposes.
Upgrades to heating and cooling systems in arts and cultural facilities to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Projects to improve accessibility in arts and cultural spaces.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.

Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Access (30%) - Focuses on advancing opportunities for equity-deserving communities, supporting under-represented communities, and pursuing reconciliation and diversity.
Availability and Quality of Spaces (40%) - Evaluates the improvement in conditions for artistic creation and presentation, impact on the quality and availability of spaces, and benefits to arts organizations, including accessibility and technological enhancements.
Feasibility (30%) - Assesses the expertise of project leaders, compensation appropriateness, budget soundness, financial health, and environmental impact considerations to ensure the realistic implementation of the project plan.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Review Guidelines and Confirm Eligibility
- Thoroughly review the program guidelines to ensure the project aligns with the goals and requirements.
- Contact a Program Advisor to confirm eligibility of the organization and the project.
Step 2: Register in the Online System
- Create an account in the BC Arts Council online system if you are a new applicant.
- Allow up to 5 business days for the registration request to be processed.
Step 3: Update Organization Profile
- Update your organization’s contact information and mailing address in the online system.
- Upload the most recent signed financial statements and organization documents such as the constitution or statement of purpose.
- Complete the Designated Priority Group and Equity Data Tool sections if applicable.
Step 4: Prepare Application
- Draft a detailed project proposal including a summary, objectives, timeline, budget, and alignment with CleanBC if applicable.
- Gather required support materials such as partnership letters, floorplans, or quotes from contractors/vendors.
Step 5: Submit Application
- Log into the BC Arts Council’s online system to access the application form.
- Complete the online application, ensuring the Amount Requested matches the Project Budget Table.
- Submit the application along with all required documentation by 11:59 p.m. on November 6, 2024.
Step 6: Receive Confirmation
- Ensure that the email address NoReply@BCArtsCouncil.ca is added to your safe senders list.
- Receive an email confirmation of the application submission.
Step 7: Monitor Application Status
- Check the status of the application through the BC Arts Council’s online system.
- Expect to receive the results of the application within 16 weeks after the submission deadline.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The grant provides support for arts and culture organizations in developing infrastructure while emphasizing reconciliation, equity, diversity, inclusion, and access. Key details include eligibility criteria, financial requirements, and submission guidelines that must be followed for a successful application.

The BC Arts Council intends to support successful applications at 100% of the request, though grants may be awarded for less.
Success rates in BC Arts Council grant programs are generally between 20% to 40%.
Applications must be submitted through the BC Arts Council's online grant system.
Applicants should ensure all overdue final reports on previous BC Arts Council grants are completed and submitted by the application deadline.
The grant aims to support green building strategies in line with CleanBC Better Buildings programs.
Priority consideration is given to projects catering to underrepresented communities and locations outside major urban centers.
The program acknowledges the need for appropriate artist compensation as part of project activities.
Final reports for grant-funded projects need to be submitted within 30 days of the project end date.

grant_single_labels|contact

250-356-1718

Apply to this program

Enhancing Arts Spaces Through Strategic Funding

The Arts Infrastructure Program, offered by the BC Arts Council, is aimed at empowering organizations in British Columbia to develop and enhance arts and cultural spaces. This initiative seeks to bolster the arts sector by supporting infrastructure projects that improve accessibility and expand opportunities for artistic activities across the province.

Comprehensive Overview of the Arts Infrastructure Program

The Arts Infrastructure Program is a significant funding opportunity aimed at enhancing the structural and operational capacities of arts and cultural spaces within British Columbia. Recognizing the vital role that physical spaces play in the arts community, this program provides grants to support the planning, improvement, and equipment acquisition necessary for the growth and sustainability of arts facilities. The program is structured into three categories, allowing applicants to target specific needs within their projects: Planning & Consultation, Capital Improvements, and Specialized Equipment Acquisition. Each of these categories addresses different stages and aspects of arts infrastructure development, ensuring comprehensive support across the sector.

Through strategic financial assistance, the program encourages the renovation and construction of facilities, acquisition of specialized equipment, and planning processes that lay the groundwork for future developments. These advancements not only support artistic creation but also enhance the overall experience for artists, practitioners, and audiences by improving accessibility and capacity. By funding up to 75% of the total eligible project budget, or up to 90% for designated priority groups, the program ensures that financial barriers do not impede the development of vital cultural spaces.

This program places a particular emphasis on supporting projects that prioritize inclusion and service to underserved communities. This aligns with the BC Arts Council’s broader objectives of reconciliation and equity, as outlined in their strategic action plan. Applications that demonstrate an impact on underrepresented and equity-deserving groups receive prioritized consideration, reinforcing the council's commitment to diversity and accessibility within the arts sector.

The competitive nature of the application process, with success rates typically ranging from 20% to 40%, underscores the need for thorough and strategic proposals. Applicants are encouraged to engage with Program Advisors early in the application process to ensure eligibility and alignment with program goals. Each application is evaluated based on its potential to enhance cultural spaces, its alignment with energy efficiency initiatives like CleanBC, and its overall feasibility and readiness to execute the proposed plans successfully.

Overall, the Arts Infrastructure Program is pivotal in fostering a thriving arts ecosystem in British Columbia. By facilitating the development of spaces that nurture creativity and cultural engagement, the program not only supports the growth of individual arts organizations but also strengthens the collective cultural fabric of the province. Through this targeted investment, the BC Arts Council is ensuring that arts and cultural spaces remain accessible, vibrant, and capable of supporting diverse artistic expressions well into the future.