BCAC — Individual Arts Grants: Performing Artists

• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Project summary, timeline, and balanced budget
• Project team table with biographies
• Letters from up to two partners or collaborators, if applicable
• Letters of reference for first-time applicants
• Samples of previous work

Who is eligible?

• B.C.-based individuals
• Established performing artists
• Playwrights, producers, and arts and culture practitioners
• Performing artists in dance, music, theatre, and multidisciplinary practices

Who is not eligible

• Emerging artists and early-career practitioners
• Students applying for course-related activities or tuition
• Artists working exclusively in commercial or private capacities
• Individuals applying on behalf of an organization or private business

Eligible expenses

• Subsistence costs
• Materials and supplies directly related to the project
• Equipment purchase or rental directly related to the project
• Space rental directly related to the project
• Fees for artists, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and contractors
• Travel and accessibility costs related to the project

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Projects or activities that begin before the application closing date
• Fundraising, celebrations, contests, and competitions not integral to the art form
• Commercial or promotional work, including work for film, TV, social media, or streaming release
• Projects focused on arts therapy, professional development, or academic studies
• Capital expenses, feasibility studies, start-up costs, contingency, deficit, or loan repayments

Eligible geographic areas

• British Columbia

• Artistic contribution and significance, weighted at 50%
• Impact on the applicant and community, weighted at 20%
• Applicant readiness, weighted at 30%

• Step 1: Review program guidelines and confirm eligibility
  • Read the guidelines and checklist carefully.
  • Check that your project and applicant profile meet the program requirements.
• Step 2: Register or update your online profile
  • New applicants must register in the Grant Management System.
  • Returning applicants must update their Personal Profile.
• Step 3: Prepare the application package
  • Complete the project information, budget, team table, and inventory form.
  • Gather required support material and work samples.
• Step 4: Submit online
  • Send the application through the Grant Management System before the deadline.
  • Make sure all required sections and uploads are complete.

• Applications are reviewed for eligibility first.
• Eligible applications are assessed by an independent peer panel and ranked.
• Applicants are notified by email about the decision, usually about 16 weeks after the closing date.
• Final reports are required after the project is completed.
• Grant payments may be delayed, suspended, or redistributed if obligations are not met.

• Applications are submitted through the BC Arts Council Grant Management System.
• New applicants must register and create a profile before applying.
• Results are expected about 16 weeks after the closing date.
• Final reports are required for completed projects.