BCAC — Operating Assistance: Visual Arts and Media Arts Organizations

• Organization profile update
• Recent signed financial statements
• Board member list and staff list
• Current constitution or statement of purpose
• Support materials for Concerned Status applicants

Who is eligible?

• Registered non-profit arts and culture organizations
• Community service co-operatives in British Columbia
• Visual arts organizations
• Media arts organizations

Who is not eligible

• Private or for-profit entities
• Organizations that only operate venues or facilities without a primary artistic production purpose
• New applicants in 2025/26

Eligible expenses

• General operating costs tied to the organization’s ongoing activities

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Budget deficits
• Capital expenditures, including construction, renovation, or equipment purchases
• Start-up costs or seed money
• Organizations that only operate venues or facilities without a primary artistic production purpose
• Private or for-profit entities

Eligible geographic areas

• British Columbia

• Reconciliation, equity, diversity, inclusion, and access
• Artistic and cultural contribution, engagement, and impact
• Organizational capacity and governance
• Assessment panel review using program criteria

• Step 1: Register or update your online profile
  • Keep organization details, board and staff lists, and required documents current in the Grant Management System.
• Step 2: Prepare supporting materials
  • Gather the required financial statements, profile updates, and any support materials needed for your status.
• Step 3: Complete the application or required updates
  • Current recipients submit the required updates online.
  • Organizations on Concerned Status complete the application form and required support materials.
• Step 4: Submit through the Grant Management System
  • Send all required information electronically in the BC Arts Council system before the deadline.
• Step 5: Wait for review and results
  • Applications are reviewed and final results are sent by email.

• Applications and updates are reviewed for completeness.
• Concerned Status applications receive an internal staff review.
• Funding decisions are communicated in writing by email.
• Decisions are normally issued within 16 weeks after the deadline.
• Grant payments remain subject to the Financial Administration Act.

• Current recipients must submit updates through the BC Arts Council Grants Management System.
• The next opportunity for new applications is anticipated for fall 2026.
• Organizations on Concerned Status must submit a full application.
• Grant support should be acknowledged in promotional materials.