Communities and Artists Shifting Culture

• The applicant must be a registered non-profit organization, society, charity, registered co-op, or local First Nation Band Council.
• Non-incorporated collectives and individual artists from equity-denied communities may apply via a sponsor registered organization.
• The project must have an arts or culture focus and be delivered in Vancouver or led by xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), or səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples and held on their traditional lands.
• The project must engage artists and creative collaborators with the relevant skills, permission, knowledge, experience, and expertise to lead and contribute to the work.
• The project must aim to compensate artists and cultural practitioners at minimum sector standard rates.

Who is eligible?

• Registered non-profit organizations
• Societies
• Charities
• Registered co-ops
• Local First Nation Band Councils

Who is not eligible

• For-profit companies are not eligible to apply directly.
• Non-incorporated collectives and individual artists must apply through a registered sponsor organization.

Eligible expenses

• Artist and cultural practitioner fees, ensuring compensation at or above minimum sector standard rates.
• Production and presentation costs for exhibitions, performances, festivals, and publications.
• Costs related to collaborative creative initiatives, including materials and resources.
• Expenses for research and development directly related to the artistic project.
• Service provider support (up to $500) for applicants who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or live with a disability to assist with application completion.

Eligible geographic areas

• Organizations based in Vancouver.
• Projects led by the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), or səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples and held on their traditional lands.

• Contribution to cultural diversity and inclusion in the communities of Vancouver.
• Involvement of artists, cultural workers or knowledge holders recognized by their peers or communities.
• Project's ability to engage the public and promote accessible participation in artistic and cultural life.
• Consideration of the remuneration of artists and professionals involved according to sector standards.
• Expected impact and reach of the project on artists, targeted communities and the local cultural environment.

• There are two application deadlines for 2026 projects, allowing flexibility in timing for applicants.
• Non-incorporated collectives and individual artists from equity-denied communities may apply through a sponsor registered organization.
• Applicants who are Deaf/deaf, Hard of Hearing, or living with a disability may access up to $500 for application assistance from service providers.
• Application form previews are available in both PDF and Word formats for preliminary review.