Grants for emerging artists: Creative Spark Vancouver
Last Update: September 2, 2025
Vancouver, BC
Supports emerging artists engaging youth in creative community projects
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $5,000
- Up to 100% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Funds Providers
Program status
Closed
Overview
The Creative Spark Vancouver grant provides up to $3,000 for individual emerging artists and $5,000 for artist groups to support small, arts-based projects engaging youth ages 5 to 18. Funding covers artist fees, project materials, supplies, rentals, and honoraria to foster new career opportunities and community engagement.
Financing terms and conditions
- Grants provide 100% funding for small projects.
- Maximum of $3,000 available for individual emerging artists.
- Maximum of $5,000 available for groups or collectives of emerging artists.
Activities funded
- Arts-based projects that engage young people aged 5 to 18.
- Creative initiatives that provide emerging artists with professional experience.
- Small-scale artistic projects aimed at building new community relationships.
- Arts projects that promote new perspectives on arts and education for youth.
- Collaborative projects supporting reconciliation, decolonization, equity, and accessibility in the arts sector.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 4,400
After-school puppet theatre series exploring youth social issues
$ 4,900
Reconciliation-focused art boxes project delivered to Indigenous youth homes
$ 4,700
Inclusive music technology workshops connecting disabled and non-disabled youth
$ 4,050
Printmaking studio residency for teens facing barriers to arts
$ 4,500
Photography storytelling series for immigrant girls ages 12 to 16
$ 4,700
Collaborative mural workshop for Indigenous and newcomer youth
Eligibility
- The applicant must be an emerging artist or a group/collective of emerging artists.
- The applicant must be a resident of the City of Vancouver or a resident and member of the Musqueam, Squamish, or Tsleil-Waututh First Nations.
- The project must engage young people aged 5 to 18 in arts-based activities.
- Priority is given to applicants from equity-seeking communities, including Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
Who is eligible?
- Individual emerging artists (any age, any artistic or cultural discipline)
- Groups or collectives of emerging artists
Eligible expenses
- Artist fees
- Project materials and supplies
- Rentals
- Honoraria
Eligible geographic areas
- City of Vancouver
- Musqueam, Squamish, or Tsleil-Waututh First Nations (residents and members)
How to apply
1
Check your eligibility
- Review eligibility requirements for applicants
- Ensure residence in Vancouver or membership in Musqueam, Squamish, or Tsleil-Waututh First Nations
- Verify interest in engaging youth in arts-based projects
2
Prepare your project proposal
- Prepare a project proposal targeting youth aged 5 to 18
- Outline the arts or cultural discipline involved
- Detail potential benefits such as career development or new perspectives
3
Develop your project budget
- Outline a project budget up to $3,000 for individuals or $5,000 for groups
- Include eligible expenses such as artist fees, materials, rentals, and honoraria
- Ensure your budget requests 100% of project funding
4
Collect required documentation
- Gather supporting documents as required by the grant portal
- Review deadlines for the spring and fall intake periods
5
Submit your application
- Submit your complete application via the VanApply portal
- Ensure all information and documents are provided
6
Await application results
- Wait for the review and selection process to be completed
- Monitor communications for notifications about results
Additional information
- There are two application deadlines each year: one in the spring and one in the fall.
- A minimum of 50% of available funding is allocated to emerging artists from Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations and from equity-seeking communities.
- The program is delivered in partnership with ArtStarts in Schools.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Grants for emerging artists: Creative Spark Vancouver Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Grants for emerging artists: Creative Spark Vancouver. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Grants for emerging artists: Creative Spark Vancouver?
How much funding can be received?
What expenses are eligible under Grants for emerging artists: Creative Spark Vancouver?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Grants for emerging artists: Creative Spark Vancouver a grant, loan, or tax credit?
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Are youth (under 40) eligible for the Grants for emerging artists: Creative Spark Vancouver program?
Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Grants for emerging artists: Creative Spark Vancouver program?
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