Interactive Fund
BC, Canada
Grant for British Columbia digital media or software productions
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateJune 14, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
grant_single|grantors
- Creative BC
- Government of British Columbia
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Grant of $50,000 to support the production of high quality, original, interactive digital media content and software applications owned and controlled by British Columbia companies or individuals.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is focused on supporting projects within British Columbia, which is evident from its administration by Creative BC and the BC Arts Council. As such, eligible companies must be incorporated in British Columbia.
- British Columbia, Canada
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$50,000
Launch of an online platform for interactive literary works from diverse Canadian authors
$50,000
Development of a digital storytelling platform focused on LGBTQ2+ experiences in BC
$50,000
A collaborative VR art exhibition showcasing the intersection of art and technology
$50,000
Creation of an augmented reality (AR) application for historical tours in BC
$50,000
Creation of an educational video game addressing environmental issues in BC
$50,000
Development of an interactive mobile app promoting BC indigenous art and culture
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for the Interactive Fund, companies must meet the following criteria:
- Be a company incorporated in British Columbia or Canada with its head office in British Columbia.
- The primary owner or majority common voting shareholder(s) of an incorporated company must be a B.C. resident(s).
- 100% of the copyright of the project must be owned and controlled by the applicant, with exceptions granted for co-productions or partnerships where copyright ownership is commensurate with the applicant’s contributions.
- Must be in good standing with Creative BC and the BC Arts Council.
- Applicants are limited to one application to the Interactive Fund per company or subsidiary in any given intake round. Successful recipients from the previous two rounds (2022 and 2023) are not eligible to apply in this intake.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Interactive Fund welcomes applications from individuals, companies, not-for-profit organizations, and collectives, primarily engaged in the B.C. arts and culture sector to support the development of interactive digital media projects.
- Individuals must be B.C. residents, having lived in the province for at least 200 of the previous 365 days and must have filed taxes in B.C. in the prior year.
- Companies must be incorporated in British Columbia or Canada, with headquarters in B.C., and the main owner(s) must be B.C. residents.
- Not-for-profit organizations must be B.C.-based and incorporated under the Society Act.
- Collectives need to consist of three or more B.C.-resident professional artists or cultural practitioners.
- Projects must be 100% owned and controlled by the applicant, with exceptions for partnerships where ownership is commensurate with contribution.
- Applicants must be in good standing with Creative BC and the BC Arts Council.
- Previous successful applicants from the last two funding rounds are not eligible to reapply in this cycle.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant has specific restrictions for certain projects mainly related to the intended use and purpose of the project. The exclusions ensure that the funds are used for interactive digital media projects that foster artistic and technological innovation, rather than for general business enhancements or non-interactive productions.
- Projects involving updates to personal, society, or company websites.
- Video or audio content mainly for streaming on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, or Spotify.
- Productions meant primarily for broadcast on television or through theatre release.
- Projects intended to be companion works to existing film or television productions.
- Projects focusing on corporate, industrial, or promotional purposes.
- Catalogues, compilations, or repurposed material without original content innovation.
- Digital ramp-up or transformation plans, including hardware purchases or content digitization without new interactive elements.
- Digital presentations without interactive user engagement.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Interactive Fund supports projects focused on the development of original, interactive digital media that combines art and technology. Eligible projects are primarily digital, emphasizing user interactivity and diverse content representation.
- Digital based art installations.
- Interactive/immersive theatre presentations.
- Location-based or public interactive installations and presentations.
- Interactive websites.
- Interactive narrative content.
- Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality experiences.
- Mobile/tablet applications and games.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible expenses for the grant include costs directly associated with the project.
- Market research.
- Labour and personnel.
- Technology content and design.
- Expenses required to put content online or to create applications, including copyright clearance, documentation, design, and development.
- Technical and administrative expenses.
- Travel costs (i.e., accommodation, airfare, per diem) directly associated with building the project.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Interactive Fund grant are driven by criteria established to ensure the proposed digital media projects meet the program's goals of fostering innovation and inclusivity.
- The background, experience, and potential of the applicant and their key creative team.
- Creativity and originality of the concept.
- The intended goals, outcomes, and impacts of the project.
- Viability and achievability of the concept with the budget and financing plan provided.
- Weighted criteria (outside of the targeted funding set aside) will factor in the composition of any key creative team members from equity seeking groups.
- Consideration of language and regional representation in the composition of the team.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for the Interactive Fund grant:
- Step 1: Understand the Guidelines
- Download and read the Interactive Fund Guidelines for 2024.
- Ensure your project meets both applicant and project eligibility criteria.
- Step 2: Prepare Application Materials
- Prepare a creative/work plan (maximum 5 pages) including project description and interactivity overview.
- Develop a strategic plan (maximum 2 pages) detailing project goals, outcomes, and impacts.
- Compile information on key creative team members.
- Gather information on the organization, if applicable, such as shareholders or directors.
- If applicable, prepare a Community Engagement Plan or obtain a Letter of Support.
- Link to proof of concept, demo, or previous work if available.
- Complete a financing plan and budget.
- Step 3: Complete Online Application Form
- Visit the Creative BC Interactive Fund program webpage starting May 13, 2024.
- Fill out the online application form with basic project and organization details.
- Attach all prepared application materials.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Submit your completed application by the deadline of June 14, 2024, at 11:59 PM PDT.
- Ensure all documents and forms are correctly uploaded and submitted.
- Step 5: Confirmation and Follow-Up
- Receive confirmation of application submission via email.
- Prepare to provide any additional information if requested during the evaluation phase.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The presence of other confirmed funding or cash investment from the applicant may positively impact the application.
- Grant coaching sessions are available for applicants from systemically excluded groups or regions outside the Lower Mainland.
- A minimum of 30% of the fund is reserved for projects led by equity-seeking and priority group applicants.
- An appeal process for funding decisions is not available.
- A project acknowledgment is required in completed productions and marketing materials.
- Applicants must adhere to Creative BC's Code of Conduct and the "ON SCREEN PROTOCOLS & PATHWAYS" guide.
- Grant coaching and application feedback are provided to address systemic barriers in Arts and Culture.
grant_single_labels|contact
hcampbell@creativebc.com
Apply to this program
Empower Your Digital Media Projects Through the Interactive Fund
The Interactive Fund is a collaborative initiative between Creative BC and the BC Arts Council, aimed at supporting outstanding, original interactive digital media projects that intertwine art and technology. This funding initiative provides significant support for creative entities, fostering diversity and active engagement with audiences throughout the arts and culture sectors in British Columbia.
Understanding the Interactive Fund and Its Significance in Elevating B.C.'s Creative Sector
The Interactive Fund is an excellence-driven grant designed to stimulate the creation and dissemination of cutting-edge interactive digital media projects within British Columbia’s vibrant arts and culture landscape. With a maximum funding of $50,000 per project and a total funding pool of $600,000, this fund is especially dedicated to fostering projects owned and managed by marginalized communities, including Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, LGBTQ2S+, as well as organizations operating outside the major urban centers of Greater Vancouver and Greater Victoria.
This fund is targeted at individuals, companies, not-for-profits, and collectives working within or committed to the cultural sector in B.C. Applicants are encouraged to propose projects with significant interaction, such as immersive theatre presentations, virtual reality experiences, and interactive digital installations. The central tenet of eligible projects is interactivity—meaning the experience should allow the user to engage and make decisions impacting their experience.
By prioritizing projects from equity-seeking groups, the Interactive Fund not only champions diversity but also ensures these communities have greater representation and impact within the arts and culture ecosystem. It underscores the demand for fresh, transformative narratives that resonate with wide audiences and present new experiences. These efforts align with Creative BC's strategic goals of harnessing artistic innovation at the intersection of art and technology while enhancing access and engaging broad communities.
A key aspect of the application process involves a competitive evaluation by an external advisory panel that employs a rigorous selection matrix. This ensures projects are not only innovative but also feasible and likely to achieve significant cultural impact. The fund further encourages applicants through grant coaching sessions, dedicated to strengthening proposals from historically marginalized and geographically diverse areas.
Creative BC remains committed to supporting the creative industries by ensuring projects meet high standards in creativity, financial viability, and social impact. As part of the agreement, successful applicants are required to comply with ethical practices as outlined in the organization's Code of Conduct and industry-specific guidelines like ON SCREEN PROTOCOLS & PATHWAYS, ensuring respectful and inclusive engagement with Indigenous communities and other represented groups.
By participating in this fund, recipients gain more than fiscal support; they become part of a transformative movement pushing the boundaries of digital media. They are encouraged to publicly acknowledge the contributions of Creative BC and the BC Arts Council, fostering an inclusive narrative that places diverse voices at the forefront of B.C.'s artistic innovations.
