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Source verified August 22, 2026
Operating Assistance
Annual operating support for BC arts organizations
Latest source updateLast Update: October 2, 2026Latest change: New 2026/27 guidelines for Operating Assistance: Professional Arts Festivals now show eligibility, application steps, contacts, and funding terms.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: October 2, 2026
Latest change: New 2026/27 guidelines for Operating Assistance: Professional Arts Festivals now show eligibility, application steps, contacts, and funding terms.
2026/27 Professional Arts Festivals guidelines published
The 2026/27 Operating Assistance: Professional Arts Festivals guidelines are now available and set a July 22 to October 8, 2026 application window, with results expected in late February 2027. The guidelines also state a $20,000 minimum grant amount, no maximum, and a requirement that applicants have received at least three BC Arts Council grants since April 1, 2022, including one Operating Assistance or Project Assistance: Professional Arts Festivals grant. The application instructions and required materials are now detailed more fully, including CADAC updates, profile updates, support material requirements, assessment criteria, and checklist steps. The source also lists program advisor and general contact information for the grant.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
October 8, 2026
Opened July 22, 2026
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Overview
Operating Assistance provides annual support to established arts and cultural organizations in British Columbia. It funds operating support for eligible organizations in fields such as dance, music, theatre, visual arts, media arts, community arts, museums, festivals, publishing, and arts training.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Enhance an existing program
- Strengthen organizational capacity
- Ensure financial sustainability
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
Target groups
- Artists / creatives
- Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 3
Activities funded
- General operations of established arts and cultural organizations.
- Annual artistic programs and public programming.
- Specialized arts training programs.
- Publishing, production, presentation, and dissemination activities.
Documents Needed
- All required financial and statistical information, to be submitted and uploaded to CADAC by the application deadline date
- Up to 5 current planning and policy documents
- Up to 5 links to electronic materials
- Facility description or floor plan of current location(s), if applicable
- Up to 5 images illustrating programming or presentations
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Organizations
Who is not eligible
- Organizations that do not meet the eligibility criteria
Eligible geographic areas
- British Columbia
Selection criteria
- Applications are assessed through the BC Arts Council’s established peer assessment process.
- Assessors review, discuss, score, and rank applications before making funding recommendations.
How to apply
- Submit your application through the Grant Management System.
- New applicants must register and create a profile in the online system.
- Before submitting an application, ensure that your organization’s profile information is complete and current, required documentation has been uploaded, and address verification and contact information are up to date.
- Applicants may submit portions of their application through audio or video recordings.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are assessed through a peer review process using the published assessment criteria.
- Assessors review, discuss, score, and rank applications before making funding recommendations.
Additional information
- The program is not open to new applicants in 2025/26.
- Current recipients must provide key updates to access funding.
- Applicants are encouraged to review the program guidelines before submitting.
- Applicants are urged to contact their Program Officer prior to submission.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Operating Assistance Program
What is the Operating Assistance?
Operating Assistance provides annual support to established arts and cultural organizations in British Columbia. It funds operating support for eligible organizations in fields such as dance, music, theatre, visual arts, media arts, community arts, museums, festivals, publishing, and arts training.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is October 8, 2026. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the Operating Assistance program?
To be eligible for the Operating Assistance program, you must:
Established organizations
Based in British Columbia
Eligible arts or cultural focus
What expenses are eligible under Operating Assistance?
General operations of established arts and cultural organizations.
Annual artistic programs and public programming.
Specialized arts training programs.
Publishing, production, presentation, and dissemination activities.
Who can I contact for more information about the Operating Assistance?
You can contact British Columbia Arts Council (BCAC) by email at BCArtsCouncil@gov.bc.ca.
Where is the Operating Assistance available?
The Operating Assistance program is available the province of British Columbia.
Is the Operating Assistance a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Operating Assistance is a Grant and Funding