Closed
Source verified October 4, 2026
Operating Assistance
Annual operating support for BC arts organizations
Get notified when Operating Assistance reopens
Latest source updateLast Update: October 14, 2026Latest change: The Operating Assistance listing now places multiple program entries under recently passed deadlines, and several pages no longer show their Apply Now portal link.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: October 14, 2026
Latest change: The Operating Assistance listing now places multiple program entries under recently passed deadlines, and several pages no longer show their Apply Now portal link.
Operating Assistance listing moved to recently passed deadlines
The Operating Assistance program listing now labels a section recently passed deadlines and moves multiple program entries into that section. The listing also updates program coverage, including a new interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary arts field of practice for the Professional Arts Festivals entry. Several program pages no longer display their Apply Now link to the Grant Management System, including Arts & Cultural Service Organizations, Community Arts Organizations, and Professional Arts Festivals.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Unspecified
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.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
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?
- Professional Arts Training 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.
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
Who are the financial supporters of the Operating Assistance?
Operating Assistance is funded by British Columbia Arts Council (BCAC)