Open
Operating Assistance
Annual operating support for BC arts organizations
Last Update: May 15, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
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.
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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
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
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
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
- Program guidelines review
- Key updates required for current recipients
- Any submissions requested in the Overview document
- Local Matching Funds Form, for community arts recipients
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Not-for-profit arts and cultural organizations in British Columbia
- For-profit book publishers in British Columbia
- Arts service organizations
- Museums and Indigenous cultural centres
- Professional arts organizations and festivals
Who is not eligible
- New applicants in 2025/26
Eligible geographic areas
- British Columbia
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed through the adjudication process.
- Applicants are notified of results within 16 weeks after the deadline.
- Current recipients must submit required updates and other submissions through the Grant Management System.
- Program guidelines and the 2025/26 Overview document govern the process for current recipients.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Operating Assistance Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Operating Assistance. 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 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).
Where is the Operating Assistance available?
The Operating Assistance program is available the province of British Columbia.
Who are the financial supporters of the Operating Assistance?
Operating Assistance is funded by British Columbia Arts Council (BCAC)