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Public Art Grants - Vancouver - BC - Canada

Public Art Grants

Last Update: September 17, 2025
Vancouver, BC
Funding for innovative, artist-led public art projects in Vancouver

At a glance

Eligible Funding
  • Max. $100,000
Timeline
  • Receipt of requests is now closed
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
  • Arts, entertainment and recreation
Funds Providers
Program status
Closed

Overview

The Untitled: Public Art Grants program offers up to $100,000 to fully fund artist-led public art projects in Vancouver. This initiative supports not-for-profit arts organizations and First Nations Band Councils in realizing significant, stand-alone public artworks that promote creativity, innovation, and public engagement.

Financing terms and conditions

  • Maximum grant funding of up to $100,000 per project.
  • Project budgets must be inclusive of all costs, including artist fees, design, supplies, fabrication, permits, installation, project management, documentation, maintenance, insurance, and a contingency (generally 10-15% of the overall budget).
  • Payments are tied to deliverables related to project phases: research and development, detailed plan, fabrication/installation/production, and documentation/final report.
  • Up to 20% of the total project budget may be allocated to project management costs.

Activities funded

  • Creation and installation of significant, artist-led public artworks in accessible public spaces.
  • Production of temporary or permanent outdoor art installations led by professional artists.
  • Development of unique, stand-alone public art projects that foster public engagement.
  • Artist-driven collaborations resulting in site-specific public art.
  • Implementation of public artworks that contribute to cultural dialogue and visibility, particularly Indigenous arts and culture.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 98,000
Install kinetic wind-powered sculpture outside major transit station
$ 86,000
Launch rotating outdoor photography exhibition in public parks
$ 99,000
Commission interactive light sculpture for downtown public plaza
$ 95,000
Develop community-driven sculptural bench project for hospital gardens
$ 97,000
Install large-scale Indigenous mural series on community centre exterior
$ 90,000
Produce temporary eco-art installation along urban shoreline parks

Eligibility

  • The applicant must be a Vancouver-based professional not-for-profit arts and culture organization or a local First Nations Band Council.
  • The organization must be legally registered and in good standing, such as a not-for-profit society, community service co-op, or a registered charity with the CRA for at least six months prior to the application deadline.
  • The organization must have an active presence and deliver programs or services within Vancouver, or, if led by specified First Nations, the project must be held in their traditional homelands, which include Vancouver.
  • The proposed project must be an artist-led public art initiative that is a stand-alone, one-time creative project or a time-limited series, produced after the application deadline and completed by the end of the designated period.
  • The applicant must have an active volunteer board of directors and demonstrate sufficient financial and administrative capacity to support the project.

Who is eligible?

  • Vancouver-based not-for-profit arts and culture organizations
  • Local First Nations Band Councils
  • Community service co-operatives legally registered and in good standing in BC
  • Registered charities with the Canada Revenue Agency (for at least six months)

Who is not eligible

  • Publicly funded or private educational institutions (e.g., public schools, universities, colleges, training organizations).
  • Organizations whose proposed project does not meet the grant's intent and vision.
  • Projects that are annual or recurring (such as festivals), unless they uniquely commission an artist for a public art work.
  • Organizations proposing projects outside Vancouver city limits, except for those led by Musqueam, Squamish, or Tsleil-Waututh Nations in their unceded traditional homelands.
  • Organizations engaged in fundraising, commercially-oriented activities, third-party advertising, demonstrations, rallies, or core artistic training/in-class activities.

Eligible expenses

  • Artist fees and compensation
  • Design and artistic supplies
  • Fabrication and production costs
  • Permits and insurance required for the project
  • Installation and site preparation
  • Project management (up to 20% of the total project budget)
  • Engineering and technical services
  • Community notification expenses
  • Documentation of process and artwork
  • Maintenance provisions for the artwork during its display
  • Anti-graffiti treatments
  • Site restoration after project completion
  • Contingency costs (generally 10-15% of the overall budget)

Eligible geographic areas

  • Organizations based in Vancouver, British Columbia.
  • First Nations Band Councils located in Vancouver or on their unceded traditional homelands that include Vancouver.

Selection criteria

  • Artist-centred approach: Projects must provide meaningful commissioning opportunities for professional artists and demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing artists’ creative and critical investigation.
  • Strength of the proposed project: Preference is given to unique, stand-alone artworks with project coherence, clear ideas, relevance to place and time, and engagement with critical dialogues in contemporary art.
  • Organizational capacity: Applicants must show a realistic and achievable plan, experienced contributors, proper maintenance planning, effective communication and engagement strategies, and methods for evaluating project success.
  • Realistic and achievable budget: Project expenses must be directly related to producing the artwork, with a guideline of a maximum of 20% of the total project budget allocated for project management costs.

How to apply

1

Review grant information

  • Review the grant overview and application guide provided by the City of Vancouver
  • Assess if your project meets the outlined eligibility and intent of the program
2

Confirm eligibility and access form

  • Contact the designated City of Vancouver Cultural Planner to confirm eligibility
  • Obtain access to the official application form
3

Gather required documents

  • Gather required organizational documentation, including proof of non-profit or charity status if applicable
  • Prepare financial statements and details of your organization’s board
4

Complete and review application

  • Complete all sections of the application form, including project overview, artist information, project description, budget, and grant agreement
  • Ensure all information matches the submission requirements
5

Submit application

  • Submit the fully completed application along with all required supporting documents before the deadline
  • Confirm receipt of your application with the City of Vancouver
6

Await results

  • Wait for assessment by the external panel and notification from the City of Vancouver regarding your application's status

Additional information

  • The program is offered every two or three years, depending on budget availability.
  • Grant recipients must ensure confidentiality; application documents become the property of the City of Vancouver.
  • Panel members assessing applications include artists and arts professionals, with representation from xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwxwú7mesh ̱ and səlilwətaɬ Nations.
  • Information session notes and Q&A are posted online for applicant reference.

Contacts

faith.moosang@vancouver.ca
604-829-9557
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Public Art Grants Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Public Art Grants. 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 Public Art Grants?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under Public Art Grants?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Public Art Grants a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Public Art Grants?

Who is eligible for the Public Art Grants program?

Who can I contact for more information about the Public Art Grants?

Where is the Public Art Grants available?

Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Public Art Grants program?

Apply to this program

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