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Public Art Grants
Funding for innovative, artist-led public art projects in Vancouver
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Funding available
$ 100,000
Location
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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.
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 100,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Vancouver
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- Financial cooperative
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- Non-financial cooperative
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- General public
- Indigenous peoples
- People with disabilities
- LGBTQ+ community
- Artists / creatives
- Nonprofits / charities
- Low-income individuals / families
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Municipal
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2021
Periods: 1
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.
Sources and recorded changes
Eligibility
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
- Step 1: Review the Application Information Guide
- Carefully read the application information guide provided by the City of Vancouver Public Art Program for important details on requirements, criteria, and the application process.
- Step 2: Contact Cultural Services
- Contact the designated cultural planner (e.g., Faith Moosang) to confirm your organization's eligibility.
- Discuss your proposed project and obtain access to the application form.
- Step 3: Prepare Application Materials
- Complete all six sections of the application form: Project Overview, Artist Centred, Strength of Proposed Project, Organizational Capacity, Budget, and Grant Agreement – Conditions of Assistance.
- Compile all required supporting documents, such as financial statements and proof of not-for-profit or registered status (for first-time applicants).
- Ensure the proposed project details are clear, including project description, location, budget, artist qualifications, and maintenance plans.
- Step 4: Submit the Application
- Send the completed application and all required documents to the City of Vancouver Cultural Services at least two weeks before the deadline to confirm eligibility and finalize your submission.
- Submit your final, completed application by the specified deadline (e.g., March 18 at 12:00 noon).
- Step 5: Application Review and Notification
- Applications are assessed by an external panel of artists and arts professionals.
- You will be notified of the result following panel review and council approval.
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
Frequently Asked Questions about the Public Art Grants Program
What is the Public Art Grants?
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.
How much funding can be received?
Public Art Grants Funds up to $100,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Public Art Grants program?
To be eligible for the Public Art Grants program, you must:
No eligibility for for-profit businesses; only non-profit organizations and First Nations Band Councils are eligible.
What expenses are eligible under Public Art Grants?
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)
Who can I contact for more information about the Public Art Grants?
You can contact City of Vancouver by email at faith.moosang@vancouver.ca or by phone at 604-829-9557.
Where is the Public Art Grants available?
The Public Art Grants program is available the province of British Columbia.
Is the Public Art Grants a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Public Art Grants is a Grant and Funding