Apply for Arts Strengthening Program (Canada)

Projects in this program focus on the transfer of essential artistic and cultural knowledge to new generations of B.C First Nations artists to support the strengthening and continuation of significant cultural practices.

The FPCC Arts Program supports creation, development, production, marketing, promotion and distribution of all forms of creative expression. This includes, but is not limited to, ceremonial, visual, performance, music, literary, media, sculpture, carving and weaving.

Objectives

• One-on-One Arts Mentorships
  • This option supports B.C. First Nations artist apprentices to pursue a one-on-one mentorship with an established artist mentor in their desired creative expression.
  • The following are just some examples of the variety of eligible arts mentorship projects:
    • A mentorship in ancestral tattooing methods.
    • An experienced mentor transferring knowledge, skills and teachings to a group of apprentices wanting to revitalize the practice of canoe carving and designing in their community.
    • A mentorship for further artistic development in acrylic painting.
    • A mentorship in creating regalia.
• Arts Group Knowledge Transfer
  • This option supports B.C. First Nations artists and B.C. First Nations-led arts and culture organizations in their arts revitalization efforts through group workshops with an established mentor. This option supports cultural creative expressions such as weaving, carving, beading, dancing, storytelling, regalia making and drumming.
  • The following are examples of eligible knowledge transfer workshops:
    • An experienced wood carving artist teaching 10 beginner wood carvers.
    • Reclaiming teachings through workshops that transfer braided cultural knowledge, weaving and language.
    • A mentor and Knowledge Holder sharing skills in drum making with eight participants.
    • Hosting workshops to create dance regalia.

Focus Areas

• The FPCC Arts Program is organized into four areas of program offerings:
  • Arts Strengthening
    • One-on-one arts mentorships and arts group knowledge transfer.
  • Arts Infrastructure
    • Art space construction or renovation and capacity building for B.C. First Nations arts and culture organizations and communities.
  • Individual Artists
    • Projects and creative development. Scholarships for arts education.
  • Music Program
    • Creation & sharing and industry professional internships, mentorships and training.

Funding Information

• One-on-One Arts Mentorships
  • Grant amount: up to $30,000.
• Arts Group Knowledge Transfer
  • Grant amount: up to $50,000.

Eligible Expenses

• Salaries and wages – must be project specific and explained clearly in budget description.
• Elder and/or Knowledge Holder consultation fees, include names and explain clearly in budget description.
• Fees and honoraria for collaboration with other artists, mentors and/or elders – explained clearly in budget description.
• Equipment required for the project (with strong justification in project description, up to 20% of funding request).
• Childcare expenses for activities directly related to the project.
• Materials and supplies.
• Specialized tools required for the project (with strong justification in project description, up to 20% of funding request).
• Travel, accommodation and transportation.
• Space rentals.
• Administration costs (up to 15% of funding request).
• Research and training.

Ineligible Expenses

• Expenses not directly related to the project.
• Expenses that take place before the Arts Strengthening Program application deadline.
• Business development costs, for example; business start-up costs, point of sale systems/websites, building a brand, business logo design, production of items intended for sale such as t-shirts or vinyl records.
• Capital purchases, such as vehicles or costs associated with building or land improvement.

Eligibility Criteria

• One-on-one arts mentorships:
  • B.C. First Nations individuals. Applicants must be 17 years of age (with a guardian’s signature) or older.
• Arts group knowledge transfer:
  • B.C. First Nations individuals. Applicants must be 19 years of age or older.
  • Recognized B.C. First Nations bands or Tribal Councils.
  • Not-for-profit societies registered in B.C. in good standing and governed by B.C. First Nations individuals where at least 75% of directors are from recognized B.C. First Nations.B.C. First Nations–led museums and cultural spaces where at least 75% of directors are from recognized B.C. First Nations.
  • Urban and off-reserve B.C. First Nations-led organizations where at least 75% of directors are from recognized B.C. First Nations.
  • B.C. First Nations schools or adult education centres operating in B.C. on First Nations lands.2 Please note that applications from First Nations schools that serve one community must be submitted through their respective Nation or Band Office.
• In addition to the above criteria, eligible applicants must:
  • Have been a resident of B.C. for at least one year. If there is a question about whether you live in B.C., you may be asked to provide documentation. Proof of residency can include a valid B.C. services card, a valid B.C. driver’s licence or evidence of income taxes paid in the previous year as a B.C. resident.
  • Have previous experience or a creative mandate that demonstrates a commitment to their practice.
  • Demonstrate the support of recognized artists, creatives and cultural or community leaders within B.C. First Nations communities they are connected to and that the project affects.
  • Submit only one application as an applicant to the Arts Program per deadline.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Organizations or societies where less than 75% of Board members are members of a recognized B.C. First Nation.
• Collectives or non-registered groups (this grant only accepts registered societies).
• For-profit organizations and businesses, entities, individuals and commercial ventures.
• Organizations or previous grant recipients with incomplete or outstanding reporting with FPCC or FPCF. These applicants are ineligible until all required documentation is complete.
• Individuals or Organizations with an active FPCC Arts Program grant.
• Government organizations, including municipalities.
• Universities, colleges and non-B.C. First Nations schools.
• Private clubs, groups and organizations with exclusive memberships.
• Religious organizations.
• Corporations.
• Individuals cannot be the project lead for more than one application to the FPCC Arts Program for the same deadline, but they may be involved in more than one project if they are in a different role.

For more information, visit First Peoples’ Cultural Council.