Applications open 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.

Areas of Funding

• 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.
• Arts Group Knowledge Transfer
  • This option supports B.C. First Nations artists and 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.

Funding Information

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

Eligible Projects

• One-on-One Arts Mentorships
  • 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
  • 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

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.
  • 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 (at least 75% of directors identify as B.C. First Nations)
  • B.C. First Nations–led museums and cultural spaces (at least 75% of directors identify as B.C. First Nations)
  • Urban and off-reserve B.C. First Nations- led organizations (at least 75% of directors identify as B.C. First Nations)
  • B.C. First Nations schools or adult education centres operating in B.C. on First Nations lands (please note that applications from B.C. First Nations schools that serve one community must be submitted through their respective Nation/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 individuals who are not from a B.C. First Nation
• Public institutions (e.g., schools, universities)
• For-profit organizations and businesses
• Committees, groups and task forces without an established governing body
• Provincial/territorial and municipal governments
• Federal or provincial government departments
• Organizations or previous grant recipients with incomplete or outstanding reporting with FPCC or FPCF. These applicants are ineligible until all required documentation is complete.
• Religious organizations
• Corporations
• Private clubs, groups and organizations with exclusive memberships.

For more information, visit FPCC.