Individual Artists Program (Canada)

The program supports creative practices of any medium or expression and those who have demonstrated a commitment to their artistic practice. This may include carvers, storytellers, visual artists, choreographers, dancers, dance groups, performance artists, regalia creatives, weavers, writers, multi-media artists and sculptors.

Funding supports artists to further develop their creative practice, connect with First Nations community and explore new approaches and techniques. This program also includes scholarships for applicants pursuing a post-secondary education in the arts.

Areas of Funding

• Individual Artists
  • The Individual Artists program supports artists in:
    • Increasing their skills and knowledge.
    • Pursuing new approaches or techniques in their practice.
    • Gaining the recognition of their peers and community.
    • Developing a presentation of their artistic journey/history for the public (including but not limited to knowledge sharing events and community gatherings, gallery showings, digital platforms, performance, film)
    • Spending more time with their creative expression.
• Scholarship
  • The funding for post-secondary arts education will support applicants enrolled in an arts program at a post-secondary institution. Applicants must indicate the institution, program, and number of semesters they have enrolled in.

Funding Information

• Individual Artists up to $20,000
• Scholarships up to $15,000

Eligible Projects

• Individual Artists
  • The following examples illustrate some of the potential applications of this funding:
    • Furthering or developing skills within your creative practice(s) through a specific project.
    • Dedicating time to testing an innovative approach to your work.
    • Expanding your repertoire and portfolio of works.
    • Supporting your community with your project.
    • Preparing for an event, gathering or opportunity where your work will be utilized or displayed.
• Scholarship
  • The following examples illustrate some of the potential applications of this funding:
    • Pursuit of post-secondary education in the arts through a semester-based program
    • Pursuit of post-secondary education in the arts through an intensive program
    • Pursuit of professional development training in your creative practice

Eligibility Criteria

• BC. First Nations individuals with a creative practice of any medium or expression, for example; carvers, storytellers, visual artists, choreographers, dancers, dance groups, performance artists, regalia creatives, weavers, writers, multi-media artists and sculptors.
• Must be 19 years of age or older.
• A resident of British Columbia for at least one year. If there is a question about whether applicant lives in B.C., they may be asked to provide documentation. Proof of residency can include a valid B.C. services card, a valid B.C. driver’s license or evidence of income taxes paid in the previous year as a B.C. resident.
• Project will have a start date on or after the application deadline.
• Have previous experience or a creative mandate that demonstrates a commitment to their creative practice.
• Demonstrate the support of recognized artists, creatives, cultural, or community leaders within B.C. First Nations communities they are connected to, and the project affects.
• Submit only one application as an applicant per deadline to the Arts Program.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Individuals with an active FPCC Arts Program grant.
• Individuals cannot be the project lead for more than one application to the FPCC Arts Program for the same deadline but may be involved in more than one project if they are in a different role.
• Individuals who have the same project funded through BC Arts Council.
• 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.