Deadline: 01-Oct-2025
Are you an artist or organization on Haida Gwaii in need of some help bringing your creative vision to life? If so, the Arts Grant Program is designed for you!
With up to ten thousand dollars available for each project and a total of one hundred thousand dollars allocated for 2025, this grant offers meaningful financial backing at a time when creative endeavors need tangible support. The total amount available is $100,000, which provides a strong incentive for individuals and groups to put forward compelling proposals that enrich the Islands’ cultural fabric.
If you’ve called Haida Gwaii home for two continuous years, or if you’re part of a local non‑profit arts group with a defined mandate and your own bank account, you’re welcome to apply. Whether your journey as an artist is just beginning or you’re already established, the door is open to both emerging voices and experienced practitioners alike.
Artists working in ceremonial forms, performance, music, literary arts, textiles, digital media, visual art, crafts, or fashion—these disciplines are all embraced under the grant’s umbrella. This inclusive reach reflects a commitment to nurturing a broad spectrum of artistic expression that resonates across the Islands.
The grant supports a wide range of project needs. You can request funding for artist or mentor fees, with a daily cap; travel expenses; materials and supplies; exhibitions or publications and associated costs; relevant workshops or training; tools and equipment (within set limits); workspace or equipment rentals; and even allow for a modest administrative share for arts groups. This flexibility ensures that applicants can tailor the support to best align with their creative process.
From there, the Gwaii Trust Board reviews proposals, typically taking around two months to decide. Once approved, recipients receive guidance on next steps, including tracking spending, and are invited to submit final reports, receipts, and project snapshots when the work is complete.
What truly sets this opportunity apart is the Trust’s thoughtful approach to selection. Those applying for the first time, or who haven’t received a grant in three years, are looked upon favorably. Projects that carry cultural significance, strengthen community ties, or foster mentorship—and thereby help share or preserve traditional knowledge—are particularly welcomed.
Applicants are encouraged to reflect on whether their project promotes cultural or economic vitality, supports community well‑being, fosters education and artistic expression, conserves ecosystems or heritage, builds local decision-making, or plans for a sustainable future in Haida Gwaii. When your project aligns with those values, it stands a strong chance of being embraced.
For more information, visit Gwaii Trust Society.