Deadline: 15-Sep-23
Applications are now open for the Arts Strengthening Program to support arts revitalization opportunities for one-on-one arts mentorships or arts group knowledge transfer.
The First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC) Arts Program is one of three program areas (i.e., Arts, Language and Heritage) at FPCC and provides financial support to B.C. First Nations, First Nations, Métis and Inuit creatives, with priority given to projects intended for revitalization of the arts, languages, cultures and heritage of B.C. First Nations.
Projects in this funding stream dedicate attention to the transfer of essential artistic and cultural knowledge to new generations of B.C. First Nations, First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists to support the continuation of significant cultural practices.
Priority Areas
- There are two priority options when applying:
- One-on-One Arts Mentorships
- Objective: This option supports 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 B.C First Nations, First Nations, Métis or Inuit methods in tattooing
- 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.
- Grant amount: up to $30,000
- Objective: This option supports 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:
- Arts Group Knowledge Transfer
- Objective: This option supports 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. The following are examples of eligible knowledge transfer workshops:
- An experienced artist teaching 10 beginner wood carvers
- Reclaiming teachings through workshops that transfer weaving, language and cultural knowledge
- A mentor and Knowledge Holder sharing skills in drum making with eight participants
- Hosting workshops to create dance regalia
- Grant amount: up to $50,000
- Objective: This option supports 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. The following are examples of eligible knowledge transfer workshops:
- One-on-One Arts Mentorships
Duration
- The funding term for the Arts Strengthening Program is as follows:
- Projects can take place anytime between September 16, 2023, and December 31, 2024.
- Projects must be completed by December 31, 2024.
- A final report is due one month after the project end date, no later than January 31, 2025.
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligible Applicants
- One-on-one arts mentorships:
- B.C. First Nations, First Nations, Métis and Inuit creatives. Applicants must be 17 years of age (with a guardian’s signature) or older and residing in B.C.
- Arts group knowledge transfer:
- B.C. First Nations, First Nations, Métis and Inuit creatives. Applicants must be 19 years of age or older and residing in B.C.
- Please note: If there is a question about whether an 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 licence or evidence of income taxes paid in the previous year as a B.C. resident.
- 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 First Nations)
- Urban and off-reserve B.C. First Nations, First Nations, Métis and Inuit led organizations (at least 75% of directors identify as First Nations)
- B.C. First Nations schools or adult education centres operating in B.C. on First Nations lands (please note that applications from First Nations schools that serve one community must be submitted through their respective Nation/band office).
- B.C. First Nations, First Nations, Métis and Inuit creatives. Applicants must be 19 years of age or older and residing in B.C.
- Eligible Applicants must:
- 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 First Nations communities they are connected to and that the project affects
- Submit only one application per deadline
- Submit a final report for any previous FPCC grants (if applicable). You will not be eligible to apply until all active grants are closed.
- One-on-one arts mentorships:
- Ineligible Applicants
- Individuals who are not B.C. First Nation, First Nations, Métis or Inuit
- Collectives (if applying as an organization for arts group knowledge transfer, the program only accepts registered societies).
- For-profit organizations and businesses, entities, individuals and commercial ventures
- Previous grant recipients who are in default of the grant reporting requirements. These applicants are ineligible until all required documentation is complete.
- Government organizations, including municipalities
- Individuals with funding for the same project through BC Arts Council
- Universities, colleges and non–First Nations schools
- Religious organizations
- Corporations
For more information, visit First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC).