Deadline: 16-Oct-2025
The BC Arts Council is now accepting applications for its Project Assistance: Media Arts Organizations program, designed to support innovative media arts projects across British Columbia.
This grant provides targeted funding for initiatives that emphasize artistic exploration over commercial intent, helping organizations deliver creative programming that enriches communities and advances the field of media arts.
Funding is available for projects in areas such as experimental film, moving image installations, audio and sound art, and new media practices including digital and web-based formats. The program supports projects that push creative boundaries, but excludes commercial or mainstream productions intended for broadcast or streaming. Grants can be as high as $25,000, typically covering a significant portion of the project budget, with a clear emphasis on fair compensation for artists, technicians, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers in line with industry standards.
To be eligible, applicants must be professional media arts organizations registered and in good standing as non-profit societies or community service co-ops in British Columbia for at least one fiscal year. These organizations must have the majority of their leadership based in BC, retain creative control over programming, and maintain a mandate dedicated to arts and culture programming or services to the sector. Indigenous community organizations and Indigenous governments in BC that regularly offer arts and culture activities may also apply.
Professional media arts organizations operated by local governments or public post-secondary institutions may be eligible if they meet strict criteria. These include having an independent, community-based advisory structure, dedicated programming space, and staff in artistic or curatorial leadership roles. In the case of post-secondary institutions, programming must primarily involve professional arts practitioners rather than student or faculty work.
All eligible organizations must provide regular public programming in BC for at least one year prior to applying and must demonstrate community benefit beyond serving their own memberships. They must not be recipients of Operating Assistance grants and must have no overdue reporting from previous BC Arts Council funding. Compliance with cultural ownership protocols, international intellectual property rights standards, and the Criminal Records Review Act is also required, particularly for those working with children or vulnerable adults.
Successful applicants will receive one-time project funding to strengthen media arts practices, expand creative programming, and engage audiences across the province.
For more information, visit British Columbia Arts Council.