The BC Arts Council (BCAC) was created in 1995 as an agency of the Province of British Columbia under the Arts Council Act. The BCAC nurtures and supports arts and cultural activity in communities across British Columbia. From community arts in rural and urban centres, to individual artists, professional performing arts companies, Indigenous artists and cultural organizations, art galleries, local museums and music festivals – BCAC supports a range of activities while engaging with artists and communities to inform policies and programs.

  • Grant Programs

    The BCAC offers a wide range of funding programs, including:

    Individual arts grants

    One-time grants for artists, including young and pre-professional artists in all disciplines.

    Project assistance grants

    One-time grants for specific projects initiated by individuals, collectives and organizations.

    Operating assistance grants

    Ongoing support for B.C.-based, not-for-profit arts and cultural organizations and for-profit book publishers.

    The funding programs can be viewed as a list or searched using a number of criteria to help you discover quickly which grants you may be eligible for.

  • News and Updates

    Canada Post Service Delay

    With the ongoing strike activity at Canada Post, mail service operations across the country have…

  • Upcoming Grant Deadlines

    Application Assistance

    Deadline: Ongoing

    Application Assistance provides a contribution towards costs for artists and arts and…

    Access Support

    Deadline: Ongoing

    Access Support provides an additional contribution towards costs for specific…

    Arts Impact Grant

    Deadline: April 9, 2025

    Arts Impact Grants are responsive and flexible funding for arts and culture organizations…

    Professional Development

    Deadline: April 10, 2025

    Supports professional artists and arts & culture professionals to undertake specific…