Peer Assessment
Fair and equitable treatment within an open, accountable and neutrally administered process – that’s the promise the BC Arts Council makes to every artist or organization applying for support. To ensure the decision-making process continues to maintain the highest standards, the BCAC uses a peer adjudication system.
It’s a simple system, but one that has proven effective by arts organizations around the world. An advisory committee or jury of up to five members is selected to review all applications in a funding competition. Each competition gets its own, unique review.
For each competition, assessors are identified from artistic discipline(s) giving particular consideration to the diversity of artistic practice (representation of different artistic styles and philosophies) and a range of professional specialization (representation of different professional roles within the arts, such as creators, interpreters, administrators, directors, etc.), alongside other considerations such as geographic and regional representation, Indigenous perspectives, cultural perspectives, and stage of career.
A committee meets and carefully evaluates every application. In the event of a conflict (for example, if a jury member would receive direct financial benefit from a successful application), that member is required to leave the room and does not participate in the discussion or decision making for that applicant.
It’s a careful, detailed and documented process that ensures BC Arts Council funds are distributed fairly and effectively across the province, and that B.C. artists and arts organizations are treated with the respect and attention they deserve. You can learn more about the BCAC’s adjudication process in our Guide for Assessors.