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Fast Facts

  • The BC Arts Council is an independent agency of the Province of British Columbia. It was created in 1995 through the Arts Council Act.

  • The Council’s mandate is to support the arts and cultural community by providing financial assistance, research, advocacy, and public education. Its mission is to engage all British Columbians in a healthy arts and cultural community that is recognized for excellence.

  • The Council's work is guided by two principles. The arm's length principle defines its relationship with government, and the peer assessment principle defines its relationship with the arts community. Together, these are the fundamental tenets governing the Council's operations and decision-making processes.

  • The Council operates at arm's length from the government, which means that, within its legislated mandate, it has full authority to establish its priorities, policies, and funding programs, and make grant decisions.

  • Peer assessment means the use of independent artists and other professionals working in the field to assess grant applications, advise on priorities, and make recommendations to the Council on the awarding of grants. Through peer assessment, the Council involves the arts community directly in its operations.

  • Peers, as defined by the Council, are people who by virtue of their experience, knowledge and open-mindedness, are capable of making a fair and informed assessment of the comparative merits of grant applications.

  • As a steward of public funds, the Council uses peer review as a way to make informed decisions in the allocation of resources; to ensure freedom of thought and expression; and to engage in collective decision-making.

  • The Lieutenant Governor appoints 15 Council members by Order in Council. Chairs have included Mavor Moore, Ann Mortifee, Nini Baird, Don Shumka and Jane Danzo. Former Vice-Chair, Stanley Hamilton, was appointed Chair in October 2010.

  • The Council oversees 37 programs that support artists and arts organizations in communities across B.C. All funding decisions result from independent peer review.