The British Columbia Arts Council (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.

Core Values

• Artistic Development and Achievement
• Indigenous Engagement and Cultural Vitality
• Equity, Access and Diversity
• Collaboration and Partnerships
• Engagement and Participation
• Recognition and Promotion
• Fair and Transparent Governance

Mandate

The BC Arts Council was created in 1995 as an agency of the Province of British Columbia under the Arts Council Act. Using an independent, peer review adjudication process, the BCAC provides grant funding for arts and culture in British Columbia and ensures art and cultural programming is accessible to individuals and communities across the province.

In July 2018, the Council released its Strategic Plan for 2018-2022. Entitled “New Foundations: 2018-2022,” the Plan cultivates the BCAC’s approach to collaboration and co-creation, ensuring program priorities are more responsive to the creative and cultural needs of the people they serve. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture’s Service Plan also outlines the BCAC’s goals and objectives.

Vision

The BCAC will strive to ensure that artists and cultural organizations in British Columbia are well-supported, thriving and able to reach their full potential under principles of equity, diversity, accessibility, and reconciliation. Arts and culture are seen as fundamental to developing vibrant and resilient communities, where the people of British Columbia are highly engaged in the province’s unique arts and culture sector, and are recognized for their innovation and leadership in Canada and abroad.