Indigenous Arts Program Pilot – Individuals, Groups, and Collaborations
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Program TypeIndividual Arts Grants
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Application DeadlineNovember 12, 2026
- Application Type
- Fields of Practice
Description
The Indigenous Arts Program Pilot – Individuals, Groups, and Collaborations supports First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artists, cultural practitioners, Knowledge Keepers, Knowledge Holders, and Culture Carriers in British Columbia.
Developed with guidance from the Joint Indigenous Arts Advisory Circle, this program is intended to improve access to funding, reduce barriers for Indigenous applicants, and support Indigenous-led artistic and cultural activities that reflect Indigenous values, priorities, and ways of working.
The program supports a range of Indigenous artistic and cultural practices including traditional, contemporary, interdisciplinary, experimental, and community-engaged work.
Use these guidelines if you are applying as an individual or on behalf of an ad hoc or unincorporated group, or for a collaborative project. One member of your group must submit the application. See the program guidelines for more information.
For Indigenous-Led Organizations and Collectives, see Indigenous Arts Program Pilot – Indigenous-Led Organizations and Collectives.
If you are unsure how to register or which application to submit, see the Eligibility Pathway (coming soon).
Review the Program Guidelines in the Resources section below to learn about:
- Eligibility requirements
- Eligible projects and expenses
- Application process
- Application requirements
- Assessment process
We’re here to help.
The goal of this program is to support and strengthen Indigenous arts and culture throughout British Columbia. BC Arts Council staff are available to support applicants throughout the application process. If you’re not sure if you or your project are eligible for this program, or if you are unable to register or submit your application through the online system, contact a Program Advisor.
To get the most from your time connecting with the Program Advisor, you are encouraged to review the Program Guidelines and other resources below before reaching out.
Resources
Applicants are encouraged to review the Program Guidelines and other resources before contacting the Program Advisor. This will help you get the most from your time connecting with program staff.
Documents
- Program Guidelines – Indigenous-Led Organizations and Indigenous Collectives (PDF)
- Application Checklist (PDF)
- Application Previews: Microgrants and Mid- and large-scale grants (Word)
- Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
- Glossary
Videos
- Accessibility Resources
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- What is the BC Arts Council? (ASL with Captions)
- What is Application Assistance? (ASL with Captions)
Applicant Supports
These additional supports are available to applicants.
Indigenous Arts Program Pilot Application Support
Support is available for Indigenous applicants who experience barriers related to literacy, technology, geography, language, or who have other access needs not related to being D/deaf or disabled (see Accessibility Support below).
Support may include writing and editing assistance, translation, interpretation, transcription, technical assistance, coaching, or mentorship.
Applicants must remain actively involved in developing their application.
The deadline to request this assistance is October 29, 2026.
Contact: Erin Macklem at 778-698-1416 or Erin.Macklem@gov.bc.ca for more information.
Accessibility Support
If you self-identify as D/deaf or disabled, you are eligible for the BC Arts Council’s accessibility programs.
Application Assistance
Provides funding for support services required to:
- Register in the online system
- Prepare and submit grant applications, project updates, and final reports
Access Support
Provides additional funding for access costs related to a project funded by a BC Arts Council grant.
Contact: Nicola Dunne, Accessibility Coordinator at 778-405-4007 or BCACaccess@gov.bc.ca
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the BC Arts Council’s online Grant Management System.
New applicants must register and create a profile in the online system. It may take up to five business days after we have received all required documents to process your registration request. This means you need to register before 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 to be able to apply to this program.
Applications will be accepted in the online system until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2026. You will not be able to submit an application after this time.