Indigenous Arts Program Pilot – Indigenous-Led Organizations and Collectives

Description

The Indigenous Arts Program Pilot – Indigenous-Led Organizations and Collectives supports Indigenous organizations and Indigenous collectives in British Columbia that are leading artistic and cultural activities in their communities.  

Developed with guidance from the Joint Indigenous Arts Advisory Circle, this program is intended to improve access to funding, reduce barriers for Indigenous organizations, 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.  

For individuals, ad hoc or unincorporated groups, or collaborations, see Indigenous Arts Program Pilot – Individuals, Groups, and Collaborations. 

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 

Documents 

Videos 

  • Accessibility Resources 

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 

Organizations with a primary purpose to serve D/deaf or disability arts practices, or collectives led by individual artists or arts and culture practitioners who self-identify as D/deaf or disabled, may be eligible for the BC Arts Council’s accessibility support 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: Clayton Baraniuk, Accessibility Coordinator at 250-978-9839 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. 

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