Update: The Arts funding application is now closed.
FPCC’s Arts Program is offering up to $75,000 in funding to B.C. First Nations artists, communities and First Nations-led organizations. Apply for arts funding today to support your creative journey!
The First Peoples’ Cultural Council’s (FPCC) Arts Program supports the creation, development, production and promotion of all forms of creative expression. This includes ceremonial, visual, performance, music, literary, media, sculpture, carving, weaving and more.
“It’s really important that we can live beyond our visions, and this helps take the pressure off of wondering how am I going to network and how am I going to do things without funds. Instead, you can relax a little and just be an artist. Funding helps with our self-determination and is not just going to help one person, it’s going to help communities.” – Patrick Aleck, Stz’uminus First Nation
Click on each program title below to visit the program page, read the guidelines, watch an information session and start your application. We have also developed a checklist to support applicants as they prepare to apply. This document is a point form summary of key application requirements and is available in the Additional Resources section on each program page.
Applications will be accepted until March 5, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. PT
Note: If you wish to receive feedback on your application, please submit your application two weeks prior to the closing deadline (March 5, 2026). Email the program contact listed at the bottom of each program page to request feedback.
Individual Artists Program – up to $20,000
Supports the artistic development of B.C. First Nations creators residing in B.C. Applicants with a creative practice of any medium or expression who demonstrate a commitment to their artistic practice are welcome to apply.
Applicants can apply for one of two options:
- Individual Artists – Up to $20,000 for artists to expand their portfolio, explore new approaches and techniques, and further develop their creative practice
- Scholarships – Up to $15,000 to support applicants enrolled in an arts program at a post-secondary institution
Arts Strengthening Program – up to $50,000
Supports arts revitalization opportunities for B.C. First Nations creatives to pursue either one-on-one arts mentorships or arts group knowledge transfer.
Applicants can apply for one of two options:
- One-on-one Arts Mentorships – Up to $30,000 to support artist apprentices to pursue a mentorship with an established artist
- Arts Group Knowledge Transfer – Up to $50,000 to support individual artists and arts and culture organizations in their arts revitalization efforts through group workshops
Arts Infrastructure Program – up to $75,000
Supports B.C. First Nations communities and B.C. First Nations-led organizations and societies with building or upgrading art spaces, artistic production, strengthening administrative skills and operational support.
Applicants apply for one of two options:
- Organizations – Up to $50,000 for artistic production combined with either building or upgrading art spaces, strengthening administrative skills or operational support.
- Community Arts Spaces – Up to $75,000 for the development and enhancement of B.C. First Nations-led community arts and culture spaces.
Music Program – up to $30,000
The Music Program supports the development of B.C. First Nations music creatives and professionals residing in B.C. through grants and training programs.
Applicants can apply for one of three options:
- Creation & Sharing – Up to $20,000 for individual B.C First Nations artists in music creation, performance, recording, touring and promotion
- Recording Engineers – Mentorship – Up to $30,000 for emerging B.C First Nations recording engineers
- Industry Professionals – Internship, Mentorship, Training – Up to $20,000 for emerging B.C. First Nations music industry professionals in the roles of administrator, agent, promoter, manager, event organizer or presenter
Eligibility
FPCC is a First Nations-led organization with unique expertise in B.C. First Nations languages, arts and heritage. B.C. has a great diversity of First Nations cultures, and FPCC must address the urgent need to support arts revitalization for the people and cultures of this land.
FPCC respects the rights of all First Nations to deliver services to their communities. To align with this, FPCC funding guidelines require that at least 65% of an organization’s board members/directors be individuals who are members of or have ancestral connections to a B.C. First Nation.
We support the success of all Indigenous artists, no matter where they are from. Here is a link to additional funding sources available to support the arts for Indigenous people: fpcc.ca/artsfunders
Information Video
To support applicants, a recording is available on each program page linked above to help answer any questions you may have about the program, eligibility and how to apply.
How to Apply
Update: The application period for this grant is now closed. All grants currently open are listed here. To receive updates on grants and when they open, please sign up for our newsletter.
Prior to starting your application, please visit each program page for more information, as well as helpful tips and an application planning checklist. FPCC Arts Program applications will be submitted on the FPCC Grant Portal.
For more information about each program, how to apply and to read the application, please click on each program above.
We Are Here to Provide Support
If you have any questions about the application process, eligibility and would like to discuss project planning and/or need support in completing your application, please contact program staff at least two weeks before the application deadline.
Individual Artists Program contact: individualarts@fpcc.ca
Arts Strengthening Program and Arts Infrastructure Program contact: aip@fpcc.ca
Music Program contact: music@fpcc.ca
Please help raise awareness about this opportunity by sharing this poster.
“I spent nine months mentoring under Frieda as she taught me the weaving process that our ancestors did from start to finish. We started with raw sheep’s wool. Frieda taught me how to wash it, pick it, and spin it and about the natural plant dyes that our ancestors used. We then went out into our territory and collected these plants and I learned how to dye the wool for weaving.” – Joy Hall, Stó:lō Nation territory with Mentor Frieda George
Arts Grant Funders
Visit each program page for the list of funders for that program.
Learn More
View the Arts Program resources here
Read stories about FPCC Arts projects here
Share Your Story!
Do you have a story about the work your community is doing to revitalize First Nations languages, heritage and arts in B.C.? We want to hear from you! Please send your story to info@fpcc.ca and check back as we post more stories about the good work being done across the province.
Connect with Us
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To view all current FPCC funding opportunities please visit our Grants page.
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