Our 2024 Arts Retreat gathered B.C. First Nations artists from across the province to exchange cultural knowledge, learn from mentors and network with peers.
FPCC supports B.C. First Nations artists at all stages of their careers. As part of our ongoing efforts to connect artists with mentors, last spring we hosted iʔ scqʷaʔqʷʔaltət, iʔ scmaʔmaytət – Our Voices, Our Stories (in Nsyilxcn) at the En’owkin Centre in Syilx Okanagan territory.
The Arts retreat was built on the foundation of previous music-focused retreats, but it has expanded to welcome artists of all disciplines. The multi-disciplinary retreat gathered 20 B.C. First Nations artists from across the province. Participants exchanged cultural knowledge, learned from mentors, connected with their peers, developed professional skills and shared their artistic talents and practices while gaining a sense of place on the land.
The participants included FPCC Arts Program applicants and recipients, many of whom are actively involved in other FPCC-funded arts, language and heritage projects. The retreat gave them the opportunity to nurture their creative spirits, network with others in their unique fields and develop their professional talents.
The retreat included a welcome feast, creative workshops, professional development sessions, a
private community film screening of SG̲aawaay Ḵ’uuna (Edge of the Knife) and a private artists’ show
and share at a popular local venue, the Dream Café.
“It was an honour for the FPCC Arts Program team to clear a path for this unique and powerful experience for B.C. First Nations artists. Lu holtga gagoodm – our hearts are full.”
– Arlene Deptuck, FPCC Arts Program Manager
“My experience at the Arts Retreat has been really amazing. It’s allowed me to take a pause from
a lot of the project work that I do and put some energy, care and love into where I’m at as a creative
individual.” – Participant feedback
The FPCC Arts Program supports B.C. First Nations artists working in ancestral and contemporary arts by delivering grants, workshops and programs in their respective activities and by facilitating knowledge transfer, training and professional development. Events such as the Arts Retreat influence the development of future FPCC Arts programs to meet the unique needs of the artists from these lands.
Arts Vitality Grant now open
The Arts Vitality Grant is a one-time opportunity to receive up to $10,000 in funding for creative projects that contribute to research on the status and strength of B.C. First Nations storytelling and arts knowledge and practices.
Applications for our Arts Vitality Grant are open until May 28, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. PT. For more information, please visit fpcc.ca/AVG.
For more information about our Arts Program, please visit fpcc.ca/arts.
Learn More
To view all current FPCC funding opportunities please visit our Grants page
To view more Arts Program stories click here
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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.