all Arts grants
The Arts Infrastructure Program supports B.C. First Nations-led non-profit arts and culture organizations and societies with art spaces construction or renovations, artistic production projects, administrative capacity building and operational support.
There are three areas of funding to choose from, click on each area below to learn more!
Organizations – Up to $50,000
This funding supports B.C. First Nations-led organizations with artistic production, administrative capacity building and operational assistance.
Applicants can choose one of the following options:
- Apply for only artistic production up to $25,000
- Apply for only administrative capacity building up to $25,000
- Apply for only operational assistance up to $25,000
- Apply for combined artistic production and administrative capacity building up to $50,000
- Apply for combined artistic production and operational assistance up to $50,000
Examples of eligible activities include:
Artistic Production: Hosting arts workshops for the community, creation of a mural, artist residencies and collaborations
Administrative Capacity Building: Adding more staff to respond to growth in the organization, hiring a contractor for strategic planning for the growth of the organization, staff training, mentoring, and/or building a sustainable operational base
Operational Assistance: Wages and salaries, building maintenance expenses, rent or mortgage costs, electricity, gas, repairs or landscaping
Community Art Spaces – Up to $75,000
This area supports B.C. First Nations-led community organizations with the development and enhancement of community arts and culture spaces. This can include renovations to an existing structure or new construction that supports community accessibility to arts spaces. All spaces must be community focused and available for community use.
Examples of eligible activities include:
- Renovations/improvements to an existing building/structure, such as carving sheds or cultural spaces. Examples: fixing drywall, painting, roof repair, plumbing costs
- Construction of a rehearsal space (for creative expressions such as singing, drumming, dance, theatre, and others)
- Construction of a permanent designated space to create art, such as weaving, drawing, painting, and other creative expressions
Arts Administrator Internships – Up to $40,000
This area supports the transfer of knowledge to develop skills and increase capacity for arts administrators in a museum or art setting.
As part of the application process, interns and their mentor must define the structure and content for the internship and develop a learning plan that is relevant to the interests and practical needs of participants. Activities related to community-based arts and culture administration are a priority.
Examples of eligible activities include:
- Organizing workshops, events, and other arts activities.
- Community based research and planning.
- Community outreach and network building.
- Support, documentation, and promotion of local artists.
- Community cultural coordination or arts and culture facilitation.
- Curatorial practice in a gallery or museum.
Eligibility
FPCC is a First Nations-led organization with unique expertise in B.C. First Nations languages, arts and heritage. There is an urgent need to support the revitalization of First Nations arts practices in B.C. With the growing number of requests for funding, the FPCC Arts Program is focused on providing support for the artforms that come from this land.
Our work is founded in the fundamental belief that First Nations are the rightful stewards of their cultural knowledge and arts practices, and are best equipped to lead this important work of protecting, sharing and revitalizing B.C. First Nations Arts practices on these lands.
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 75% of an organization’s board members/directors be individuals who are members of or have ancestral connections to a B.C. First Nation.
We want all Indigenous artists to be successful, no matter where they are from. Here is a link to information on other arts funding sources and organizations: fpcc.ca/artsfunders
If you have questions, please contact the program contact staff member listed at the bottom of this page.
If you have questions about registering your organization as a society, please see this resource with information on how to form a society in B.C. (Please note: This document is for reference only, FPCC is not able to provide advice on setting up a society.)
How to Apply
Applications are received via the FPCC Grant Portal. Applications may be submitted until 4:30pm PST on March 19, 2025.
Watch the Information Video
Please view the video below for more information about the program, guidelines and application process.
This program is supported through a partnership with BC Arts Council and a donation from Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies
We are Here to Support you!
Contact the program staff listed at the bottom of this page if you would like assistance with your grant application.
FPCC Arts applications take time to complete, and we recommend starting as early as possible. Significant reading and writing are required throughout the application process along with seeking support letters. It is recommended to allow yourself up to a month to work through all portions of the application.
In addition, applications are completed on FPCC’s Grant Portal which is technology based and functions best when used on a laptop or desktop computer. For applicants that require assistance with technology, we recommend having a friend, family member or someone they trust to assist them with completing and submitting the application.
Please reach out to Arts Program staff if you have any questions about the application process, would like to discuss project planning and/or if you need support in completing your application. The deadline for one-on-one support is March 5th, 2025.
Tools & Resources
Funding Process
We are here to ensure that the funding application process is as easy as possible! We offer a convenient online portal so applicants can access program applications and submit reports all in one place. For additional information please visit the Funding Process page.
Click the image below to enlarge.
Page image provided by Tina Robinson, FPCC Arts Program participant.
Program Contact
Nikki Rohani
Nikki is of mixed Coast Salish and European ancestry and is from the Penelakut First Nation. Her traditional name is Suwkwiisiliye. Nikki holds a degree in Psychology and a diploma in Indigenous Community Development and Governance from the University of Victoria, as well as two certificates in administration from Vancouver Island University. She is an Arts Program Coordinator and has worked with FPCC since 2017. Prior to that, she worked as a legal assistant supporting a First Nations land-title claim.