all Arts grants
The Arts Strengthening Program supports arts revitalization opportunities for B.C. First Nations creatives to pursue either a one-on-one arts mentorships or arts group knowledge transfer. Projects in this program focus on the transfer of essential artistic and cultural knowledge to new generations of B.C First Nations artists to support the strengthening and continuation of significant cultural practices.
FPCC strongly encourages collaboration. If applying as an organization for group knowledge transfer, only one program per Band Office, Tribal Council or Society/Organization will be eligible for funding.
You can choose one of two areas to apply for, see the information for each area below.
One-on-one Arts Mentorships – Up to $30,000
This option supports B.C. First Nations individuals to pursue a one-on-one mentorship with an established mentor artist in the art form they wish to develop. The following are just some examples of the variety of eligible arts mentorship projects:
- Transferring knowledge, skills, and teachings to a group of apprentices wanting to revitalize the practice of canoe carving and designing in their community
- Mentorship for further artistic development in painting
- Learning from an established mentor the appropriate teachings of creating regalia
- Developing B.C. First Nations methods in tattooing
Arts Group Knowledge Transfer – Up to $50,000
This option supports B.C. First Nations individuals AND B.C. First Nations led organizations in their arts revitalization efforts through group workshops with an established mentor. The following are examples of eligible knowledge transfer workshops:
- To have an experienced artist teach a group of beginner wood carvers
- Reclaiming teachings through workshops that transfer weaving, language and cultural knowledge
- To have a mentor and Knowledge Holder share skills in drum making with multiple participants
- To host workshops to create dance regalia
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. Please review the FPCC Funding Guidelines and program guidelines to determine if you meet the program criteria, then click the APPLY NOW button to access our 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.
Image: sk’il jaadee Danielle Allard and Christian White, Arts One-on-One Mentorship recipients, Massett, Haida Gwaii.
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.