all Arts grants
FPCC’s Arts Strengthening Program supports B.C. First Nations arts revitalization opportunities for 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 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, First Nations, Metis and Inuit 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 First Nations, Inuit, or Metis methods in tattooing.
Arts Group Knowledge Transfer – Up to $50,000
This option supports B.C. First Nations, First Nations, Metis and Inuit individuals AND First Nations 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.
This program is supported through a partnership with BC Arts Council, a donation from Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies and funding from the Government of British Columbia’s Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation through the First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation.
Information Session
Review this info session video for more information about the program, timeline and how to apply.
We are Here to Support you!
Program staff are available to support you with your application. Please join us for our Information Session (register above) or view the recorded session. Contact the program staff listed at the bottom of this page if you would like assistance with your grant application.
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: Original artwork by Individual Artist recipient Carly Nabess, Métis (Cree) and Anishnaabe from Terrace B.C.
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.