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 mentorship 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 artists 17 years of age (with guardian’s signature) or older, 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 an apprentice wanting to revitalize the practice of canoe carving and designing in their community
- Mentorship for further artistic development in painting
- Learning the appropriate teachings of regalia from an established mentor
- Developing B.C. First Nations methods in tattooing, and more
Arts Group Knowledge Transfer – Up to $50,000
This option supports B.C. First Nations artists 19 or older and B.C. First Nations-led arts and culture 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, and more
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. You may review the Program Guidelines below for full eligibility requirements.
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 from one or more of the 204 recognized B.C. First Nations.
We support the success of all Indigenous artists, 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
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.
Applications are received through the FPCC Grant Portal. Before applying, watch the information video and review the two sets of guidelines below. The guidelines are optimized for accessibility purposes.
We have developed a checklist to support applicants as they prepare to apply. This document is a point form summary of key application requirements.
Applications may be submitted until 4:30 p.m. PT March 5, 2026.
This program is supported by the Province of British Columbia through partnerships with BC Arts Council and the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, and a donation from Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies.
Watch the Information Video
View the info session below to help answer any questions you may have about the program, eligibility and how to apply.
Please help raise awareness about this opportunity by sharing our poster.
Additional Resources
Tools & Resources
Application Tips & Checklist
We have developed one-page checklists to support both organizations and individual applicants as they prepare information for their application.
Here are some tips for a smooth application process:
- Start working on your application as early as possible. Significant reading and writing are required throughout the application process along with seeking support letters. It is recommended that you give yourself up to a month to work through all portions of the application. We encourage you to reach out to Arts Program staff as early as possible if you have any questions or would like to discuss project ideas. The program contact is listed at the bottom of this page.
- Be prepared to submit an online application. Applications are completed on FPCC’s Grant Portal which 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. We welcome you to reach out to the 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 February 19th, 2026. Please see contact information at the bottom of this page.
- Ensure all elements of the application are clear and consistent. Review your application to ensure that the overall project is described clearly and consistently with information that is provided in the Project Team, Project Description, Workplan and Budget sections. Ensuring all of these elements include consistent messaging will allow the story of the project to read clearly to the Peer Reviewers.
- Final review for clarity or omissions. Review your application for consistency, clarity, omissions, or errors. If possible, also ask a friend or trusted advisor to review your application.
- Submit your application by the deadline!
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
Megan Spencer
Megan has mixed Ukrainian, Scottish and English heritage. Prior to joining FPCC, she worked for six years as a traditional land use researcher in Treaty 8 territory. She brings her experience in project management, writing proposals and reports, and facilitating cultural research projects to her position as an Arts Program Coordinator. Megan holds a degree in Anthropology and Environmental Studies and a diploma in Restoration of Natural Systems from the University of Victoria. She has worked with FPCC since July 2025.