The Individual Artists Program supports the artistic development of B.C. First Nations creators residing in B.C.
The program supports creative practices of any medium or expression and those who have demonstrated a commitment to their artistic practice. This may include carvers, storytellers, visual artists, choreographers, dancers, dance groups, performance artists, regalia creatives, weavers, writers, multi-media artists and sculptors.
Funding supports artists to further develop their creative practice, present their work in community and explore new approaches and techniques. This program also includes scholarships for applicants pursuing a post-secondary education in the arts.
The Individual Artists Program offers two funding options: Individual Artists and Scholarships. Click below to learn more about each area.
Individual Artists – Up to $20,000
This funding area supports artists in:
- Increasing their skills and knowledge
- Pursuing new approaches or techniques in their practice
- Gaining the recognition of their peers and community
- Developing a presentation of their artistic journey/history for the public (including but not limited to knowledge sharing events and community gatherings, gallery showings, digital platforms, performance, film)
- Spending more time with their creative expression
Some examples of the potential activities for this funding include: dedicating time to testing an innovative approach to your work, further developing skills within your creative practice through and specific project, expanding your portfolio, preparing for an event, gallery show or opportunity where your work will be utilized or displayed.
Scholarships – Up to $15,000
Scholarships support applicants enrolled in an arts program at a post-secondary institution. Applicants must indicate the institution, program and number of semesters they have enrolled in.
The following examples illustrate some of the potential applications of this funding:
- Pursuit of post-secondary education in the arts through a semester-based program
- Pursuit of post-secondary education in the arts through an intensive program
- Pursuit of professional development training in your creative practice
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.
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.
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.
Please note, if you are interested in applying for a full-time one-on-one mentorship, please apply to the Arts Strengthening Program.
Additionally, if you are applying for primarily music-based activities, please apply to the Music Program.
Watch the Information Video
Please view the video below for more information about the program, guidelines and application process.
This program is made possible through a partnership with BC Arts Council.
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 Julie Elizabeth Photography, Williams Lake First Nation
Program Contact
Leah Anthony
Leah comes from Carrier, Portuguese, French Canadian and English/Irish ancestry. She joined FPCC in 2021 and supports the Individual Artists Program as an Arts Program Coordinator. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre and Environmental Studies at the University of Victoria in 2020.