The FPCC Arts Program supports B.C. First Nations artists working in both ancestral and contemporary arts by delivering grants, workshops and programs to positively impact creative sovereignty in their respective activities, knowledge transfer, training and professional development.
First Nations Arts in B.C. have a long and nuanced history, stretching back to a time well before colonization. Music, dance, carving, weaving, regalia, body art – these are just some of the artistic expressions that reflect our cultures and identities. Our art is a conduit for physical, mental, socio-cultural and economic well-being.
We use art to record history and mark events, map the land, pass on values and identify political and family structures that shape our communities. Art is at the centre of our ceremonies and cultural practices. Art is an educational tool, a public record, a political document and a spiritual resource – and it is a critical component of our cultural systems.
The Arts Program supports the creation, development, production, and promotion across all forms of creative expressions. This includes but is not limited to ceremonial, oral, visual, performance, music, literary, media, sculpture, carving and weaving.
Current Arts Funding Opportunities
See below for the list of Arts grants and programs currently accepting applications. Click on each program title to learn more.
We post information videos about our program, guidelines and application process on each program page. If you have any questions about the content or program, please contact the staff member listed at the bottom of the program page.
FPCC Funding Guidelines
The First Peoples’ Cultural Council Funding Guidelines provide general information applicable to all FPCC programs and grant applications. We encourage all applicants to review these guidelines as well as the program specific guidelines found on each program page.
Individual Artists Program – CLOSED
The Individual Artists Program supports the artistic development of B.C. First Nations creators residing in B.C. with a creative practice of any medium or expression. Applicants can choose one of two options when applying:
- Individual Artists – Up to $20,000 for artists to expand their portfolio, explore new approaches and techniques, and further develop their creative practice
- Scholarships – Up to $15,000 to support applicants enrolled in an arts program at a post-secondary institution
Arts Strengthening Program – CLOSED
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. Applicants can choose one of two options when applying:
- One-on-one Arts Mentorships – Up to $30,000 to support artist apprentices to pursue a mentorship with an established artist
- Arts Group Knowledge Transfer – Up to $50,000 to support individual artists and arts and culture organizations in their arts revitalization efforts through group workshops
Arts Infrastructure Program – CLOSED
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. Applicants can choose one of three options when applying:
- Organizations – Up to $50,000 for artistic production, administrative capacity building and operational support
- Community Arts Spaces – Up to $75,000 for the development and enhancement of community arts and culture spaces
- Arts Administrator Internships – Up to $40,000 to support the transfer of knowledge to develop skills and increase capacity for arts administrators in a museum or art setting
Arts Vitality Grant – OPEN
The Arts Vitality Grant is a one-time opportunity to receive up to $10,000 to support creative projects that contribute to B.C First Nations arts.
This grant supports B.C. First Nations storytellers, artists and arts organizations to share about the perseverance of storytelling, arts knowledge and practices in their communities. Stories may be told in a variety of ways using creative expressions such as weaving, carving, beading, dancing, songs, film and more. Projects that focus on the revitalization of community arts traditions whose vitality is threatened will be prioritized.
Music Program – CLOSED
The Music Program supports the development of B.C. First Nations music creatives and professionals residing in B.C. through grants and training programs. Applicants can choose one of three options when applying:
- Creation & Sharing – Up to $20,000 for individual artists music creation, performance, recording, touring and promotion
- Recording Engineers – Mentorship – Up to $30,000 for emerging recording engineers who are operating an independent recording studio OR emerging recording engineers who have graduated from a recognized professional recording school OR a minimum of one year experience in a recording studio
- Industry Professionals – Internship, Mentorship, Training – Up to $20,000 for emerging music industry professionals in the roles of administrator, agent, promoter, manager, event organizer or presenter
Program Coordinator Contact
Individual Artists Program
Leah Anthony, individualarts@fpcc.ca
Arts Strengthening Program
Nikki Rohani, asp@fpcc.ca
Arts Infrastructure Program
Nikki Rohani, aip@fpcc.ca
Music Program
Koralee Tonack, music@fpcc.ca
Page image by Julie Elizabeth Photography, Williams Lake First Nation
