Province Launches Community Resilience Through Arts and Culture Pilot Program

The following is excerpted from a release issued by the Government of British Columbia.

The Province of British Columbia has launched a new pilot program called the Community Resilience Through Arts and Culture Fund, to support arts and cultural events, initiatives and engagement by and for local communities. The focus of this program is communities experiencing hardship, historic oppression or other challenges that would benefit from the power of arts and culture to promote healing, resilience and connection.

According to the Province's webpage for the program:

"Arts and culture define and connect us, celebrate our diversity and unite us. A strong cultural foundation makes our communities resilient, sustainable and vibrant places to live and work. 

"The effects of natural and economic disaster, cultural erasure, social crises and the departure of youth can devastate small communities. Arts and culture can play a unique role in a community’s capacity to respond, withstand and recover from these significant challenges."

Eligible activities include: 

• Cultural events, festivals and community celebrations
• Arts and culture projects, programs or workshops  

Program Eligibility

This program is aimed at regional, rural or First Nations communities outside both the Metro Vancouver Regional District and the Capital Regional District (exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis). It is open to applicants with experience delivering arts and culture programming under the following categories:

• Non-profit organizations
• First Nations Band Councils or Friendship Centres
• Municipalities, Regional Districts or equivalent in partnership with at least one community-based organization or group

Grant awards will range between $2,500 and $15,000, covering up to 75% of project costs.

Information and Deadlines

The deadline for submissions is March 2, 2018 at noon PST. Send completed application forms to artsandculture@gov.bc.ca. More information on the fund can be found here.