Find supports for the arts sector.
Latest Update - April 13th, 2021: People and companies in B.C.’s music industry can plan for the future with $22.5 million dedicated to the sector over the next three years though four programs offered by Amplify BC and administered through Creative BC.
Latest Update - March 11th, 2021: The B.C. government is extending the book publishing tax credit to the end of March 2026.
British Columbia’s arts sector can call on several dedicated supports and resources during COVID-19:
People and companies in B.C.’s music industry can plan for the future with $22.5 million dedicated to the sector over the next three years though four programs offered by Amplify BC and administered through Creative BC:
- Live Music supports the operations, development and adaptation of venues, festivals and concert presenters in B.C.
- Music Company Development supports the operations, development and adaption of music companies in B.C.
- Music Industry Initiatives support the development of B.C.’s music industry, funding projects that support training, skills development, export activities, business development, research and up-and-coming talent.
- Career Development supports the careers of emerging and established artists in B.C., funding sound recordings, music videos and marketing initiatives.
Professional artists and others who work in the arts can get more support to help with challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic though this new BC Arts Council grant program. Funding is available up to $12,000.
Cultural Impact Critical Assistance (CICA)
COVID-19 Cultural Impact Critical Assistance (CICA) grants provide one-time funding to assist Vancouver based non-profit arts and cultural organizations negatively impacted by COVID-19. No one application request can exceed $75,000.
Canada Council for the Arts Advance Funding
Canada’s Council for the Arts is offering $60 million in advance funding to core funded organizations.
Canada Book Fund and Canada Periodical Fund
Canadian Heritage will simplify the 2020/21 funding requests process for the Canada Book Fund and Canada Periodical Fund to reduce the time necessary to process files. This will enable eligible beneficiaries to access financial assistance faster.
Arts and Culture Resilience Supplement
The BC Arts Council Arts and Culture Resilience Supplement provides existing operating assistance to clients and eligible project clients with up to $15,000.
BC Arts Council Client Funding
The BC Arts Council is advancing 50 per cent of 2020/21 funding to clients. Existing operating assistance clients are eligible.
Existing Creative BC clients can continue to make claims in final reports for cancelled activities and travel. Existing Creative BC clients are eligible for the program.
The Showcase BC music funding program offers one-time micro-grants of $500 to emerging artists and $2,000 to established artists for livestreaming, songwriting and professional development. British Columbians can access all the grant performances for free through the Showcase BC website and get information on new livestream events by following the hashtag #ShowcaseBC on Twitter.
Creative BC COVID-19 Resource Index
A resource index for the motion picture, interactive, music, and publishing industries that allows you to find specific resources for your needs.
As long as they meet the eligibility criteria, businesses in the arts can also tap into existing government supports such as:
