Community Presenters Assistance

There are a couple of changes to the 2025-2026 program.

• New! All applicants are eligible for up to a maximum of $20,000.
• New! Applicants can apply for the activity between June 17, 2025 and June 15, 2026.
• Applicants can apply for 50% of the fees for BC and Canadian artists, to a maximum of $5,000 for each event.
• Presenters receiving BC Arts Council Operating Clients are eligible to apply.
• Applicants and activities in the municipalities of Vancouver and Victoria are NOT eligible. See the guidelines for other exclusions.

Proposed activity must occur between June 17, 2025, and June 15, 2026.

We have information regarding artist fees for your reference. These provide guidelines on what to consider for professional fees. See our FAQ on Artist Fees also.

Applications are evaluated by a peer assessment panel representing the touring arts and presenting communities throughout BC. The panel scores applications based on the following:

Contribution and Significance (50%)

Because this grant is based on the series/season of artists you are presenting, this is the most critical section to address in your written narrative. This is where you can address things such as:

• What is your artistic vision for your programming, and what methods and approaches do you use to realize that vision? Additionally, include what outcomes you expect to achieve through your programming.
• What efforts do you make to program boundary-pushing, new, and inspiring work that supports the development of the performing arts in Canada?;
• Please provide examples of how your programming reflects a commitment to equity, diversity, accessibility, truth and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

Engagement & Impact (25%)

Applicants should identify the proposed artists, audiences, and/or communities involved and show how the project will offer stimulating and varied forms of engagement. Engagement may include performance, exhibition or other presentation, artistic development, participation, discourse, outreach and/or education. Assessors may consider the following:

• Describe how your programming meets the cultural needs of your community.
• Describe any plans to broaden or diversify audiences, and any additional efforts to reach those lacking access to your programming, services, or resources.
• Describe how your organization addresses diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Feasibility (25%)

How does your organization plan and execute its financial and operational goals? Describe the role and work of the board and volunteers. Assessors may consider the following:

• Demonstrated capacity to realize the presentation series;
• Overall suitability of the activity to the applicant’s stated artistic and/or development goals;
• Alignment of the projected series with the stated purpose of the program;
• Quality of working conditions for artists and cultural workers, including fair remuneration, equitable employment, cultural competency, cultural safety, and respectful work environments.

The application does not include a budget. You are asked to submit a financial statement for your last fiscal year that includes:

• Balance Sheet, Income Statement and notes from the most recent year-end;
• Artists’ fees should be a separate line item and identifiable in your statements;
• Breakdown of operating net assets, distinguishing between unrestricted net assets and capital assets;
• Signature of the bookkeeper/accountant (if applicable);
• Signatures of two board members of the organization, demonstrating board approval;
• The type of statement required is based on your last award (if applicable) – see the Guidelines for details;
• If your current statement is unavailable, please submit a statement from your previous year.

Awards are available on a project basis to support non-profit performing arts presenters in BC who host professional performing arts touring events as part of a series or season. See the guidelines for eligibility.

Applicants and activities in the municipalities of Vancouver and Victoria are not eligible to apply. See exclusions in the Guidelines (PDF).

The program requires applicants to present an artistically diverse program of not less than three eligible professional performing arts events on an annual basis, to demonstrate, through previous activity, an ability to realize a program of comparable scale and complexity, and to adhere to the principle that artists must be paid for their work at recognized professional rates.

All applicants are eligible for up to $20,000. The eligible amount is based on the following formula for performing artists’ fees:

• 50% of fees for professional BC artists, including local artists, to a maximum of $5,000 per event.
• 50% of fees for professional Canadian artists, including local artists, to a maximum of $5,000 per event.
• 0% of fees for Non-Canadian artists or non-professional artists (e.g. amateur choirs), highly commercial acts and any/all ‘non-performing artist’ presentations (e.g. films, readings, lectures).

While the maximum eligible level of an award is calculated on a formula basis, the full amount is not automatic. The Assessment Panel will apply the evaluation criteria to determine the award level. Applicants should be aware that they may not receive the full amount requested.

We encourage you to include your entire season/series in the report. This helps with reporting and demonstrating the level of presenting activity in the province.

On the application form, you are asked to indicate whether an artist is contracted or tentative: “Contracted” means a contract or letter of agreement has been signed with the artist for a set fee.

Tentative performances should also be listed, and a request can be made; however, tentative performances may or may not be approved and/or made conditional upon confirmation.

Applicants will be informed of the panel’s decision by email approximately 14 weeks after the deadline. Funds will be paid out to successful applicants following notification.