Into the Act

Applicants must be non-profit performing arts presenters in BC who present a performing arts series, season, or arts and cultural festivals that engage artists and pay fees at industry rates. Exclusions include applicants based in the municipalities of Vancouver and Victoria, and producing companies that present their own works in a series or season are not eligible. Projects that have received funding support from the BC Arts Council or Community Presenter Assistance for the same activity are not eligible. See the Guidelines (PDF) for other exclusions.

Requests may be up to a maximum of $5,000 per organization. 100% of your request must be used to pay early-career artists’ fees and/or expenses associated with touring, including travel and accommodation. Funding is limited.

The proposed activity must occur between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. There is only one intake for 2024-2025.

There are two components described below. Applicants should choose one on the application form.

COMPONENT A. Engage early-career artists from all disciplines and genres to open for mainstage acts as part of a series, season or festival programming.

COMPONENT B. Engage early-career artists in a showcase, special event or series, or present an artist as part of a tour in BC.

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

Engagement of Early-Career Artists (33.3%)

A feasible proposal that identifies emerging artists, their presentation and compensation.

Demonstrated benefit of participation to Early Career Artists (33.3%)

Opportunities to work with presenters and other artists in a professional environment, reach new audiences and gain practical experience and knowledge about touring and presenting.

Demonstrated benefit of participation to Presenting Organization (33.3%)

Examples of benefits to the presenting organization include fulfilling goals, mandates or engagement with the community.

Early Career Artists Definition

To be eligible for this program, early-career artists must live, work and practice in Canada. Early-career artists demonstrate competency in the basic techniques of their artistic practice and are in the early stage of launching a professional career. They may have reached a critical moment and will use this opportunity to maximize their potential audience and propel them into their next career phase. Where a group/artistic company/band is proposed, the majority must be early-career artists.

Applicants should have all artists, including early-career and main-stage, confirmed before submitting an application.

Into the Act does not require matching funds. If you plan to contribute other funding or revenue, please include it in your budget on the application form.

Applications received are acknowledged by email; Applications are reviewed for completeness and accuracy; applicants may be contacted for additional information or clarification as required. However, it is the responsibility of the applicant to submit completed forms with the necessary support materials.

A peer assessment panel reviews applications convened specifically for this purpose. Applicants will be informed of the panel’s decision by email 10-12 weeks after the deadline. Funds will be paid out to successful applicants following notification.