Into the Act provides financial assistance to BC-based, non-profit performing arts presenters and arts and culture festivals to create opportunities for early-career artists from Canada across all disciplines and genres. Please see the definition for early-career artists in the Guidelines.
Awards are based on the above, as well as:
* A qualitative assessment of the applicant’s presenting history.
* Requests may be up to $10,000 per organization.
* 100% of your request must be used to pay artists’ fees and expenses associated with touring (travel/accommodation).
* The proposed programming must occur between June 1, 2025, and May 30, 2026. The program has only one intake.
Please note that the intake for the 2025-26 program is now open. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 30, 2025 at 5:00 pm PT.
Into the Act is a partnership program of BC Live, the Province of BC, and the BC Arts Council.
Guidelines, Forms & Resources
Acknowledgment of Funding
All organizations receiving funding must acknowledge support in all promotional materials.
The BC Live Performance Network delivers our funding programs in partnership with the Province of BC and the BC Arts Council. Therefore, we request that all three logos be included in your materials, including print marketing (posters/brochures), websites, and social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
Applicants must be a BC-based non-profit performing arts presenters who presents a series/season, OR an arts and cultural festival that engages professional artists and pays fees at industry rates. Exclusions include applicants and activity 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 $10,000 per organization. 100% of your funding request must be used to pay early career artists’ fees and/or expenses associated with touring, including travel and accommodation. The program does not allow other expenses associated with presenting. Funding is limited.
The proposed activity must occur between June 1, 2025, and May 30, 2026. There is only one intake for 2025-26.
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 panel scores applications based on the following:
Engagement of Early Career Artists (25%)
A feasible proposal that identifies early-career artists, their presentation and compensation.
Demonstrated benefit to Early Career Artists (50%)
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.
Approach to Programming & Anticipated Outcomes (25%)
Your artistic vision for your programming and the methods and approaches you use to realize that vision. Additionally, what outcomes do you expect to achieve through your programming?
Early Career Artists Definition
To be eligible, early career artists must live, work and practice in Canada. They must 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 (if applicable), confirmed before applying. You must submit bios with your application for the early career artists you are proposing.
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 (using the current intake form) 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 12-14 weeks after the application deadline. Funds will be paid to successful applicants following notification by email and letter.