Cinevolution Media Arts Society: Media Art Micro Grants

Deadline: June 22, 2026

Program Summary:

Calling Black, Indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC) in BC with lived experience of disability interested in exploring media art!

The Media Art Micro Grants support racialized folks of all ages who are d/Deaf, Hard of Hearing, blind, low vision, neurodivergent, live with mental illness or have physical, cognitive, or other non-visible disabilities (including chronic pain) to explore media art through learning that you lead and plan, research, or creative experimentation. You can be an emerging artist, art worker, or someone looking to explore media art, such as video, photography, digital illustration and more! No previous experience necessary.

Cinevolution is offering five $1,500 grants to BIPOC with disabilities 18 years or older who would like to explore media art, are emerging artists or art workers and have limited access to arts grant funding. You do not need formal arts training to apply. You do not need to produce a complete work by the end of the project.

Project Eligibility:

The project/research should:

• Take place between September 7 and December 10, 2026.
• Be an exploration of media art or use digital media in your creative work

Projects could include a number of activities. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Taking a course or workshop to learn a new media arts skill
• Researching and exploring an idea you have with no finished product
• Completing a project you have already been working on with the help of a mentor

Funds from the grant can be used for a number of items, including, but not limited to:

• Paid time to work on your project
• Professional development expenses (e.g. workshops, training, books, or other materials)
• Paying for equipment, software, or subscriptions (e.g. Zoom, Adobe Creative Cloud)
• Professional fees for mentors, collaborators and technicians
• Accessibility expenses (e.g. ASL interpretation, childcare, an assistant for aiding in creation)
• Cost of refreshments or appreciation gifts
• Transportation costs

Please note:

• Cinevolution defines media art as any artistic expression involving the use of technologies. This can include mediums such as video games, audio recordings, creative code, projections, film, video, photography, animation, and be used for storytelling, performance, documentation, and more. This definition is not perfect nor all-inclusive. We want to hear what you interpret as media art! You can always email us at submissions@cinevolutionmedia.com to make sure your project falls under the media arts umbrella.
• Your application should focus on a single project, rather than proposing multiple potential projects.
• Your project may include multiple related activities.
• You’re not required to have a finished artwork by the end of the funding period.

Grant Amount:

$1,500

Eligible Applicants:

This grant is for you if you are someone looking to explore media art, or an emerging artist or arts worker who:

• Identifies as Black, Indigenous, and/or a Person of Colour; and
• Has lived experience of disability, or is d/Deaf, Hard of Hearing, blind, have low vision, are neurodivergent, have physical, cognitive, or other non-visible disabilities (including chronic pain), or live with mental illness; and
• Is 18 years or older; and
• Lives anywhere in BC

Please note:

• This grant is meant to be a lower barrier resource for anyone looking to make art, as well as emerging artists or arts workers exploring media arts as a way of expressing themselves, exploring their ideas, identities, and experiences. You do not need to have a consistent and developed artistic practice.
• Formal training and previous exhibition experience are not required. You can be any age above 18 y/o, and priority will be given to those who have not previously received federal or provincial arts funding (e.g. Canada Council for the Arts, BC Arts Council, Creative BC).
• You do not need to be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Refugee to apply. We accept applications from people of all migratory status.
• We encourage applications from people outside of urban centres, older adults as well as youth in the early stages of their artistic practice, and folks belonging to communities that experience more barriers to funding.
• Your application is confidential and you’re not required to disclose anything about yourself that you don’t want to share.
• We may reach out to ask clarification questions about your application before making selections if needed.