BCAC: Professional Performing Arts Organizations (Project Assistance)

Deadline: May 20, 2026

Program Summary:

Project Assistance: Professional Performing Arts Organizations supports organizations and arts or curatorial collectives in the development, production, live performance, or creation of new or unique performing arts works, programming, and community engagement initiatives.

Performing Arts includes dance, music, theatre, multidisciplinary, or other performing arts practices such as circus arts and comedy.

Projects can include activities that span multiple phases of the creative process, such as:

• Creation of new work (early drafts, research, composition, creation-based residencies)
• Project development (workshopping, presentations-in-development, collaborations, stage readings, talk-backs)
• Presentation (live performance, world premieres, full productions, post-production, self produced tours

For projects with a full range of activity you may apply for both categories in the same application.

What you can apply for:

Ineligible applications will not be forwarded for assessment. This grant program provides one-time funding for specific projects. Project grants are not meant to cover ongoing expenses.

Projects can include activities that span multiple phases of the creative process, such as:

• Creation of new work (early drafts, research, composition, creation-based residencies)
• Project development (workshopping, presentations-in-development, collaborations, stage readings, talk-backs)
• Presentation (live performance, world premieres, full productions, post-production, self
  produced tours

Examples of Eligible Projects:

 Some examples include:

• A dance company commissioning a choreographer and musician to create an original work
• A theatre company in the exploration phase of a collaborative, new performance piece
• A music ensemble embarking on a self-produced tour
• A comedy troupe creating, rehearsing, and hosting a showcase at a local venue
• A multidisciplinary presentation of new works by established and emerging artists
• A theatre collective exploring a new artistic piece by experimenting and collaborating through a series of artist workshops

Grant Amount:

Applicants may request:

• a grant amount for up to 50% of the total eligible project expenses
  or
• a grant amount for up to 65% of the total eligible project expenses from applicants that are considered part of the BC Arts Council’s designated priority groups

Applicant contributions to the project budget can include both cash and in-kind contributions.

Eligible Applicants:

Before you begin your application, make sure you are eligible and your proposed project is eligible. Ineligible applications will not be forwarded for assessment.

Professional Performing Arts Organizations Eligibility

To be eligible, an organization must be: 

• A professional performing arts organization registered and in good standing as a non-profit society or community service co-op in B.C. for at least one fiscal year prior to application.

OR 

• An Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) community organization registered and in good standing as a non-profit society or community service co-op in B.C. for at least one fiscal year prior to application.

OR 

• An Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) government in B.C. that offers regular arts and culture activities. 

OR 

• A professional performing arts organization operated by a local government in B.C. for at least one fiscal year prior to application.

OR 

• A professional performing arts organization operated by a public post-secondary institution in B.C. for at least one fiscal year prior to application.

OR

• A registered Arts Activator Organization. Arts Activator Organizations are strongly advised to contact a Program Advisor to confirm the eligibility of their proposed project.