BC Arts Council: Professional Arts Training (Organizations)

Deadline: May 20, 2026

Program Summary:

Project Assistance: Professional Arts Training Organizations supports arts and culture organizations in the development and delivery of training activities through a specific project or component within the organization’s overall activities. Grants are not available through this program to support an arts training organization’s general operating activities.

Eligible activities must be led by experienced instructors and either provide:

• basic training that will prepare participants to work at a professional level upon completion or
• provide professional development for professional artists and cultural workers. 

This program is not intended to support recreational or non-professional arts and culture training, workshops, or courses.  

What you can apply for:

Applicants are encouraged to discuss the eligibility of their project with the Program Advisor before applying. Ineligible applications will not be forwarded for assessment.

Grants in this program support specific projects that develop and deliver training and skill development to those working in the arts and culture sector and in traditional art practice. When participants complete this training, they should be able to work and earn money in their field of practice.

Examples of eligible projects:

Examples of eligible activities include but are not limited to: 

• Courses and classes (not offered through post-secondary institutions)
• Professional development workshops
• Learning residencies
• Knowledge transfer and formal mentorship offered in a group setting

Grant Amount:

Maximum request amount is $25,000.

Applicants may request:  

• a grant for up to 50% of the total eligible project expenses; or
• a grant 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:

To be eligible, an organization must be:

• A professional arts training 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 with:
  • The majority of key staff and board members based in B.C. 
  • Creative control and decision making for programming and engagement primarily maintained within the organization and by leadership based in B.C. 
  • A purpose or mandate to provide professional-level training for artists and cultural workers.
  • Operations and activities that reflect this purpose or mandate. 

OR 

• An 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 with:
  • The majority of key staff and board members based in B.C.
  • Creative control and decision making for programming and engagement primarily maintained within the organization and by leadership based in B.C.
  • A purpose or mandate primarily dedicated to arts and culture programming and activities.
    or
  • A purpose or mandate to provide services to the arts and culture sector in B.C.
  • Operations and activities that reflect this purpose or mandate.
  • A demonstrated history of providing professional-level training for artists and cultural workers for a minimum of one year before the application closing date.
• 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 with:
  • The majority of key staff and board members based in B.C.  
  • A commitment to offering regular arts and culture activities.   

OR 

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