Community Presenters Assistance

What’s new for 2026-27?

• The application form has moved online to improve the consistency, accuracy and formatting of submissions. This change streamlines the application process, making it easier to review and assess submissions efficiently. As a result, it will help shorten the time between application submission and notification of the outcome.
• The definition of cover or tribute bands has been updated to clarify that cover or tribute bands that lack originality, are not unique or creative, are excluded.
• The questions or narrative portion of the application has been streamlined, and the scoring guidelines for each section have been revised to ensure the assessment panel scores all sections equally.

Proposed activity must occur between June 15, 2026, and June 14, 2027.

We have information regarding artist fees under “Resources” for your reference. These provide guidelines for what to consider when setting professional fees.

Applications are evaluated by a peer assessment panel representing the performing arts and presenting communities throughout BC. This is the most critical section of the application. A peer assessment panel evaluates and scores applications based on the following:

Contribution & Significance (33.3% of your score)

• What is your artistic vision for your programming, and what methods and approaches do you use to realize that vision?
• What efforts do you make to program boundary-pushing, new, and inspiring work that supports the development of the performing arts and artists?
• Please provide examples of how your programming reflects a commitment to equity, diversity, accessibility, and building respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples.

Engagement & Impact (33.3% of your score)

• Describe how your programming creates meaningful opportunities for engagement with artists, including those from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented communities.
• Describe how your programming creates opportunities for engagement with your audiences and community. This can include a range of activities, such as interactive and educational activities that enhance the impact of your work, including reaching underserved or new audiences.
• How do you measure the effectiveness of your engagement initiatives throughout the season, and how is this information used to improve future presenting choices?

Capacity & Feasibility (33.3% of your score)

• Please describe the resources you have available, including financial, operational, and staff or volunteers, to support your presenting activity, and explain how your series is positioned for long-term sustainability.
• Describe how your organization addresses diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Describe the quality of working conditions for artists and cultural workers, including fair remuneration, equitable employment, safety, and respectful work environments.

The application does not include a budget. You are asked to submit a financial statement for your last fiscal year that includes:

• Balance Sheet, Income Statement and notes from the most recent year-end;
• Artists’ fees should be a separate line item and identifiable in your statements;
• Signature of the bookkeeper/accountant (if applicable);
• Signatures of two board members of the organization, demonstrating board approval;
• The type of statement required is based on your last award (if applicable) – see the Guidelines for details;
• If your current statement is unavailable, please submit a statement from your previous year.

Awards are available on a project basis to support non-profit performing arts presenters in BC who host professional performing arts touring events as part of a series or season. See the guidelines for eligibility.

Applicants and activities in the municipalities of Vancouver and Victoria are not eligible to apply. See exclusions in the Guidelines (PDF).

The program requires applicants to present an artistically diverse program of not less than three eligible professional performing arts events on an annual basis, to demonstrate, through previous activity, an ability to realize a program of comparable scale and complexity, and to adhere to the principle that artists must be paid for their work at recognized professional rates.

All applicants are eligible for up to $20,000. The eligible amount is based on the following formula for performing artists’ fees:

• 50% of fees for professional BC artists, including local artists, to a maximum of $5,000 per event.
• 50% of fees for professional Canadian artists, including local artists, to a maximum of $5,000 per event.
• 0 for Non-Canadian artists or non-professional artists (e.g. amateur choirs), highly commercial acts and any/all ‘non-performing artist’ presentations (e.g. films, readings, lectures).

While the maximum eligible level of an award is calculated on a formula basis, the full amount is not automatic. The Assessment Panel will apply the evaluation criteria to determine the award level. Applicants should be aware that they may not receive the full amount requested.

We encourage you to include all of the presentations in your season/series in the report. This helps demonstrate the level of presenting activity in the province.

If you applied to Into the Act, do not include this programming in your application. 

As part of the application, you are asked to indicate whether an artist is contracted or tentative: “Contracted” means a contract or letter of agreement has been signed with the artist for a set fee.

Tentative performances should also be listed, and a request can be made; however, tentative performances may or may not be approved and/or made conditional upon confirmation.

Applicants will be informed of the panel’s decision by email approximately 14 weeks after the deadline. Applicants will be notified by email to the primary contact on the application form. Funds will be paid out to successful applicants following notification.