The BC Arts Council (BCAC) was created in 1995 as an agency of the Province of British Columbia under the Arts Council Act. The BCAC nurtures and supports arts and cultural activity in communities across British Columbia. From community arts in rural and urban centres, to individual artists, professional performing arts companies, Indigenous artists and cultural organizations, art galleries, local museums and music festivals – BCAC supports a range of activities while engaging with artists and communities to inform policies and programs.

The BC Arts Council includes an administrative branch that works within the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and a 15-member Council, which broadly represents the regions, cultural diversity, and artistic communities of British Columbia.

Council members are appointed by an Order in Council that also designates the Chair and the Vice-Chair. The Council’s role is to oversee the strategic direction of the BCAC, review and approve funding, prepare an annual report on the status of the arts and culture in B.C., and submit an annual financial report.

Grants are available according to the following program:

• Individual Arts Awards
• Project Assistance
• Operating Assistance