Into the Act

Applicants must be a non-profit,  performing arts presenter in BC who presents a performing arts series, season or an arts and culture festival that engages professional artists and pays fees at industry rates. Producing companies that present their own works in a series or season are not eligible.

Projects that have received funding support from BC Arts Council or Community Presenter Assistance for the same activity are not eligible. See other exclusions in the guidelines.

Proposed activity must occur between September 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. The program does not support retroactive activity.

Engagement of Emerging Artists – see below for the definition

• a feasible proposal that identifies emerging artists, their presentation and compensation.

Demonstrated benefit to participating Emerging Artists

• opportunities to work with presenters and other artists in a professional environment, reach new audiences and gain practical experience and knowledge about touring and presenting.

Demonstrated benefit of Presenting Organization

• examples of benefits for the presenting organization such as audience and artist development.

Appropriate fees 

• ensure all artists receive professional fees that reflect the current realities of the cost of living in Canada.

For the purposes of this program, emerging artists must live, work and practice in Canada to be eligible.

Emerging artists are those who demonstrate competency in the basic techniques of their artistic practice and are in the early stage of launching a professional career.

Proposed emerging artists may have reached a critical moment in their career, are interested in touring and will use this opportunity to maximize their potential audience and propel them into the next phase of their careers.

Where there is a group/artistic company/band being proposed, the majority of artists must live, work and practice in Canada.

Into the Act does not require matching funds. If you plan to contribute other funding or revenue, please include on the budget form.

Requests may be up to a maximum of $5,000 per organization. 60% of your request must be used for artists’ fees and/or expenses associated with touring, including travel and accommodation. Funding is limited.

Projects that have received funding support from BC Arts Council or Community Presenter Assistance for the same activity are not eligible. See other exclusions in the guidelines.

There are two components described below. Applicants should choose one on the application form.

• COMPONENT A. Engage Canadian based emerging artists from all disciplines and genres to open for mainstage acts as part of a series, season or festival programming.
• COMPONENT B. Presenters looking to program a group/showcase of emerging artists as part of a special event or series, showcase OR as part of a blocked book tour with presenter colleagues.

Projects that have received funding support from BC Arts Council or Community Presenter Assistance for the same activity are not eligible. See other exclusions in the guidelines.

Applicants should have all artists, including emerging and main stage artists confirmed before applying.

Applicants will be informed of the committee’s decision by email approximately fourteen weeks after the deadline. Funds will be paid out to successful applicants following notification.