February 20, 2017

Announcing Our Updated Creative Spark Vancouver Grants

Creative Spark Vancouver is back — and we have some exciting updates to this grant for emerging artists!

What's new?

• Applicants can now request increased funding, up to $2,000
• Projects can involve young people from ages 5 to 24
• Honoraria for other contributors increased to up to $100 per person (not to exceed $200 total for the project)

What is Creative Spark Vancouver?

Creative Spark Vancouver grants enable emerging artists to gain experience on small projects that could lead to new career opportunities, new community relationships, different perspectives on arts and education, future learning opportunities and exciting multi-faceted projects.

Emerging artists across all disciplines living in the City of Vancouver, or who are residents and members of the Musqueam, Squamish or Tsleil-Waututh First Nations, who have an interest in building their careers and working with young people in an arts-based capacity are invited to apply for Creative Spark Vancouver.

Creative Spark Vancouver is disbursed by ArtStarts in Schools and funded by the City of Vancouver.

What are some examples of previous projects?

Not sure what creative project you might develop? Here are some examples of successfully funded projects to date:

• A textile art project to construct meaningful artwork for a classroom reading corner, using salvaged fabric
• A series of arts-based workshops for self-identified Muslim youth, including photographic self-portraits and creative writing, to showcase their beauty and diversity and create a safe space for expression
• An arts-integrated learning project for ages 5-12 to create multimedia dioramas inspired by ideas of ecosystem and sustainability
• A professional workshop and public reading of a play for young audiences, to bring it to the next stage of its development
• An weekly workshop where families learn about plants and berries that can be used for dyeing wool and develop their own weaving skills
• A four-month pilot program of drama therapy and theatre arts classes for children ages 6-12 to explore the healing power of drama
• A project that turns a park space into a musical playground for youth, with hands-on workshops about making instruments from household objects
• Workshops that engage young people in the creation of theatre art and provide mentorship with playwriting, acting, and direction
• A creative exercise to teaches participants how to "think like an artist" by being present to our surroundings and searching for beauty and wonder in everyday routines and experiences

This list is not at all comprehensive. We hope these examples inspire you and spark your imagination. Apply for a Creative Spark Vancouver grant and bring your own unique creative project to life!

How can artists apply?

The upcoming deadline to apply is April 21, 2017. Learn more and apply online at artstarts.com/creativesparkvancouver