August 15, 2022

Three ArtStarts Opportunities to Expand Your Artistic Practice

Despite the arts and culture sector being a vital aspect of our communities, arts and culture workers have faced many challenges as a result of the pandemic. Artists experienced losses from both creative and cultural work. One reason for this is because the arts and culture sector was considered non-essential during the pandemic. 

ArtStarts was established to expand the role of the arts in education. We’ve always envisioned the arts as an essential part of life and learning. One of the ways we pursue this vision is by providing opportunities for artists that generate sustainable career pathways. These pathways include grants and our Booking & Touring program. If you are a working artist looking to expand your arts practice, read on to learn about three opportunities for artists.

1. Creative Spark Vancouver grant 

One of the challenges that emerging artists face is securing funding. Having a limited portfolio may serve as a barrier for many artist opportunities. That is where the Creative Spark Vancouver grant comes in. In partnership with the City of Vancouver, the Creative Spark Vancouver grant provides small grants to emerging artists with arts or culture projects engaging young people. This is a great way to gain experience and build an artist portfolio.

Not sure what sorts of projects are eligible? Recent projects include creative writing workshops, dance projects and more. Check out our recent blog post highlighting several recent projects.

If this sounds like something you’re interested in, check out our website to read eligibility and grant guidelines. 

We are accepting applications for this grant until September 6, 2022 September 18, 2022.

2. Artists in the Classroom grant

The Artists in the Classroom grant brings together educators and artists to collaborate on classroom projects. Available to artists, educators, and school administrators, grants are awarded to projects that demonstrate artistic impact, strong curricular connections, and high levels of student engagement. This grant is ideal for artists who have developed an arts-based project in an educational context. 

This grant is a partnership with the BC Arts Council — another great resource for artists. 

For more details on who is eligible to apply and the types of projects that have received funding in the past, visit the Artists in the Classroom page on our site. 

The deadline to apply is October 25, 2022. 

3. Join the ArtStarts Artist Directory

Are you an artist with a performance, classroom workshop, or classroom residency? Interested in touring your arts practice in schools around the province? Your artistic expression can have a lasting impression on young learners in schools through the Artstarts Artist Directory. Our directory helps connect you to schools looking to bring engaging arts experiences to their schools. 

We are accepting applications for the 2023/24 school year until October 26. Visit our Directory page to learn more. 

No matter where you are in your artistic career, Artstarts has an opportunity to help you on your journey. And we are here to help you navigate the application process, too. We host a number of information sessions and drop-in sessions to familiarize you with our programs and support you with your application. 

We’re hosting an Artist Directory info session on October 3, 6-8pm. To be the first to get details about this event and hear about other upcoming informational opportunities for artists, sign up to receive our Artist newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

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