The local arts council is looking for more applications to two grant programs with deadlines in early March.
Applications for the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance’s (CKCA) Program 1 and 2 grants are due on Friday, March 4 by 5 p.m., but so far the Castlegar Arts Council (CAC), which is responsible for administering applications from Castlegar artists and organizations, hasn’t received many applications.
“Usually we have more by now, we’re getting close to the deadline and applications are usually better if they’re not done right at the last minute,” says Jacquie Hamilton, program contact and treasurer for the CAC.
Submitting grants ahead of the deadline gives administrators at the CAC the opportunity to review the application before the deadline, so that they can point out any omissions or errors and give the applicant a chance to fix things, improving their chances of having the application accepted.
“Apply early and often,” Hamilton encourages Castlegar artists and organizations.
Program 1 is for artists or non-profit arts, culture and heritage organizations to fund new artistic projects, programs, events or workshops.
“Usually we see projects funded anywhere from $500 to $2500. Lots of different types of projects can be funded here, anything from artists wanting to create a new body of work and show it at an exhibition, to small events that you want to have,” explains Natasha Smith, administrative assistant at the CKCA.
Program 2 is for organizations or venues to cover minor capital expenditures.
“Basically in this program you can apply for a maximum request of $3000 for this project, and this is for minor capital. This includes renovations, equipment, risers, upgrading or initiating facilities or acoustical improvements, but funding is not available for ongoing maintenance,” said Smith.
Applicants should expect to hear back by June 1, 2016 and shouldn’t plan to begin their projects until after that time.
The CKCA delivers the Arts, Culture and Heritage Program on behalf of the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT), and this year will receive $706,000 from the CBT. Applications are adjudicated once a year by local arts councils and the CKCA’s Steering Committee.
Applications can be mailed to Box 3501, Castlegar, BC, V1N 3W3 or can be dropped off by appointment by contacting Hamilton at castlegar@gmail.com or 250-365-8026, but the applications must be received (not postmarked) by the 5 p.m. deadline on Friday, March 4.
Further information on these and other upcoming grants from the CKCA can be found at basinculture.com/funding-programs. Any questions about the application process can be directed to the CKCA by calling 250-505-5505 or 1-877-505-7355.