1) Professional Development Assistance

Professional Development Assistance

This program assists professional artists or arts administrators with specific professional development opportunities that advance their practice or career.

In carrying out its mandate the British Columbia Arts Council is guided by its fundamental commitment to artistic excellence.

The Council has also articulated the following strategic priorities to inform applicants in the development of their requests to all Council programs. These priorities will be considered by advisory committees during adjudication of applications:

the improved sustainability of all BC arts and cultural organizations;

inclusion of diverse artistic practices;

encouragement of emerging artists;

development of new art forms; and

expansion of opportunities for regional participation.

BC Arts Council programs are accessible to aboriginal artists or arts organizations and artists or arts organizations from diverse cultural and regional communities of British Columbia.

There are three categories of Professional Development Assistance:

1. Study Assistance

2. Project Assistance

3. Travel Assistance

The description of and criteria for each category are below, following the general eligibility criteria.

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GUIDELINES

General Eligibility Criteria

Under normal circumstances, to be eligible, an applicant must:

be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident and have lived in British Columbia for one year or longer;

be a professional artist or arts administrator in the disciplines of creative writing, dance (performance, choreography), media arts (filmmaking, integrated media, video art), multi-disciplinary studies, museology and conservation studies, music (performance, composition), publishing studies, theatre (acting, directing, technical, design), or visual arts (creation, curation);

have completed basic training in their discipline, and no longer be enrolled in full-time studies;

be recognized by senior practitioners in the same discipline, have a professional body of work and/or work history of two or more years subsequent to basic training, and be committed to working full-time at their practise when financially possible;

if the applicant is changing disciplines, have been a professional for at least five years subsequent to basic training; and

have completed and submitted final reports for any outstanding project assistance provided through the BC Arts Council.

Exclusions

Under normal circumstances, awards are not available for the creation of new work(s) or for full-time winter studies. Other programs of the BC Arts Council may be appropriate for these activities.

Ineligible expenses include: production of promotional materials such as audition tapes and portfolios; purchases of equipment; and expenses incurred prior to the application date.

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Specific Eligibility Criteria

2. Project Assistance

Professional Development – Project Assistance is intended to assist individuals who wish to pursue professional or career development that is not course- or institution-based. Such development may include assistant directorships, apprenticeships, internships, mentorships, or other opportunities.

Applicants must:

1. provide a statement describing the potential professional development benefits of an award;

2. provide at least one letter of assessment of their project from a senior artist or practitioner in their discipline;

3. demonstrate that the applicant and not a sponsoring organization or company will gain the primary benefits of an award.

Assistance is available to assist with 50% of project costs up to $5,000. An applicant may not receive awards in this category in consecutive fiscal years.

Eligible expenses may include living expenses, specialized equipment and supplies, travel and accommodation, per diems, and fees paid to mentors, advisors, or instructors.

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Application Requirements All applicants must discuss their project proposal with a program co-ordinator prior to submitting an application.

Applications require detailed submissions, and must include:

1. a signed, completed application form that addresses all application requirements and includes details of the course, learning plans, development benefits, or travel objectives, as applicable, and a balanced budget that specifies any deferred or donated costs and all sources of revenue;

2. a CV of the applicant that includes professional training and related artistic or administrative activities; and (for study assistance) a copy of a letter of acceptance from the institution or instructor;

3.(for project assistance) a letter of assessment of the project from a recognized professional in the applicant’s discipline; or

4.(for travel assistance) a copy of an invitation to present or accompany work.