Individual Arts Grants for Creative Writers (Canada)

Deadline: 07-Oct-2026

The Individual Arts Grants: Creative Writers program supports B.C.-based writers and literary artists in developing new literary works intended for book-length publication or public performance. The program recognizes diverse literary genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, graphic novels, comic arts, children’s literature, spoken word, storytelling, dub poetry, and sound poetry. Eligible applicants can receive up to 100% of eligible project costs, with grants of up to $7,500 under Level One and up to $15,000 under Level Two.

What Are the Individual Arts Grants: Creative Writers?

The Individual Arts Grants: Creative Writers program provides financial support to writers and literary artists based in British Columbia who are creating new literary projects for publication or public presentation. The program recognizes the diversity of contemporary literary practice and supports both traditional and emerging literary forms. Funding can help artists cover essential costs associated with researching, developing, producing, recording, and preparing their work. Applicants may apply independently or as part of a collaborative creative team, provided all collaborators meet the program’s eligibility requirements and share creative control of the proposed project. Literary Genres Supported The program recognizes a broad range of literary practices and genres, including: - Fiction - Non-fiction - Poetry - Spoken word - Storytelling - Dub poetry - Sound poetry - Graphic novels - Comic arts - Fiction for children - Non-Fiction for children - Other eligible contemporary literary practices This broad scope allows writers to propose projects that reflect the diversity of literary expression in British Columbia. Funding Available The program can provide funding for up to 100% of eligible project expenses.

Two grant levels are available:

- Level One: Up to $7,500

- Level Two: Up to $15,000

The appropriate level depends on the applicant’s professional experience and publication or artistic record. Eligible Project Expenses Grant funding may be used to cover eligible costs that are directly connected to the proposed literary project.

Eligible expenses may include:

- Subsistence costs - Materials required for the project - Equipment purchases of up to $2,500 - Rental of equipment - Rental of workspace or other project-related space - Fees for Elders and Knowledge Keepers - Professional literary services - Travel directly related to the project - Accessibility-related costs Spoken word applicants may also request funding for recording-related expenses, subject to the specific maximum amounts applicable to each grant level. Level One Grants Level One is designed for writers who have already established a professional literary practice. Applicants for Level One are expected to have at least: - One eligible published book; or - An equivalent body of eligible professional work. The level is intended to support writers who have demonstrated professional recognition but may be at an earlier stage of their literary career than applicants seeking Level Two funding. Level Two Grants Level Two provides larger grants for senior and more established writers. Applicants are generally expected to have: - At least three eligible published books; or - A significant professional record demonstrating established achievement in their literary genre. Level Two is intended for experienced literary artists undertaking substantial new projects that require a higher level of financial support. Self-Published Writers Self-published authors may also qualify for funding if they satisfy the program’s specific professional requirements. Eligibility for self-published writers may be demonstrated through qualifying sales or membership in an eligible professional association, as specified by the program. Therefore, writers do not necessarily need to have been published by a traditional publishing house to qualify. Who Can Apply? Applicants must meet the program’s citizenship, residency, professional practice, and project-control requirements.

Generally, applicants must:

- Be Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents. - Have lived in British Columbia for at least 12 continuous months immediately before the application deadline. - Demonstrate professional recognition in their literary discipline. - Maintain final creative control over the proposed work. - Meet applicable compensation standards. - Follow intellectual property requirements. - Respect cultural ownership protocols where applicable. - Have no overdue final reports from previous BC Arts Council grants. Applicants who have overdue final reports for previous BC Arts Council funding are not eligible until those reporting obligations have been addressed. Collaborative Applications Writers may apply as individuals or as members of a collaborative team.

For collaborative projects:

- All collaborators must meet the applicable eligibility requirements. - Collaborators must share creative control of the project. - The proposed work should clearly demonstrate the creative contribution of the participating artists. A collaborative application should make each artist’s role and creative responsibility clear. Creative Control and Intellectual Property Applicants must have final creative control over the work for which they are requesting funding. Projects must also comply with applicable intellectual property requirements. Where cultural knowledge, traditions, or community-based material is involved, applicants must follow relevant cultural ownership protocols. Applicants should therefore clearly establish ownership, permissions, authorship, and creative responsibilities before submitting their proposals. Professional Recognition Requirements The program is intended for professional literary artists rather than applicants pursuing writing solely as a hobby. Applicants must demonstrate professional recognition within their discipline. Evidence of a professional literar