Artist Studio Award Program

The aim of the program is to create the conditions necessary for the awarded artists to create meaningful artistic work, experiences, and relationships in Vancouver. With this award, they can dedicate more time, resources, and energy to their practice. 

Strategic directions

Three of the strategic directions of Culture|Shift are to advance and support:

• Reconciliation and decolonization
• Cultural equity and accessibility
• Affordable, accessible, and safe cultural spaces

We are committed to providing dedicated opportunities for artists from historically underrepresented communities.

Review process

The studios are awarded through a review process organized by Cultural Services.

Studios available

There are seven studios in the program:

• Two work-only studios
• Five live-work studios

Restrictions

• Occupancy in the live-work:
  • Bachelor studios is for one to two adults
  • One bedroom studios is limited to two persons, one of whom may be a child
• One live-work studio is available for a period of approximately two years.
• All of the studios are approved for the production of:
  • Dance
  • Music
  • Creative writing
  • Painting
  • Drawing
  • Pottery
  • Sculpture
  • Video
  • Moving or still photography 
• High-impact activities, which can have impacts for neighbouring residents, such as welding, glassblowing, and amplified music, are not permitted within the studios.  
• All of the studios do not have venting for toxic fumes.

Photos and 360° virtual tours will be made available for eligible applicants.

Learn more about the studios

Applicant qualifications

The program is open to applicants who:

• Currently work and practice as an artist 
• Currently reside in Vancouver and for a minimum of two years before the application deadline, OR are a community member of one of the Host Nations: xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)
• Demonstrate financial need (maximum average household annual income of $55,500 from all sources in the last three years)
• Are Black, Indigenous, and/or people of colour 

Eligible artists

An “artist” is anyone involved in the production of art, in any cultural form, including but not limited to studio and visual arts; performing arts, including theatre and dance; Indigenous arts; craft arts; community and/or social practice; Deaf, MAD and disability arts; literature and literary arts; music and sound; film and media arts; multidisciplinary practice.

To qualify as an eligible artist for this program, applicants must: 

• Have an active and established artistic practice for five years or more
• Be recognized by their peers as an artist (peers can include knowledge keepers, Elders, or other recognized artists in their community)
• Have specialized training in their practice, not necessarily in academic settings
• Seek compensation for their work
• Have a history of public presentation or production

• Watch program information session 1 Video file (July 13, 2021)
• Watch program information session 2 Video file (July 15, 2021)

Steps to applying

1. Watch video on how to apply Video file
2. Read the program information guide PDF file (638 KB) in its entirety before submitting an application
3. Apply by Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at 4pm (applications now closed)

Note Registered? Login with your credentials (select "Programs").

We will to work with eligible applicants who experience barriers to access our programs by creating or providing accommodations, including but not limited to:

• Translation 
• Braille transcription 
• Application writing assistance

Note Due to the expected volume of applications, the first part of the application will screen applicants for eligibility. Only those that meet the eligibility requirements will be able to proceed and complete an application.

• 2018-2021 recipients
• 2015-2018 recipients
• 2012-2015 recipients
• 1996-2012 recipients