Peer assessors for cultural grants, commissions, and awards

What are peer assessors?

Peer assessors are people from the local community who are experienced artists or cultural workers. Peer assessment is a practice commonly used in the cultural sector to bring practical and current knowledge of the arts sector into evaluation processes. 

These will be individuals who:

• Are interested in Culture|Shift values that uplift reconciliation and decolonization; cultural equity and accessibility; affordable, accessible, secure spaces; and collaboration and capacity
• Have existing connections and have lived experience in Vancouver’s arts, culture, and creative communities
• Are comfortable evaluating grant applications or awards submissions against a variety of criteria which may include evaluation of artistic works, organizational capacity, and community impact of non-profit arts, culture, and creative organizations in Vancouver
• Enjoy learning from other peers and working with others in collective decision-making
• Have the time and capacity for a high volume of reading and preparation
• Are available for up to three days for meetings usually between 8:30am and 5pm (currently mostly online)

Assessors will be paid a fee for their participation (reading and meeting fees).

How to apply

Any interested artists, cultural practitioners, and administrators in any artistic discipline or creative practice are invited to apply.

Apply online: VanApply

Submissions for the Peer Assessor Nomination form will be accepted online through our new system, called VanApply.

If you previously submitted online with the SurveyMonkey Apply platform, many features remain the same, but there are some additional steps required for all applicants to get set up in the new system.

Information icon VanApply does not contain any of your past application information.

Getting started

There are two simple steps to getting set up in VanApply.

1. Create your individual profile
   • All users must set up an individual profile. Even if you work for an organization, you will need to register and submit as an “individual” since the “organization profile” is meant for non-profit organizations applying for grants.
   • Go to VanApply
     • Previous applicants: If you have previously submitted an application in VanApply, your login ID email and password remain the same. 
       Log in and proceed to Steps 2 and 3
     • New applicants: Click "register" and set up an individual account
2. Fill out eligibility profile
   • From your individual account
     • Click on "your name" in the top right corner
     • Click "my account"
     • Click "update eligibility for previou sapplicants"
   • Select "individual" when asked "Are you completing an eligibility profile as an individual, or on behalf of an organization?"
   • Do not choose the option "I'll do this later" or you will not be able to access the program

Start your submission

• Click on “Programs” to find Peer Assessor Nomination Form
• Fill out the form
• Upload your CV (optional)

Technical support

Applicants can contact vanapply@vancouver.ca for technical support. We are available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.