Abbotsford launches first-ever arts grant program

Abbotsford wants to give local arts a boost. Its new Arts and Culture Grant Program will distribute $25,000 in grants to artists, cultural practitioners, producers and nonprofit cultural organizations around the city, with a hope that it boosts community connection—and stimulates the economy.

The program will encourage businesses and local cultural organizations to collaborate with each other. Grants will be awarded based on the  applicant’s commitment to community engagement, artistic merit or cultural significance, demonstrated financial need, and previous experience.

“As the cultural and economic hub of the Fraser Valley, one of council’s strategic goals is to foster an inclusive and connected community where residents can contribute and participate in a variety of activities that strengthen the vitality and social cohesion of our City,” Abbotsford Mayor Ross Siemens said. “This new grant program will help us achieve this goal by making arts and culture more accessible and plentiful in Abbotsford.”

The program is part of the city’s “Five Big Moves”—the top priorities for Abbotsford—in its Culture Connect Strategy, adopted by the council in 2022. While researching future city initiatives, staff identified culture as a major economic driver and “catalyst of vibrant urban neighbourhoods,” the strategy report reads.

In the report, staff wrote that the culture sector “has traditionally been one of the highest economic contributors in British Columbia,” but took a hit during the COVID-19 shutdowns. The city hopes to rebuild this sector—including the tourism that comes with it.

Applications will be accepted until the end of January, with grant recipients slated to be announced in March. Find more info on how to apply here.