Thank you for your interest the 2026 Incubator Microgrant Program. If you have questions, require translation or need help completing your application, please reach out to us at info@comoxvalleyarts.com
Information and Background
Please read the following guidelines and eligibility requirements before submitting your application.
CV/Arts’ Incubator Microgrant Program supports local artists and groups aiming to bring participatory and community engaged art experiences to our community. The program awards range from $250 – $1000. The funds for this program come directly from earned revenue, membership dues and donations to CV/Arts.
Applications open on April 13th and close on May 22nd at midnight.
Background The program was created to provide a solution to the dire lack of resources and funding streams available to local artists and even fewer resources available for experimental work – for local artists to try new things. Through the Incubator program, we support projects that root practice in community engagement, and work that examines themes relevant to the Central Island community and engages issues of decolonization and reconciliation. We believe by supporting grassroots and local emerging ideas, we can incubate a more equitable arts sector from the ground up. Through this program artists gain the credibility needed to apply for other grants, leveraging small grant dollars towards outsized impact.
Guidelines
Eligible projects include public art installations – ephemeral and permanent, pop-up dance performances; community murals; street performances; pop-up community theater productions; art workshops/classes that are free and open to the public; community music programs; community story-telling projects; author and poetry readings and other literary events, interactive art presentations; arts-based community activism; cultural exchange programs and more. These grants are for individual artists or collectives at all levels of practice.
1. Applicant must reside in the Comox Valley (the CVRD boundary).
2. Projects must demonstrate a clear benefit to the local community.
3. Applicants must provide evidence of legal status and compliance with relevant regulations.
4. Project must be completed by September 30th, 2026.
5. Project must involve some form of community engagement.
6. Organizations with operating budgets over $50,000 are ineligible.
7. Projects led by IBPOC will be prioritized due to the disproportionate impact of systemic racism on IBPOC communities.
8. While we encourage arts and culture initiatives that address social and environmental issues, projects must involve some form of arts and cultural practice to be eligible. In addition to visual and performing arts, this can include writing and poetry.
Application Process and Requirements:
1. Applicants must complete and submit the application by the deadline of midnight on May 22, 2026.
2. Applicants must provide a detailed description of the proposed project in written form or by video submission, including objectives, timeline, and anticipated outcomes and an explanation of how the project aligns with goals of the program.
3. Application must include a budget breakdown for the project indicating how the grant funds will be utilized.
4. To lower barriers to participation, the grant application process has been streamlined. In your application we are seeking to understand your project and its community engagement potential. Work samples are encouraged. Applicants are welcome to submit a short video instead of filling out the application form.
5. Applicants will be notified of a grant by early June and funds will be disbursed by June 30, 2026.
Evaluation and Reporting:
1. If awarded a grant, awardees must provide a report on expenditures by October 31st, 2026, that details project outcomes, including any challenges encountered and lessons learned.
2. Awardees are responsible for understanding and complying with applicable tax laws and regulations related to the receipt of grant funds. CV/Arts may issue T4A forms to grant recipients.
3. Any tax liabilities arising from the receipt of grant funds are the sole responsibility of the grant recipient.
Acknowledgement and Publicity:
1. Grant recipients must acknowledge the support of the microgrant program in any communications about the project.
2. Awardees have permission from CV/Arts to use the organizational name and logo when acknowledging funding.
Image Rights and Reproduction:
CV/Arts reserves the right to publish images supplied by grant recipients featuring programming supported by this microgrant program in print, online and in social media.
Termination:
Grant funds may be subject to recoupment or termination in cases of non-compliance with these guidelines, mismanagement of funds or failure to achieve project objectives within the planned timeline.
This microgrant program uses the definitions of professional and emerging artists as provided by Canada Council for the Arts.
Emerging/New Artist: Is entering, or is in the early stages of, his or her professional career in one or more fields of practice. Is at least 18 years old. Has some training, experience or accomplishment in one or more fields of practice. Is committed to the ongoing development of his or her skills and artistic practice.
Professional Artist: Has specialized training in the artistic field (not necessarily in academic institutions). Is recognized as a professional by his or her peers (artists working in the same artistic tradition). Is committed to devoting more time to artistic activity, if possible financially. Has a history of public presentation or publication.
Microgrants can be used for material costs, venue costs and artist fees. Applications will be assessed on the following:
- Feasibility of project (both from time, budget and action plan)
- Depth: How does the project serve the community
- Reach: Potential for community involvement and participation
Video Submissions: Applicants are welcome to submit a short video instead of filling out the application questions about your project. Note: You are still required to fill out the contact information and work samples below when submitting by video.
Work Samples: Please include up to five samples of recent work in any format. This could be photos, videos, text, audio recordings etc. Work samples should come with a short description uploaded in an attached document.
Application Deadline: We are accepting applications until May 22, 2026.