Incubator Microgrant Program

Launched in the summer of 2023, the Incubator Microgrant Program supports small projects, emerging artists and arts-based experiments that engage the broader public, by awarding up to $1000 to go toward the implementation of submitted proposals.

The program was created to provide a solution to the dire lack of resources and funding streams available to artists, and the even fewer funding opportunities for experimental art. We believe experimental artistic practice that bridges disciplines or explores challenging subjects is important for the development of a healthy arts and culture sector. 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. Additionally, by supporting emerging artists, we offer artists the credibility needed to apply for other grants, leveraging small grant dollars towards outsized impact.

Eligible projects include public art installations, 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 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. 

Application Guidelines:

Eligibility:   
1. Applicant must reside in the Comox Valley.   
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, 2025.  
5. Project must involve some form of community engagement.  
6. Organizations with operating budgets over $50,000 are ineligible. Individuals may not apply on behalf of an organization with a budget over $50,000.  
7. Projects led by IBPOC will be prioritized because we understand the disproportionate impact of systemic racism on IBPOC communities both historically and currently.  
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.  

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.
 
Application Process and Requirements:   
1. Applicants must complete and submit the application by the deadline of midnight on May 25th, 2025. 
2. Applicants must provide a detailed description of the proposed project, including objectives, timeline, and anticipated outcomes and an explanation of how the project aligns with the goals and priorities of the microgrant 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, please understand 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 26th, 2025.  
 
Evaluation and Reporting: 
1. If awarded a grant, awardees must provide a report on expenditures by October 31st, 2025, 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.  
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.  

• Quality of Work
• Feasibility of Project (both from time, budget and action plan)
• Community relevancy 

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 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. 

To apply for the 2025 Incubator Microgrant Program, you can find the application here. If you have any questions, or need help with the application, please contact us at info@comoxvalleyarts.com.

Summer 2024 Intake Sponsorship Summary