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 membership dues and donations to CV/Arts.
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.
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.
2026 Incubator Microgrant Application Process
The application form for the 2026 intake will be available here on April 13th. The intake period will close on May 22nd. Applicants will be assessed on the feasibility of the project, its potential community impact, and its alignment with the program’s core values.
What to Submit
Applications must include the following:
- Project description/proposal — a clear outline of your project, its goals, who it will engage, and how it connects to the Comox Valley community
- Budget breakdown — a detailed account of how the grant funds will be used
- Bio or CV — a brief introduction to you or your collective and your artistic practice
- Work samples or portfolio links — examples of previous or current work that give context to your practice
Decisions & Notification
Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email on or before June 30, 2026. Grant cheques will be issued to successful applicants on or before the same date.
Reporting
All funded projects are to be completed within the 2026 summer season. Recipients are required to submit a brief report by September 30, 2026 outlining how the funds were used and reflecting on the project’s impact and outcomes. Report guidelines will be provided upon receipt of the grant.
Questions?
If you have questions about the program or the application process, please reach out to us at events@comoxvalleyarts.com.