SUBMITTED BY SALT SPRING ARTS
Salt Spring Arts (SSA) is now accepting applications for its fall grants and awards programs.
Two categories are available to access funding support for cultural projects and professional development for visual artists.
Project Grants — Deadline: Oct. 31
Assisting groups and individuals in undertaking projects of cultural benefit to the community, SSA’s Project Grants have supported local initiatives for many years. Examples of previously funded projects include workshops, concerts and collaborative performances, fostering local innovation, creativity and experimentation in the arts. In spring 2024, Schuyler Witman was successful in her application for a Project Grant to help fund a theatre arts camp for kids. The camp explores myth, storytelling, dance, music, visual arts and more, learning new skills in the co-creation of a theatrical performance.
Susan Benson Fund for Visual Artists — Deadline: Oct. 31
SSA’s Susan Benson Fund was established by local artist Susan Benson to respond to her knowledge of the historical and continuing unique challenges faced by female visual artists. The limited-term donor-directed fund is available to visual artists living on Salt Spring Island who are committed to building their creative careers.
In the fall of 2023, local artist Alicja Swiatlon received the Susan Benson Fund award, supporting the purchase of specialized materials to help her create a new body of work to share with the community.
“(This opportunity) allowed me to purchase a roll of canvas to create a cohesive body of paintings that will be exhibited on Salt Spring Island,” said Swiatlon.
The SSA has been serving as Salt Spring Island’s non-profit arts council for over 55 years, building and nurturing the creative capacity of the community.
For more information and eligibility requirements for the two grant programs, visit saltspringarts.com.
Other Salt Spring Arts calls this season include Artcraft Winter artist registration (with a deadline of Oct. 31) and the 2025 Artist in Residence Application (Oct. 15 deadline).