The 2016 application period has now closed. The program will be offered again in 2017.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Q. What exactly is a cultural space development initiative? I want to know if my project is one.
A. The definition of cultural space development isn’t rigid; if your project is about building a space for arts and cultural uses, or inserting arts and cultural programming into an existing space that has the potential to be something greater, you are likely working on a cultural space development initiative.

Q. We applied last year and were unsuccessful, are we able to apply again?
A. Yes, we would welcome your application again. However, we would request that you identify what has changed for your organization or project from last year’s application.

Q. We applied last year and were successful, are we able to apply again?
A. Yes, we would welcome your application again.

Q. Can I/we receive financial support (funding) through this program?
A. The support offered through this program has value, but is non-monetary. Participating organizations receive professional services at no cost. All costs are subsidized at 100% by our generous funders, Vancity Community Foundation and the City of Vancouver.

Q. Will going through this program help us to obtain funding from other sources?
A. We can’t guarantee you will receive funding from other sources, but the program is positively regarded and can improve your organization’s credibility and risk tolerance in the eyes of funders.

Q. Have other organizations benefitted from mentorship and coaching by Artscape?
A. Yes—Artscape has been delivering mentorship and coaching for over a decade, and has worked with groups and municipalities across North America. You can read more about Artscape’s mentorship and coaching under Our Services on artscape.ca.

Q. I want to apply, but the timing isn’t right. Will the program be offered again?
A. Yes, we plan to offer the program again in 2017.

ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION QUESTIONS

Q. Do applicants need to be located within a specific region?
A. Yes. The 2016 program is only open to eligible organizations within the Local Government Boundaries of Metro Vancouver .

Q. What if my organization is located within Metro Vancouver, but my project is not?
A. This program will support organizations and projects based in Metro Vancouver. If you work in Metro Vancouver and have projects elsewhere you are welcome to apply but we ask that you be identify where your project is located. Preference will be given to projects based in Metro Vancouver.

Q. How are participating organizations selected?
A. A selection committee will review applications against five equally weighted criteria: Project Relevance; Articulation of Need; Organizational Readiness; Organizational Capacity; Impact in the Community. Please bear these criteria in mind while completing responses to the application questions.

PROGRAM DELIVERY QUESTIONS

Q. How many hours of mentoring/coaching will we receive, if we are selected?
A. BC Artscape will work with selected participants to tailor a program of mentoring/coaching based on needs for their project and that fits within the pool of available resource. At this time we can’t say exactly how many hours of time selected participants will receive but we can say that we like to use time in intensive and focused sessions.

Q. Do we get face time with senior Artscape executives?
A. Yes.

Q. Can we invite others to participate in our mentorship and coaching sessions, for example our volunteers?
A. Your sessions must be limited to staff and volunteers at your organization (or the people occupying their positions, should you experience a change in personnel).

Q. What is the time commitment for this program and when will it start?
A. The program is flexible and will be tailored to the needs of each participating organization. Mentorship and coaching programs can be as short as day or two of intensive meetings and workshops to longer engagements spread out over a period of months. We will work with you to come up with an appropriate schedule. We anticipate having the participants selected and notified in March and expect the work to begin shortly after.

Q. How is progress in the program evaluated? How is final success measured?
A. BC Artscape will work with selected participants to complete a tailored program of mentoring and coaching. Progress in the program and evaluation of the result is a conversation along the way. Our approach is to have open communication with participants and to provide the tools, templates and expert advice that can help them advance their projects.

Q. If I am selected to participate, will I have to complete an evaluation at the end of the program?
A. Participants will be asked to provide feedback on their experience by submitting a program evaluation upon completion. We will aim to make this evaluation simple and straightforward.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

Q. I’m an individual. Can I apply?
A. No. This program is open to registered and emerging non-profits, co-ops, or charities, and social enterprises with a non-profit component at this time.

Q. Technically we’re not an arts or cultural organization, but we work in close proximity to/ with one. Can we apply?
A. Yes, you can apply, but we suggest your organization applies as a co-applicant with an arts or cultural organization that it has a relationship with, and articulate in your application how this program is appropriate and a good fit for your organization’s needs.

Q. We are an artist collective. Can we apply?
A. Yes, if your practice or collective is a registered or emerging non-profit.

Q. How many organizations can partner up on a joint application?
A. There is no limit to the number of organizations that can partner on a joint application; however your reason for partnering should be apparent within your application.

Q. Do partnerships/co-applications between two/several organizations submit multiple applications or just one?
A. Submit only one application for a joint project. There is an area on the application form to indicate your co-applicant organization(s). You are also required to submit a Letter of Agreement between describing your partnership with the co-applicant organization(s). Please identify one organization and contact person as the primary applicant.

Q. Can I submit more than five supporting documents?
A. No. You may submit up to five relevant documents. Please note that supporting documents are not required.

Q. Does my co-applicant Letter of Agreement count as one of my five supporting documents?
A. No. You can still submit five supporting documents, in addition to any co-applicant Letter of Agreement.