Arts and Culture Fund

How to apply

The BACF is now closed. Please subscribe to this page and watch our news and notices for updates on when we will accept applications for 2024 and how to apply.

Eligibility

To apply for BACF funding, you must be in the City of Burlington and be one of the following:

• An individual artist or arts and cultural collective (defined as three or more individuals) that exhibit high achievement in arts and culture programming
• An incorporated not-for-profit arts and culture organization, or a charitable arts and culture organization
• A multicultural group that fulfills a significant role in the Burlington community through the arts and culture

Exclusions from eligibility

• Academic units or educational institutions
• Schools, conservatories and other organizations where the primary mission is training or education. You are not excluded if the presence of education or training is a secondary part of your organization's mandate
• Churches and other religious institutions
• Applicants that have received any form of City funding in the same calendar year

Exclusions from eligible costs

BACF project funding may not be used for capital expenses or purposes, including:

• Equipment and fixtures
• Furthering a for-profit venture or creating an advantage for a for-profit partner
• Land
• Operating costs
• Physical facilities

The program will not support:

• Any cost or reimbursement associated with ongoing or annual operating or administration costs
• Any expenses or financial commitments made prior to receiving official written grant approval
• Alcohol, tobacco or cannabis related products or gambling expenses
• Contingency or unexplained miscellaneous costs
• Infrastructure, construction, renovation, major purchases and equipment such as capital, property, etc.
• Retroactive funding for projects or events that have already occurred
• Any other expenditure that does not directly relate to the project

Objective and Overview

Objective: To nurture the capacity of the arts and cultural sector in Burlington, while fostering creativity, encouraging social cohesion, enhancing quality of life and stimulating cultural and economic development through direct investment.

The BACF is meant to support the creation and presentation of arts and cultural projects that reflect BACF objectives.

• We award project grants for a term of one year.
• Each applicant may apply for support for one project per year.
• Applicants are responsible for all aspects of their project, including securing the appropriate venue and insurance.

Adherence to guidelines and standards

BACF projects must adhere to all municipal, regional and provincial COVID-19 health and safety guidelines at the time of the application and implementation of the project. Projects must also adhere to municipal, provincial and federal regulatory compliance standards such as building codes, City bylaws, fire regulations, etc.

Re-applying for a following year

If you receive BACF funding in any year and re-apply to the grant program the following year, you must provide a final project report as part of your subsequent application form. You must also submit an application each year for projects that recur annually. These projects are decided on based on our normal assessment criteria and:

• Availability of funds in the context of funding priorities
• Innovation within the project
• Success of the project in the previous year

Funding

The maximum amount awarded for each project grant is $7,000. The City has discretion regarding the amount awarded and all decisions are final. Project grants are intended to support a specific activity or event taking place between April and March.

Awarded applicants must sign an agreement, recognizing their obligations. Once the agreement is signed, we will issue a cheque for 80 per cent of the grant. The remaining 20 per cent will be issued upon receipt of the final report, as well as remaining invoices and other documents outlined in the agreement. Applicants will not be eligible to receive BACF funding until all required reports have been submitted and accepted by the City.

If you are in default of your grant agreement, you may be required to return funds to the City and you may be ineligible for future grants.

Adjudication and assessment criteria

There are four key areas of evaluation, including:

• Artistic merit (30 per cent of scoring)
• Program merit and strategic initiative (30 per cent of scoring)
• City-wide and community impact (20 per cent of scoring)
• Economic impact (20 per cent of scoring)

The applicant's recent activities, as well as proposed ones, are also considered during assessment.

Applications are reviewed, in part, by a peer assessment jury. Jury members evaluate the artistic merit criteria of BACF applications. They are selected and approved by the Arts and Culture Council of Burlington. Members are made up of representatives from the arts and culture sector, including:

• Arts and cultural professionals
• Practitioners and/or individuals who are knowledgeable in the arts and culture, and maintain high standing in the arts and cultural community

Artistic merit

Artistic merit scoring is determined by:

• A comprehensive work plan that is ready for implementation
• Contributions to the development of arts and culture in Burlington
• Distinctiveness of the applicant's activities in relation to comparable activities in Burlington. Does the project provide unique and innovative opportunities for artists, other arts and cultural organizations, and the public?
• Evidence of planning in place to support the proposal and/or ongoing organizational capacity (such as realistic schedules, timelines, planning practices, etc.)
• Qualified, professional leadership
• Quality or value of the project and the implementation team/program

Program merit and strategic initiative

Program merit and strategic initiative scoring is determined by clearly articulated outcomes expected for the project. Outcomes should align with the City's Strategic Plan community building through arts and culture.

Does the project:

1. Encourage better collaboration and coordination among existing and new cultural partners
2. Encourage multiculturalism and inclusion
3. Encourage targeted cultural programming that engages newcomers and a more diverse audience with the goal of promoting cultural diversity
4. Reach out to new and diverse communities to expand Burlington's cultural fabric
5. Support new and existing cultural celebrations and initiatives

City-wide and community impact

City-wide and community impact scoring is determined by:

• Demonstrated support from the community as determined by partnerships, collaborations, sponsorship support, in-kind support, volunteers, etc.
• Level of engagement with other arts and cultural organizations, artists and community groups in Burlington. Evidence of promotional and/or outreach strategies in place to encourage wide public participation, awareness and engagement
• Level of public access to the work, activities or services, and evidence of growing interest and attendance
• The applicant conducts their activities primarily in Burlington and for the benefit of Burlington residents. The applicant encourages the participation of all citizens in Burlington
• The applicant measures the success of the activities and programs of their organization on an ongoing basis and shares the results of these measures with the City and other interested stakeholders

Economic impact

Economic impact scoring is determined by:

• Direct and indirect spending in Burlington and attraction of tourists to Burlington
• Employment and training opportunities for Burlington artists, cultural workers and contractors
• Evidence of financial stability and accountability as demonstrated through prior financial performance, achievable and balanced budgets and fiscal management
• Strong and successful relationships and partnerships with the local business and not-for-profit community
• The ability to demonstrate how grant funding will directly support the project
• The applicant demonstrates initiative and success in generating revenue outside of the BACF

Burlington Arts and Culture Fund Approved Projects for 2023/2024

View and subscribe to our news and notices for updates and details on BACF approved projects.

Project: The Artist’s Mark Juried Exhibit

Applicant: Burlington Fine Arts Association

The Burlington Fine Arts Association (BFAA) is a high achieving artist collective of approximately 170 local artists. It is the largest of the seven guilds of Arts Burlington. The Artist’s Mark will provide a ten-day juried art exhibit at the Hub in Burlington Centre. The exhibition brings original art out of the gallery and into a more accessible community venue to provide a unique celebration of local, contemporary art. Throughout the exhibition, participating BFAA artists will interact with visitors by giving live demonstrations while talking about their work and artistic process. The Artist’s Mark will also feature focused artist presentations and discussions. The project provides a continued celebration of creativity and supports local artists from the Burlington community.

Project: Authors in Your Neighbourhood

Applicant: Sylvia McNicoll

Authors in Your Neighbourhood will encourage children to have fun interactions with local writers and illustrators to foster a love of reading and writing. This year, Authors in Your Neighbourhood has expanded to include four renowned Burlington writers: Lana Button; Jennifer Maruno; Sylvia McNicoll; Jennifer Mook-Sang and illustrator Jennifer Faria. They will each demonstrate and teach their craft in five two-hour workshops. Children will have the chance to learn about writing dialogue, describing settings and characters, structuring plots and illustrating their emotions. These workshops will be hosted by the Burlington Public Library at three branches: Central, Alton and Tansley Woods. The goal is to reach over 250 children.

Project: Community Large-Scale Pour Painting Workshop

Applicant: Samantha Le Grand

The mission of visual artist Samantha Le Grand is to challenge perceptions about the artmaking process. With persistence and creativity, almost any skill can be repurposed and applied to the creation of art. For this activity, groups of three to five people will work together to create a unique large-scale abstract painting. The groups will use a technique called pour painting, which includes dripping, tipping, splashing, flicking and dropping of paint and involves collaboration between groups. While the project is taking place, musician Luc Dupuis will play calming instrumental music to inspire the creative process. Making art is meant to comfort those who feel disconnected, unheard or unwelcome. All voices, levels of ability, skill, perspectives and backgrounds are necessary to create a meaningful art.

Project: Elizabeth Gardens Art Walk

Applicant: Elizabeth Gardens Creative Collective

The Elizabeth Gardens Art Walk is a free one-day event that features twenty to thirty local, multi-disciplinary artists, artisans, makers, designers, musicians, performance and arts facilitators. The event is accessible to all ages and has tents and booths showcasing various artists’ work. Twenty interactive and collaborative Art Experience Stations will be hosted by local artists and arts facilitators. A goal of the project is to help the community learn about the many talented artists and craftspeople that live in Burlington. Through Art Experience Stations, participants can immerse themselves into new artistic practices in a safe, supportive environment. The project allows artists to develop relationships with the community and to network with other artisans to spark future collaborations.

Project: Enhanced Memories of the Brant Inn

Applicant: One Burlington

Based on the success of its 2023 workshop Memories of Brant Inn, the Enhanced Memories of Brant Inn will take place at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. The Brant Inn presented the best performers of the day, as solo acts performing with the support of the Brant Inn House Band and as ensembles. Renown Black performers including Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Lean Horn, Fats Waller, Sarah Vaughn and more were featured at the famous venue. The event will celebrate the music of these artists by creating new arrangements of their most iconic hits. These new arrangements will be performed by four singers and a band of three musicians. The project will also explore racial inequities of the time as outlined in Stewart Brown’s book Memories of the Brant Inn.

Project: Halton Freedom Celebration Festival

Applicant: Halton Black History Awareness Society

The Halton Black History Awareness Society (HBHAS) is dedicated to implementing cultural education into the public mindset towards appreciating the values of equity and inclusivity. HBHAS develops programs to erode racism, prejudice and stereotyping, while increasing knowledge of Canadian history and its cultural landscape. The free one-day Halton Freedom Celebration Festival brings together musical acts, children’s and youth activities, cultural art, food, crafts, heritage, historical and genealogical vendors, while promoting inclusivity and community. The multicultural ambience is infused with cultural crafts, art in the park, cultural fashions and accessories, food and music including the best in Canadian R&B, Reggae, Soul, Funk, African, Cuban, Jazz Fusion, Soca and Pop.

Project: Hansel and Gretel Touring School Production

Applicant: Southern Ontario Lyric Opera

Southern Ontario Lyric Opera’s vision is to provide high-calibre accessible opera, while maintaining a commitment to community outreach. SOLO’s Hansel and Gretel, a touring production, includes a cast of five professional opera singers, a music director/pianist, costumes and props. The project will be presented at Burlington schools. A teacher resource guide will be provided in advance of the performance, suitable for students in grades four through eight. The touring production provides an opportunity for Burlington students to learn about the inspiring world of opera and its many facets. There will be an introduction before the performance and a question and answer session following the opera to educate children and to foster an affinity for this oft-overlooked art form.

Project: Home Is Where the Art Is

Applicant: Lara Kirschner 

Local artist Lara Kirschner has partnered with Shifra Homes to offer paint classes to pregnant at-risk women and new moms. The classes will be offered throughout 2023 and each class will involve creating a personal interpretation of a pre-planned acrylic painting on stretched canvas. Epoxy resin pour painting techniques will also be used at some classes and each class will present a new theme to help foster a sense of accomplishment. Learning opportunities for the project include developing a new skillset to boost self-confidence, working outside of one’s comfort zone to promote mental and emotional growth, the development of interpersonal skills in a group learning environment and exposure to a variety of painting techniques. The project provides a vulnerable population with access to creative teaching and skill development.

Project: Hope For Home Workshop and Play

Applicant: Theatre Burlington

Theatre Burlington was created in 1952 with the mission to provide opportunities for Burlington residents to learn about the direction, production and staging of plays. Live theatre is an example of how art can be inclusive, entertaining and healing. The play Hope for Home promotes understanding and empathy for homeless individuals and their need for community. The workshop will cover fundamentals of theatrical production and participants will learn the basics of live theatre during these interactive sessions. The workshop will be provided to adults from culturally and economically diverse backgrounds, including individuals with no previous experience in theatre. Participants will learn and spend time practicing these new skills as they prepare to take part in the final production of the play.

Project: Images of Our Past, Present and Future

Applicant: Erick Nettel

Images of our Past, Present and Future is a series of free workshops to teach the basics of still photography to new immigrants who have no technical knowledge or background and want to learn a new skill. At the end of the workshops, applying what they have learned, participants will capture four pictures: a picture that represents something important, relevant or symbolic about their past, something about their present, something about their future, and a self-portrait. The pictures will be showcased in a public exhibition and the entire process will be filmed to create a short documentary. It will highlight the newcomers reflecting on the process of learning photography and the meaning of their pictures as it relates to their new life in Burlington.

Project: Indigenous Collaborations - Free Concerts for Burlington Schools

Applicant: Chris McKhool

Three-time JUNO Award nominees and Billboard charting band Sultans of String will present a series of livestream concerts for Burlington schools throughout the city’s six wards. The concerts will be based on the group’s Walking Through the Fire project, a collaboration with First Nations, Metis and Inuit artists across Turtle Island. The concert lineup will consist of the core Sultans of String members: Chris McKhool on violin, Kevin Laliberté on guitar and Drew Birston on bass, as along with Indigenous collaborators: Marc Meriläinen (Nadjiwan) - Ojibwe Singer/Songwriter, Alyssa Delbaere-Sawchuk (Métis Fiddler Quartet) - Métis Violist, Shannon Thunderbird - Tsm’syen Elder Singer/Songwriter, Dr. Duke Redbird - Chippewa/Anishinaabe Elder and Poet, Northern Cree Pow Wow group, Don Ross - Mi'kmaw Guitarist, Kendra Tagoona and Tracy Sarazin - Inuit Throat Singers. The project offers a unique concert experience for elementary and high school students and provides access to performing arts experiences that inspire, empower and spark imaginations.

Project: The Inspiration Initiative

Applicant: Briar Emond

The Inspiration Initiative encourages creativity in individuals that might not consider themselves artistic. By exhibiting local artists of various backgrounds and media, and providing interactive opportunities for everyone to be creative, artists gain exposure and participants gain a further appreciation for Burlington’s local arts and culture. The project brings art to the community and features a week of demonstrations by award winning local artists, interactive painting activities, spoken word readings and a performance by the Garden City Orchestra. The project showcases a free art exhibition that focuses on Lake Ontario from three artists’ perspectives. Combining visual art with other forms of artistic expression will promote an environment that stimulates and encourages community creativity.

Project: The Journey Around the Sun

Applicant: Lowville Festival

The Lowville Festival was founded in 2015 with the vision that arts and nature were perfect partners in creating unique cultural events in the natural beauty of the Niagara Escarpment. In 2023, the festival will pivot to create outdoor events that celebrate the natural change of the seasons - Equinox and Solstice. The focus of this project is to create performance events for a diverse audience, including people of all ages from different cultures, religions, pronouns and perspectives. The cohesion is the celebration of the journey of the sun and its celestial partners, including the earth and moon. The project will take place on four specific dates: June 21, Sept. 23, Dec. 21 and March 19 which coincide with the dates for Summer Solstitium, Autumnal Equinox, Winter Hibernal and the Vernal Equinox.

Project: Lunar New Year Celebration Gala

Applicant: Redleaf Cultural Integration

The Lunar New Year Celebration Gala is an event to celebrate the beginning of the new Lunar Year, one of the most important festivals in Asian countries. The event connects people, shares diverse cultures, and celebrates the Lunar New Year. The celebration includes a half-day, free culture exhibition showcasing multicultural displays of Chinese watercolour painting, calligraphy, traditional sugar painting, a tea ceremony, Indian Henna painting, a Korean culture display and more. The main event includes performances showcasing a variety of songs and dances from various cultures and a magic show on the BPAC’s main stage. Redleaf Cultural Integration is a non-profit cultural organization that works with people of diverse cultures, backgrounds and ages to enhance the quality of life in Burlington.

Project: The Melting Pot - Building Community Connections through Culinary Arts

Applicant: Creative Community Collective

Nothing brings people more together than cooking and sharing a meal. The Creative Community Hive has been hosting a variety of creative activities at various locations in Halton Region since 2017. This project aims to share multicultural recipes through live demonstrations by chefs from within our community who have origins in Congo, South Korea and Spain, share cultural cuisine/recipe-based anecdotes led by an expert storyteller and hear from expert guests in the food industry that share their knowledge around food literacy. The event will allow participants to learn about nutrition and expose them to new cuisines from different cultures, while introducing them to music, art, crafts and images from the various cultures represented.

Project: Metamorphosis Concert

Applicant: Charles Cozens

The Metamorphosis concert will feature composer/arranger and pianist Charles Cozens in concert with his trio. The music embraces new compositions by Cozens and fresh, invigorating arrangements of other contemporary jazz and classical themes. The project will explore the art of improvisation and musical metamorphosis and the development of musical themes and motifs. The concert will be scripted with some speaking by Cozens about the nature of the music and each particular piece. The audience will be encouraged to participate through question and answer periods during the performance which will allow for engagement and outreach. The concert demonstrates that music is a universal language that affects culturally diverse people in a different way than spoken word, as music is all encompassing.

Project: Telling Tales Festival

Applicant: Telling Tales

The 15th Annual Telling Tales Festival returns to the Royal Botanical Gardens’ Hendrie Park. The event is free and visitors can participate in a number of educational activities led by a diverse group of authors, illustrators, musicians and storytellers. The program is culturally diverse and committed to showcasing fresh, local talent alongside internationally renowned luminaries. Guests can listen to stories behind a book’s creation, learn writing tips and meet local authors. Participants can also explore interactive workshops, express their creativity in the craft tent with story-based art and explore the park’s sculpture collection. Telling Tales fosters the family literacy skills that will support mental health and a sense of well-being, by promoting a love of reading and an appreciation for the natural world.

Project: The Women Composers Project

Applicant: Effusion and Friends Collective 

Effusion was formed in 2016 when five classically-trained musicians joined forces to present concerts to educate the Burlington community. For this project, Effusion aims to bring awareness to the amazing depth and range of women composers in music from classical, rock and pop, to musical theatre and film. The concert will curate music from these genres and composers will come from various cultures and ethnicities. As we introduce these women composers to the public, we will give brief descriptions of the music, the impact that it had at the time, and share important facts about each composer. The project will feature music by Black, Indigenous and Japanese women in addition to works by women from Europe, Canada and the US and will provide a new way of looking at women composers.

Project: Burlington Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Engagement Project

Applicant: Burlington Symphony Orchestra

The Burlington Symphony Orchestra (BSO) produces orchestral and small ensemble performances that engage and inspire large, diverse audiences. The BSO Young Artists Engagement Project is a deliberate attempt to offer a number of experiences for youth at various stages of their musical growth. By connecting these experiences, young people can form goals for their artistic future by visualizing their musical growth and potential. The engagement project includes a Young Artist Competition, Youth Learning Day and a concert at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. The winner of the Young Artist Competition will perform as a soloist during the concert. The project provides youth with the opportunity for long term support and real-life experience working within the structure of an orchestral setting.

Glossary of terms

View our BACF glossary of terms.

Arts and Culture Collective

Three or more artists or cultural professionals whose project is focused primarily on artistic or cultural creation and presentation.

Charitable Arts and Culture Organization

A charitable organization whose mandate or mission is focused primarily on artistic or cultural creation and presentation.

Charitable Organization

To be considered charitable, an organization's purpose must be exclusively and legally charitable and it must be established for the benefit of the public or a sufficient segment of the public. It must also be registered with the Canada Revenue Agency as having charitable status under the Income Tax Act. Organizations so registered can issue tax receipts for charitable donations.

Community Arts and Culture Project

Broadly defined, a community arts and culture project involves a collaborative, creative process between a professional practicing artist and the community. It is a collective method of artmaking, engaging professional artists and self-defined communities through collaborative, artistic expression. It is as much about process as it is about the artistic product or outcome. A community arts and culture project provides a unique way for communities to express themselves and enable artists, through financial and other support, to engage in creative activity with communities.

Not-for-Profit Arts and Culture Organization

A not-for-profit organization whose mandate or mission is focused primarily on artistic or cultural creation and presentation.

Not-for-Profit Organization

An organization not conducted or maintained for the purpose of making a profit. Instead, it operates to serve a public good. Not-for-profit organizations are specifically incorporated as such. Any surplus generated by a not-for-profit organization is used by the organization for the purposes for which it is established.

Peer Assessment Jury

BACF jury members are arts and culture professionals, practitioners and/or individuals who are knowledgeable in the arts and culture with high standing in the arts and culture community. Jurors evaluate applications based on the artistic merit component of the application and provide feedback to city staff. Peer assessment ensures that the arts and culture community has a voice in how funds are distributed and that applications are evaluated by artists and other cultural experts with knowledge and experience of the specific art forms, art practices and communities involved. BACF peer assessment jury members are selected and approved by the Arts and Culture Council of Burlington.

Professional Artist

Someone who has developed skills through training and/or practice, is recognized as such by artists working in the same artistic tradition, has a history of public presentation or publication, seeks payment for their work and actively practices their art. Short breaks in artistic history are allowed. The source of this definition is the Ontario Arts Council.