Arts and Culture Grant

Eligibility

To apply for BACG funding, you must be Burlington based and one of the following:

• An individual artist or arts and cultural collective (defined as two or more artists, performers, or cultural professionals) 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

If you fall under one of these areas, you are not eligible for BACG support

• You have already received City funding this calendar year,
• Churches and religious institutions,
• City of Burlington employees,
• Schools, conservatories and other training or educational organizations or institutions.

Capital Costs are not eligible for BACG funding

BACG project funding may not be used for major capital expenses including:

• Equipment and fixtures,
• For-profit ventures or for-profit partners,
• Land,
• Operating costs,
• Facilities and,
• Public art projects through the public art program.

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 BACG is meant to support the creation and presentation of arts and cultural projects that reflect BACG 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

BACG projects must adhere to all municipal, regional, and provincial 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 BACG 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

Grants

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.

If you are awarded a grant, you must sign an agreement, recognizing your obligations. Once the agreement is signed, we will issue a cheque for 80 per cent of the grant. We will issue the remaining 20 per cent once we receive your final report, as well as remaining invoices and other documents outlined in the agreement. You will not be eligible to receive BACG 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 three key areas of evaluation, including:

• Project and artistic merit (40 per cent of scoring)

• Inclusion and community impact (30 per cent of scoring)

• Project delivery (30 per cent of scoring)

Applications are reviewed, in part, by a peer assessment jury. Jury members evaluate the artistic merit criteria of BACG applications. 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

Project and artistic merit

Grants will be awarded based on projects that:

• offer original, high-quality arts/cultural experiences for Burlington artists, arts and cultural organizations, and the public. 

• are distinct in artistic approach, presentation or engagement when compared to existing arts and cultural activities in Burlington.

• show community interest, growth, or ongoing demand.

• are led by a team that shows artistic and/or professional expertise fitting to the project’s scope. 

• have a work plan with realistic timelines and deliverables.

Inclusion and community impact

• Inclusion: The project prioritizes inclusion, accessibility, and representation of diverse communities such as newcomers, Black, Indigenous and racialized people; 2SLGBTQIA+ communities; people with disabilities and other unrepresented groups.

• Community Engagement & Collaboration: The project shows community support using collaborations, sponsorships, in-kind contributions, or volunteer participation.

• Strategic Alignment: The project aligns with one or more of the strategic priorities outlined in Burlington’s Strategic Plan. 

• Capacity Building and Development: The project provides employment opportunities (professional artist fees), mentorship, and/or training to Burlington artists, cultural workers, and creative professionals.

Project delivery

• Budget & Funding: The application clearly shows how BACG funding will directly support the project and has a complete project budget.

• Promotion & Outreach: The project has clear strategies to promote public awareness, encourage participation and broaden audience reach.

• Financial Sustainability: The applicant shows initiative and success in getting additional funding and/or in-kind support beyond BACG funding. 

• Project Team: The project team have the skills, experience and capacity needed to successfully deliver the project.

• Work Plan: The work plan has realistic timelines and deliverables

Approved Projects for 2026/2027

Project: The Artist’s Mark 2026

Applicant: Burlington Fine Arts Association

The Burlington Fine Arts Association presents the Artist’s Mark 2026, an annual juried exhibition showcasing original art by local artists. Now in its eighth year, the exhibition will be held at the Burlington Centre Community Hub and Burlington Public Library’s New Appleby Branch, bringing contemporary art into accessible public spaces. The exhibition features selected artwork from over 100 submissions, highlighting artistic excellence and creativity within the local arts community. Programming includes artist talks, juror commentary sessions, and hands-on workshops for families and youth, as well as outreach to seniors’ residences. The project supports artistic growth while expanding public access to high-quality visual arts experiences across the community.

Project: Broadway Comes to Burlington

Applicant: Burlington Symphony Orchestra

Broadway Comes to Burlington is a collaborative concert presented by the Burlington Symphony Orchestra, celebrating the music of Broadway. Partnering with local theatre organizations KooGle Theatre and Drury Lane Theatre, this performance brings Broadway favourites to the symphonic stage in an engaging, community focused event. The concert will feature live orchestral music alongside vocal performances, showcasing the talents of local performers. A number of free tickets will be made available to youth theatre groups, supporting access and engagement for emerging performers. This project strengthens collaboration within Burlington’s arts community while providing audiences with a dynamic, entertaining live musical experience.

Project: Burlington Inspired Paint By Numbers Workshops

Applicant: Hope Flynn

Led by local artist Hope Flynn, Burlington Inspired Paint By Numbers is a series of free art workshops for youth ages 7 to 13. The free sessions will be held at Burlington Public Library’s New Appleby Branch and are open to participants of all skill levels and abilities. Each workshop features locally inspired designs, highlighting Burlington landscapes and wildlife. The program supports creativity, confidence building, and social connection in a supportive and inclusive environment. All materials are provided. Flexible teaching approaches make the workshops welcoming for special needs participants. By removing accessibility barriers, the project ensures that all youth have the opportunity to explore visual arts and to develop their creative skills in a meaningful way.

Project: Burlington Latin Festival

Applicant: Latin Legacy Association

The Burlington Latin Festival is a cultural celebration that brings together a diverse group of artists, activities and vendors. Its goal is to promote the creativity, innovation and cultural exchange of Burlington’s Latin community. The festival showcases a variety of artforms including music, dance, Latin wellness classes and workshops, a parade and live performances. The Burlington Latin Festival will take place in Central Park on Aug. 22 and 23 and features a musical lineup that includes the rhythms of Salsa, Reggaeton, Merengue, Bachata, Mariachi, Jazz and Samba. The festival is free and provides an opportunity for residents to experience and celebrate Latin heritage through art, music, dance and shared cultural experiences.

Project: Elizabeth Gardens Art Walk

Applicant: Elizabeth Gardens Creative Collective

The Elizabeth Gardens Art Walk is a free, outdoor community arts event held at Mohawk Park on Aug. 29. Now in its sixth year, the Art Walk features local artists and makers presenting exhibitions, live demonstrations and interactive creative activities. Visitors are invited to engage directly with artists, explore new skills and participate in hands-on art experience stations. The event showcases emerging and established artists in a welcoming, inclusive environment. By emphasizing participation and connection, the Elizabeth Gardens Art Walk highlights the importance of community-based arts in fostering creativity, wellbeing and local engagement. The Elizabeth Gardens Art Walk seeks to help the community discover Burlington’s talented artists, makers and creators.

Project: Halton Freedom Celebration Festival

Applicant: Halton Black History Awareness Society

The Halton Freedom Celebration Festival marks the 10th anniversary of the Halton Black History Awareness Society’s celebration of emancipation. This free festival features cultural performances, community activities and opportunities to explore Black history and heritage. Through education, celebration and engagement, the project promotes inclusivity, cultural awareness and community connection while recognizing the contributions and experiences of Black Canadians. The festival includes art in the park, cultural cuisine and live music featuring the best in Canadian R&B, Reggae, Soul, Funk, African, Cuban, Jazz Fusion, Soca and Pop. The Halton Freedom Celebration Festival takes place in Spencer Smith Park on Aug. 1.

Project: Love in the Time of Shadia and Layla Murad

Applicant: Sounds from Damascus

This live performance by Sounds from Damascus celebrates iconic Egyptian female artists Shadia and Layla Murad, highlighting the golden age of Arabic music and cinema. Featuring local musicians and vocalists Mamoun Aburas, Nour Kheder, Ruba Zouzou and Tamadur Al Khatib, the concert presents classic repertoire in a contemporary setting. The performance is designed to engage both those familiar with the era and new audiences discovering it for the first time. A goal of the project is to celebrate Egyptian musical heritage while supporting immigrant and female artistry. By showcasing Arab cultural heritage, the performance aims to create a vibrant and inclusive space that encourages dialogue and fosters community connections.

Project: Lunar New Year Celebration Gala

Applicant: Redleaf Cultural Integration

The Redleaf Cultural Integration (RCI) Lunar New Year Celebration Gala will be held at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre on Feb. 6, 2027. The event features traditional and contemporary Asian performances, music, dance and cultural showcases that celebrate the rich heritage of the Lunar New Year. Guests can also explore a free cultural exhibition with interactive displays and live demonstrations that include Chinese sugar painting, watercolour, face painting, tea ceremonies and more. The event brings the community together to experience and share diverse cultural traditions in an engaging, accessible way. Come and Celebrate as RCI ushers in the Year of the Goat through a day filled with art, culture, and community!

Project: Opera in a Trunk

Applicant: Southern Ontario Lyric Opera

Southern Ontario Lyric Opera (SOLO) presents Opera in a Trunk, an interactive educational program introducing elementary students to the world of opera. Featuring live performances by professional singers and musicians, the program uses costumes, props and storytelling to engage students in a fun and accessible way. Designed for grades 2 to 8, each presentation combines music and theatre to demonstrate the various elements of opera. Each session will end with a question-and-answer period allowing the students to engage with the SOLO performers. This school-based initiative encourages creativity, curiosity and appreciation for the performing arts, offering young audiences a meaningful first experience with opera.

Project: So You Think You Can’t Dance?

Applicant: Burlington Footnotes

Burlington Footnotes present So You Think You Can’t Dance, a series of free, introductory dance workshops designed for adults of all abilities. Featuring Chair Tap and beginner Jazz sessions taking place during Burlington Culture Days, the program encourages participants to explore movement in a supportive, inclusive environment. No prior experience is needed, and adaptations ensure accessibility for individuals of all abilities. The workshops promote the physical, cognitive and social benefits of dance while fostering confidence and creativity. This project seeks to engage community members who may not typically participate in the arts, encouraging lifelong enjoyment of movement and performance. If you’ve ever thought that dancing is not for you, the Burlington Footnotes will change your mind.

Project: Spellbound Choral Concert

Applicant: Myriad Ensemble

Spellbound is an immersive choral concert presented by the Myriad Ensemble that explores themes of myth, modern life and collective healing. Performed as a continuous 90-minute experience, the performance combines choral music, instrumental accompaniment and dynamic lighting. The program features works by female and non-binary composers, highlighting underrepresented voices in choral music. Collaborating with local musicians and artists, the concert offers an innovative and engaging cultural experience that expands access to contemporary choral performance in Burlington. With a mission to inspire through the power of choral music, Myriad Ensemble is recognized for its innovative programming, strong commitment to equity and representation in the arts.

Project: Summer Break Seniors’ Showcase

Applicant: Voices Music Collective

The Summer Break Seniors’ Showcase is a free community concert presented by Voices Music Collective. Featuring performances by the Golden Horseshoe Women’s and Mixed Choruses, the event highlights a range of musical styles, from contemporary songs to classical favourites. Designed with accessibility in mind, the concert welcomes older adults and residents of retirement communities while staying open to all. The project promotes social connection, well-being and community engagement through music, while uniting individuals of all ages, backgrounds and abilities through song. By showcasing local talent in an inclusive setting, the event provides a meaningful cultural experience for participants and audiences alike.

Project: Telling Tales Festival

Applicant: Telling Tales

The 18th Annual Telling Tales Festival returns to the Royal Botanical Gardens’ Hendrie Park on Oct. 3 and 4, 2026. The event is free and features over 50 of Canada’s leading children’s authors, illustrators, local musicians and storytellers, whose stories and experiences reflect the diversity of festival participants. Guests can listen to stories behind a book’s creation, learn writing tips and meet local authors, attend interactive workshops, express their creativity in a craft tent with story-based art, and explore Hendrie Park’s sculpture collection. With programming that reflects diverse voices and perspectives, the festival connects literature with nature and community, while supporting Canadian storytellers in a celebration of collaboration, volunteerism and community.

Project: Voice of Burlington 2027

Applicant: Greater Burlington Tamil Association

Voice of Burlington is a family friendly cultural celebration showcasing Tamil arts, music, dance and storytelling. The event includes performances, interactive cultural activities, demonstrations and hands-on creative workshops for participants of all ages. Led by a volunteer team and local artists, the initiative promotes cultural pride, connection and inclusion. The event highlights both traditional and contemporary Tamil creative arts and encourages cross cultural engagement and dialogue through art, craft, storytelling and performance. This project strengthens Burlington’s multicultural landscape by creating meaningful opportunities for shared cultural experiences and provides opportunities for participants to learn and engage directly with Tamil heritage.

Project: Walking Through the Fire: Indigenous Collaborations Culture Days Celebration

Applicant: Chris McKhool, Sultans of String

This free Culture Days concert, led by Chris McKhool and Sultans of String, brings together Indigenous artists in a powerful musical collaboration. Held in advance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the event features live and virtual performances by Indigenous musicians, Elders and cultural leaders. The program amplifies Indigenous voices through music, storytelling and artistic expression. Indigenous collaborators include Marc Meriläinen (Nadjiwan), Alyssa Delbaere-Sawchuk (Métis Fiddler Quartet), and Tsm’syen Elders Shannon Thunderbird and Kate Dickson. A marketplace will highlight Indigenous artisans, crafts and knowledge sharing. This project fosters cultural understanding, reconciliation and community connection through an inclusive and meaningful artistic experience.

Glossary of Terms

Arts and Culture Collective

Two or more artists, performers, or cultural professionals that exhibit high achievement in arts and culture programming.

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. 

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.