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Grants

Since 2010, Squamish Arts has adjudicated the Arts and Culture Grant (ACG) for local arts and/or culture projects that seek to provide community enhancement. This funding is awarded by the District of Squamish to Squamish Arts through the Community Enhancement Grant Program.

Please note that this grant is specifically geared towards projects that seek to enhance the community of Squamish through an arts and culture initiative, and can include objectives pertaining to decolonization and reconciliation, intergenerational programming, neighbourhood connectivity, environment, equity and diversity, physical and mental health, social wellbeing, youth led initiatives, vulnerable populations and recreation that are based in education, recreation, the environment, or alternative programming,

For projects that align with these objectives and that are NOT specifically arts and culture focused, please refer to the Community Enhancement Grant provided by the Squamish Community Foundation.

Please note that you can only receive either the Squamish Arts’ Arts and Culture Grant OR the Squamish Community Foundation’s Community Enhancement Grant. If you believe that your project could feasibly apply to both, please email info@squamishartscouncil.com to determine which grant you should apply to.

If you would like aid in the grant writing process, please reach out to info@squamishartscouncil.com.

The Squamish Arts’ grant program

The Arts & Culture program has specific eligibility criteria. Please review the guidelines before applying. 

NOW CLOSED

Arts & Culture Grant

The 2025 Arts and Culture Grant intake will open again in October. 

Past Arts and Culture Grant Recipients

Squamish Arts, in partnership with the District of Squamish, has completed adjudications for the Community Arts and Culture Enhancement Grant! This was an amazing year for the number and quality of applications and is indicative of the diversity and creativity of Squamish.

Thank you to all who submitted, thank you to the hardworking volunteer adjudication committee, and congratulations to the winners!

Ananda Bortoletto – Brazil in Squamish Festival 

The Brazil in Squamish Festival will involve a series of six to eight small interactive events, presentations, and workshops with one larger event as well. They will be hosted in several Squamish neighbourhoods, different venues, and formats. Events include Brazilian music, arts and crafts, environment, culinary, sports, dance, and traditions

Between Shifts Theatre – Winter Community Theatre Production

A two week, all ages community theatre event for the winter season. This show is part of the Between Shifts Theatre Mentorship Program that teaches and welcomes young actors and new members interested in learning the theatre arts on and off stage.

Cheakamus Foundation for Environmental Learning – Art Outdoors

This event will invite and showcase local Squamish/Sḵwx̱wú7mesh artists and performers to Cheakamus Centre’s Annual Open House along with family friendly enviro education activities and nature themed local art.

Sea to Sky Dance Collective – RISE

A live music, dance performance with multi-media projections celebrating International Women’s Day at the Eagle Eye Theater

Downtown Squamish BIA – Squamish Mural Walk

The Squamish Mural walk created both a walking and virtual tour of the murals within the DSBIA’s catchment area (between Pemberton Avenue to the north and Westminster Street to the south, and between Loggers Lane and Second Ave to the east and west).

The best way to explore the murals in Downtown Squamish is by simply taking a stroll. This project created an accessible free self guided tour of the murals that add visual evidence of Squamish’s diverse local cultures, history and heritage.

Howe Sound Performing Arts Association – Elemental Concert Series

Concert series that incorporates 4 elements: Air, Fire, Earth, and Water to highlight the diversity, inclusion, and strength within our Corridor.

Kayla Mak – Youth Jam Night

Once a month jam sessions for youth (ages 11-16) at the Squamish Academy of Music. 

Skate Sea2Sky Figure Skating Club – “We Are All Misfits” Ice Dance Show

An annual Christmas season ice skating show at Brennan Park with three separate performances by students who are a part of the Skate Sea2Sky Figure Skating Club. 

The Wilder – Bright Life

Bright Life is a temporary immersive winter light art experience that will take place in downtown Squamish.

Soul House

1 Poet Next Door per month, 1 culminating Soul House event per year (A larger event with multidisciplinary artists), and 4 Queergasm events per year (an 2SLGBTQ+ erotic storytelling/poet event).

Squamish Farmers Market Association – Music at The Market

Enjoy live music weekly at the Squamish Farmers Market!

Squamish Public Library – Namwayut, We are All One: An Evening with Chief Robert Joseph

A collaborative Squamish-based, Corridor-wide event (live-streamed with viewings), showcasing Chief Robert Joseph’s teachings, Q&A, and a reading from his recent book, Namwayut – We are All One: A Pathway to Reconciliation.

Quest University Canada – Tantalus Drag Show

Celebration of queer culture and art at Quest featuring approximately 10 live drag performances in one evening. Youth led with tons of volunteers for all portions of the production.

Lenny Rubenovich and Art Harry – Portage

Squamish artist Art Harry led a series of workshops over three weeks in which participants learned how to carve paddles from red cedar. Multidisciplinary Squamish-based artist Lenny Rubenovitch shared through stories his knowledge of trees. The workshop targeted youth, but welcomed participants of diverse ages and backgrounds to share stories and develop woodworking techniques and character.

Hilltop House Society – The Hilltop Indigenous Arts and Culture Project

Hilltop House Support Society plans to create and support a program which focuses on indigenous artists and cultural figures from our community sharing their crafts and culture with the residents. This would be through a variety of events such as art projects, native crafts, music, dancing and sharing circles throughout the year. 

Mel Ironside – The Squamish Arts Fair

The Squamish Arts Fair will be an outdoor market featuring artist and artisan vendors, food vendors and a variety of entertainment. The event will provide Wild Connection experience for vendors and visitors alike by brining people together to showcase amazing local creators while enjoying lively music and street style performances. 

Sea to Sky Dance Collective – WILD

The Sea to Sky Dance Collective hosted a performing arts event that blended contemporary ballet dance, live music, poetry, and storytelling in an inclusive and welcoming environment. WILD was a dance performance that celebrates the connection between community and art to generate revenue for Girl in the Wild, a non-profit organization that provides free, adventure-based learning opportunities for young girls in the wild spaces of British Columbia.

Downtown Squamish BIA – Squamish Mural Walk

The Squamish Mural walk created both a walking and virtual tour of the murals within the DSBIA’s catchment area (between Pemberton Avenue to the north and Westminster Street to the south, and between Loggers Lane and Second Ave to the east and west).

The best way to explore the murals in Downtown Squamish is by simply taking a stroll. This project created an accessible free self guided tour of the murals that add visual evidence of Squamish’s diverse local cultures, history and heritage.

Squamish Helping Hands Society – Under One Roof Creative Writing and Expression Project

This project aims to provide people dealing with homelessness, substance use, and/or mental illness with the opportunity to participate in therapeutic writing and creative expression as meant to improve their overall wellbeing and quality of life, as well as give shape and understanding to the broad community about the lives of those experiencing homelessness and addiction.

Squamish Nature Learners – Drum Making, Art and Music Celebration with Squamish Nation

This project consisted of a drum making workshop for kindergarten-grade 8 students at Squamish Nature Learners school and members of the Squamish Nation community. The drum making workshop was hosted by the respected Indigenous leader Alice Guss (Tsawaysia Spukwus). Squamish Nature Learners aims to celebrate the art and culture of drum making with Alice and also host five free community spots to Squamish Nation members who would like to join. The mentorship and sharing of community between the school children and Squamish Nation members will help to build knowledge sharing and work towards reconciliation.

Squamish Youth Soccer Association – The SYSA Kicking Wall Mural

This project set out to paint a mural on the ‘kicking wall’ on the Turf Fields. 

The Wilder – Eulogy

Eulogy was a temporary immersive environmental art exhibition for residents in Squamish and further that provided an engaging and unique way to learn about the environment and taking action. 

Valleycliffe Elementary PAC– Dance Valleycliffe

This project brought a dance and movement program to the school for a 7 day residence.

Between Shifts Theatre for the production of “Grimm’s Fairy Tales”

Between Shifts Theatre hosted an evening of 5 one-act plays 2 that were written by local writer, Katherine Fawcett. All 5 plays were loosely based on Grimm’s fairytales, but also contained modern references.

Lenny Rubenovich and Art Harry – Portage

Squamish artist Art Harry led a series of workshops over three weeks in which participants learned how to carve paddles from red cedar. Multidisciplinary Squamish-based artist Lenny Rubenovitch shared through stories his knowledge of trees. The workshop targeted youth, but welcomed participants of diverse ages and backgrounds to share stories and develop woodworking techniques and character.

Don Ross Middle School – DRMS courtyard wall and ground murals

The aim of this project is to revitalize the existing DRMS concrete courtyard to create an outdoor indigenous and edible educational garden that is surrounded by student lead inspirational artwork and play areas. Don Ross Middle School is planning on working with local artists that can help the students create murals on the courtyard walls showcasing the strength of student connection and growth during this year of persevering through the challenges of a global pandemic. In addition to the walls, they would like to create ground activities contributing to Physical Literacy and Creative Movement; suggestions of a live chess boards and Hopscotch areas have been proposed.

Squamish Nature Learners – Growing Love and Art

School Children collaborated with local mural artist Liesl and indigenous artist Gyauustees to convert two sea cans at Legacy Sports Park from neglected metal storage units to to beautiful works of large-scale art installations.

Tatiana Lee – It’s Raining Poetry

The ‘It’s Raining Poetry Project’ solicited poems from the public (Squamish residents) and then installed them on paved active transportation corridors (e.g. sidewalks, overpasses, bike trails) throughout the community of Squamish. The poetry was painted onto paved or hard surfaces using biodegradable paint, visible only when wet.

Tsawaysia Spukwus (Alice Guss) – 360 Degrees Squamish

Tsawaysia Spukwus hosted a variety of traditional first nations drum making and wool weaving workshops at the Squamish Public Library.

Douglas Kerr – Squamish Streamed Live

Squamish Steamed Live entailed numerous live shows that were performed at the Squamish Brackendale Art Gallery. These shows were streamed for people to enjoy from the comfort of their homes.

Downtown Squamish BIA – Squamish Mural Walk

The Squamish Mural walk created both a walking and virtual tour of the murals within the DSBIA’s catchment area (between Pemberton Avenue to the north and Westminster Street to the south, and between Loggers Lane and Second Ave to the east and west).

The best way to explore the murals in Downtown Squamish is by simply taking a stroll. This project created an accessible free self guided tour of the murals that add visual evidence of Squamish’s diverse local cultures, history and heritage.

Squamish Academy of Music – SAM Jam

Due to COVID-19 this year, SAM Jam could not host the community music improv. event. Instead, they used the grant to fund a music teacher to host online workshops in the theme of musical improvisational skills. A total of 10 workshops were held once a month.

Sea to Sky Singers – Voice of Resilience

Sea to Sky Singers hosted a public concert at the Eagle Eye theatre that focused on inclusivity.

Sonoma Brawley – Space 2B

“The mission of Space 2B is to build a strong foundation for creative practice in our community by engaging youth and connecting to one another to celebrate and support artistic discovery. Space 2B is a destination for young artists from Squamish. Connect, collaborate, and create – a SPACE to be you! “Space” stands for Squamish Arts Circle of Excellence. But what about the “P” in “Space”? That’s where individuality comes in: performing, painting and pencil, poetry and prose, pointe and pas de deux, pottery, photography, piano, piccolo, and pastries! And the list goes on. For this project we will be producing a virtual series of artist speaker events. By showcasing successful artists from our community and beyond we will inspire young artists to follow their dreams of pursuing the arts. We will be featuring artists from different genres and backgrounds for a well-rounded educational experience. As a student at Howe Sound Secondary I bring a unique perspective of the needs of Squamish teens. Mental Health in teenagers has taken a big hit this year due to COVID. By providing access to the arts and opportunities to create I am supporting the mental wellbeing of my peers, and classmates.”

Film Series – Underrated Film Series

Lauren Bridle and Emily Beekmans are seeking to co-produce a film series titled “Underrated – A Film Series Recognizing Inspiring Women in British Columbia”. This project will highlight the importance of British Columbia’s most inspiring women who have been fiercely and humbly dedicating their time to breaking down barriers, building up communities, and bettering our planet.

Past Public Art Grant Recipients

Thank you to all who submitted, thank you to the hardworking volunteer adjudication committee, and congratulations to the winners!

1. Joe Sauve for “Scavenger Bear”.

A bear sculpture this is made entirely of recycled materials that have been donated by the community.

2. Cory Douglas and Brackendale Elementary School for “Embracing Cultural Identity and Reconciliation”.

A 3-dimensional wood and metal work of art that tells the story of the traditional Skwxwú7mesh Nation village of site of Waiwakum.

3. Xwalacktun (Rick Harry) and Glenne Campbell for “Truth and Reconciliation Flag Mural”.

A reconception of the National Flag of Canada. It will showcase the acknowledgement and collaboration of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and Canadian values. The graphics will portray orange t -shirts and a maple leaf inscribed with West Coast First Nations symbology.

Our Partners

Squamish Arts acknowledges that the land on which we live, work and recreate is the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, particularly the territories of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation. It is our responsibility to honour their ancestry by being an ally to the present.

Community Event Calendar

Terms & Conditions

Event Eligibility: Only events related to public art and cultural activities located in Squamish, BC will be considered for inclusion in the calendar. The event should align with the purpose and focus of Squamish Art’s mission and vision.

Submission Accuracy: The submitter is responsible for providing accurate and up-to-date information about the event, including the event title, date, time, location, description, and any additional relevant details.

Ownership and Permissions: By submitting an event to the calendar, the submitter confirms that they have the necessary rights and permissions to promote the event and its associated content, including any images or multimedia files.

Event Approval: Submission does not guarantee automatic inclusion in the public art calendar. The calendar administrators reserve the right to review and approve each event before it is published. Approved events will be added to the calendar in a timely manner.

Editing and Removal: The calendar administrators reserve the right to edit event details, including the event title, description, date, time, and location, to ensure accuracy and consistency. The administrators also reserve the right to remove an event from the calendar at any time without prior notice.

Pricing Guidelines: Submitters must either be a member or pay a non-refundable fee of $10 for each event submitted. Membership details and fee payment instructions will be provided separately.

Public Accessibility: The public art calendar is available to the general public. By submitting an event, the submitter acknowledges that the event details will be visible to anyone accessing the calendar.

Content Guidelines: Event submissions must adhere to the guidelines of respectful and inclusive language. The calendar administrators reserve the right to reject or modify event submissions that contain offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate content.

Liability: The calendar administrators are not responsible for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions in the event details provided by the submitter. The submitter agrees to hold the administrators harmless from any claims or liabilities arising from the inclusion or exclusion of an event in the calendar.

Data Privacy: Personal information collected during the event submission process will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection laws and the privacy policy of the public art calendar.

Modifications to Terms and Conditions: The calendar administrators may update or modify these terms and conditions at any time. It is the responsibility of the submitter to review the terms periodically and ensure compliance.

By submitting an event to the public art calendar, the submitter agrees to comply with these terms and conditions.