Arts Program

Arts Program Description

This program is limited to residents of Haida Gwaii and is intended to benefit the artists of Haida Gwaii in their quest to give full expression to their talents. It contemplates the arts in a holistic context ranging over two and three dimensional works, painting, drawing, weaving, carvings, sculptures, performing arts, film, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, etc.

The Gwaii Trust Arts Program has four funding elements, three with two deadline dates this year: Mentoring, Collaborative, and Education/Training. The fourth is the open/no deadline date workshops.

The Gwaii Trust Arts Committee would like to invite all artists to apply to the program. October 7, 2011 program intake budget is $15,000.00 and March 2, 2012 program intake budget is $10,000.00 which is the first Friday in October and March. The arts committee will host the allocation meeting on a Saturday two weeks after the deadline date to accommodate those committee members who work.

The workshop component is an open program on a first come first serve basis. The results of the successful applicants will be posted on the Gwaii Trust web site under the successful applicants tab the next business day. All Gwaii Trust programs require that the applicant complete an online application form. The Gwaii Trust Board of Directors will not consider any information or supporting documentation received after the allocation deadline in their review of this project. All applications submitted become the property of the Gwaii Trust, who may publish the said applications on their website at www.gwaiitrut.com or may otherwise utilize their content as the Gwaii Trust sees fit. All Gwaii Trust Programs require, Haida Gwaii residency of one year, prior applying. (Gwaii Trust defines residency as: living on Haida Gwaii 12 consecutive months prior to application date) All open program applications must be submitted two weeks prior departures dates or start up.

The Gwaii Trust Staff are here to assist you with this new process. Please contact one of the offices if you require any assistance or have any questions.

Please submit your online application and all supporting documentation on the same day, missing information will be considered an incomplete application. Forward all letters of support, proof of income and expense cost quotes to forms@gwaiitrust.com or fax to the Old Massett Office attention: Project Officer 250-626-3261

Essential Elements to Receive Contributions


The Gwaii Trust Society disburses funds for all approved projects on an invoice basis, once any in-kind or matching equity has been confirmed. The approved applicants provide copies of receipts (for expenditures) or invoices to the Gwaii Trust office, and then those costs are reimbursed at the percentage approved to the applicant. The Gwaii Trust allocates a maximum of 20% - 60%of the approved contribution until the project is complete.

Once the project has been approved the following Funding Schedule is as follows:
1st Request: 20% upon request- post approval, along with the signed funding conditions form and cover letter stating your request.

2nd Request: 60% through invoice matching approved advance (60% plus the first 20%) and a cover letter stating your request.

3rd Request: 20% once the project is completed, the applicant submits a financial report and a written summary (evaluation) of the project to receive the final 20%. Confirmation of project completions, including all stated deliverables, and the final evaluation documentation has been submitted, along with the submission of final report and photos.

Arts Program Funding Allotments


This year the funding allotment has two program intakes this fiscal year 2011/2012 is $25,000.00.
Two program intakes this year.
October 7th 2011              Budget $12,500.00
March 2nd  2012                Budget $12,500.00

The funding allotment for the Workshop component is open-with-no-deadline dates for the 2011/2012 fiscal year is initially $10,000.00.

Funding remaining from the two deadline programs approved allocation will be transfer to the Workshop element. Funds remaining from both the arts program and workshop component at the fiscal year end will be returned to the Gwaii Trust general fund.

Mentoring Component 

Mentoring allows artists to receive training in an informal environment. Artists are encouraged to consider mentors on Island, however it is also recognized that it may be necessary for such training off Island, or in exceptional circumstances have mentors come to Haida Gwaii. This element can be for one- to-one or several trainees participating with a mentor. Mentors cannot be of the trainee’s immediate family. Mentors applying must provide the names of their trainees whose maximum rate of pay will be $ 8.00 per hour.

What is a Mentor?
A trusted friend, counsellor or teacher experienced in inspiring apprentices to develop their creativity of the art being taught. Mentors provide this expertise to less experienced individuals to  assist them in advancing their careers, enhancing their education, and building their networks through the instruction of the foundations and principles of the dedication required to furthering the level of achievement and creativity of the apprentice.    

What are the Requirements and Criteria?
The applicant is required to provide a portfolio of the mentor and provide a brief description of your personal experiences as a mentor.  Did we determine anything firm about wages?

Collaborative Component

This element is to encourage partnerships within a community, inter-community, and cross cultural work. Artists will be supported for collaboration with a group of artists or arts organization for training, an exhibition opportunity, or public/community art. Arts organizations, schools, or communities may work with artists of their choosing to facilitate partnering.

Education/Training Component

This element is intended as added support to artists for education and/or training in activities such as research, developing technique, exploring new mediums, professional development pertaining to art, or independent artistic creation that includes new work to be shown.

Workshops Component  -

open for applying anytime dependent on available funds within the fiscal budget. This element, with no deadline date, allows artists to apply for up to two thousand dollars ($ 2,000.00) per fiscal year to attend a workshop. Increased funding is available for workshops with more than one person attending and can include bringing to the Islands, if necessary, facilitators presenting a workshop. 

Guidelines Applicable to all Arts Programs


1. All information requested in the Online Application needs to be included within the application.
2. Equity requirement 0%, but contribution from the artist toward their project is viewed favorably.
3. Maximum application $ 10,000.00
4. Key tests are Merit and Need.
5. Core funding is not available.
6. Haida Gwaii residency of one year, prior applying (Gwaii Trust defines residency as: living on Haida Gwaii 12 consecutive months prior to application date)
7. Arts Committee members are not eligible to apply for funding.
8. Administration or coordinating costs where applicable are maximum 10% and only if the administration or coordination is not a paid element of the person’s employment with the applying organization.
9. Facilitator’s costs are $ 500.00 per day maximum.
10. No funding for equipment purchase, organization operating costs, capital costs, or costs relating to starting a business will be considered.
11. Funding may be considered for materials, rental of equipment and/or space, related specifically to the project, registration fees, travel costs where applicable, and living expenses in exceptional circumstances.
11. Meal cost reimbursement where applicable will be limited to Gwaii Trust personnel policy.
12. Payment to applicants will be in accordance with invoices presented that correspond to the application budget and, if there is an equity component to the application the Gwaii Trust payments will match the equity component percent expended.
13. 20% of approved funding may be advanced upon receipt of correspondence from the applicant stating reason for the advance. Further payment will require invoices covering the 20% and the additional payment request.
14. Project photographs and/or information in the evaluation requirement may be applied by Gwaii Trust in Gwaii Trust or other media. Gwaii Trust will receive acknowledgement of its support whenever and where practical.
15. Approved applicants with projects outstanding beyond the stated completion date and to what Gwaii Trust considers not within reason will be requested to “reapply” with progress explained and a revised completion date subject to Gwaii Trust approval.
16. Please take time to fill out the project evaluation form and submit it with your final report and submitted with your letter of request for final payment along with photos and receipts.

Arts application requirements information check list criteria for approval

  1. Element of the Arts program to which applying.
  2. Name of the artist or person representing an organization.
  3. Name of organization if applicable.
  4. Mailing Address.
  5. Phone.
  6. Email Address.
  7. Fax. if applicable.
  8. Certification statement of one year minimum residency.
  9. First time applicant?
  10. Contact person for site visits and how to contact.
  11. Project information: Project name, description including the mission or vision, the why, location, how it will unfold start to finish c/w with dates, and syllabus if applicable.
  12. Community benefit.
  13. Project management structure (will usually be the artist doing the bookkeeping, presenting relevant invoices, doing the evaluation, and report on community benefit).
  14. State whether or not other sources of funding have been sought.
  15. Budget spreadsheet with all expenses outlining which are to be paid by Gwaii Trust and who is paying other expenses (Who is charging what and who is expected to pay.) This will include other funding sources for the project and proof of equity of other funding such as a bank statement or signed letter of commitment.
  16. State timing of Cash flow requirements (when payments will be needed).
  17. Confirm that ongoing or operational funds are secured or not required when this project is completed.
  18. How the project meets the Constitutional Goals of Gwaii Trust.
  19. How the project will be evaluated to determine the community benefit derived.
    Documentation: Signed documentation by suppliers for quotes. Website costs copies from Air Canada and such do not require signatures.
  20. Two letters from peers of the art community supporting the artist, and if applicable to the project community LOS
  21. Artist’s Resume, Biography, CV or similar history
  22. Facilitator resume if applicable
  23. Examples of the applicant’s art: photographs, videos, recordings, writings, etc.
  24. Certification by applicant of the above information being complete, accurate, and not misleading.

The Gwaii Trust Board of Directors will not consider any information or supporting documentation received after the allocation deadline in their review of this project.
All applications submitted become the property of the Gwaii Trust, who may publish the said applications on their website www.gwaiitrut.com or may otherwise utilize their content as the Gwaii Trust sees fit.


Artists in any creative discipline are encouraged to apply to the Gwaii Trust Arts Program. If you have any questions, please call the Managing Administrator at 1-800-663-2388 or 250-626-3654 or Debbie Crosby at the Skidegate office.

The Gwaii Trust Board of Directors will not consider any information or supporting documentation received after the allocation deadline in their review of this project.

All applications submitted become the property of the the Gwaii Trust, who may publish the said applications on their website www.gwaiitrut.com or may otherwise utilize their content as the Gwaii Trust sees fit.

Artists in any creative discipline are encouraged to apply to the Gwaii Trust Arts Program. If you have any questions, please call the Managing Administrator at 1-800-663-2388 or 250-626-3654.

Online Application Form