Frequently Asked Questions

User ID and Passwords

Creating Your Online Application

Filling in Your Application Form

Submitting Your Online Application Form

 


User ID and Passwords

Q     How do I get a User ID and password?

A     If you do not know your User ID and password, please contact your program coordinator at the BC Arts Council (250)356-1718 or email bcartscouncil@gov.bc.ca.


Q     When do I use my Private User ID?

A     If you are applying for programs in the operating assistance and project assistance categories, you should apply using a Private User ID and password.


Q     How do I get a Private User ID and password?

A     If you have applied for operating or project assistance previously you will have been assigned a Private User ID. If you do not know your Private User ID, please contact your program coordinator or email bcartscouncil@gov.bc.ca.

       If you are a new applicant to a program in either of these two categories, please contact your program coordinator or email the BC Arts Council and you will be assigned a Private User ID and password.


Q     When do I use the Generic User ID?

A     The Generic User ID is provided to applicants who wish to download an application form and complete their application offline and submit a paper copy.

       The Generic User ID is also provided to eligible applicants to the Arts Awards for Individuals and Scholarship programs. Once you have been provided with the Generic User ID and password, you will be prompted to register on the system and will be able to submit your application electronically.


Q     What should I do if I have forgotten my User ID and password?

A     If you have been provided with a Private User ID, the BC Arts Council can reset your password.

       If you are have registered your own User ID, the BC Arts Council cannot reset your password.


Q     What if the Generic User ID and password I used a week ago no longer works?

A     The Generic User ID and password are updated on a monthly basis. Please contact your program coordinator for the current Generic User ID and password.   


 

Creating Your Online Application

Q     How do I know which application form to use?

A     You must consult with your program coordinator to determine the correct application form to use.


Q     What if the application form I want does not appear in the drop down boxes on the online application system?

A     Application forms are available on the system approximately six weeks prior to the program deadline.


 

Filling in Your Application Form

Q     Which sections of the application cannot be submitted as attachments?  

A     The front page of the application form and financial and statistic sections must be completed within the online application form. All other information or materials, including the documentation listed on the front page of the application and responses to the questions on the second page of the application, may be provided using the attachment option.


Q     Can I access the attachment option directly from within the online application form?

A     To access the attachment option, you must save your application and return to your home page.  Click the Attach button beside your Application ID and you will be directed to the attachment page.


Q     How long will my attachments be maintained on the online application system?

A     Attachments will be maintained on the BC Arts Council server for one year from the date of your application.


Q     Why are some of the items on the financial pages in blue ink?

A     These fields are editable and allow you to insert specific descriptions for the line item.


Q     There are five blank pages at the end of the application form. What are these for?

A     These pages are for your convenience and are available if you wish to include information in your application but not use the attachment function.


 

Submitting Your Online Application Form

Q     How can I be sure that my application has been submitted successfully?

A     Once you have completed and submitted your electronic application, return to your home page and you will notice that the Status column beside your Application ID has changed from “In Process” to “Processing “. Shortly after your application has been received, you will receive an acknowledgement letter in the mail.


Q     Do I need to forward a paper copy of my online application form to the BC Arts Council?

A     If you have submitted your application electronically in its entirety, a paper copy is not required. However, if there are documents or portfolio materials you prefer to send to the BC Arts Council offices via mail or courier, please indicate in your package that you have submitted electronically and the enclosed materials form part of your application.


Q     Do I need to forward a signed copy of the first page of the application?

A     Clicking OK to the declaration statement is equivalent to signing a paper copy of the application form and a signed copy of the first page is not required. 


Q     What happens to my application form once it is submitted?

A     BC Arts Council will do a preliminary review of your application and it will be imported into the BC Arts Council database. Your application will then proceed through the BC Arts Council’s evaluation and adjudication process.


Q     What should I do if I have submitted my application in error?

A     Once you have submitted your application to the BC Arts Council it is no longer available for you to make changes. If your application has not yet been previewed by Council staff, we may be able to return it to you to “redo”. Please contact your program coordinator.


Q     Why has the Application ID number on my application listing page changed from a number starting with a T to a new number?

A     Once your application has been accepted by the BC Arts Council for processing it will be assigned a file number. This file number will be noted on all correspondence from the BC Arts Council.