Here are some questions people frequently ask us about arts and culture. If the information you seek doesn’t appear below, call us at 604-681-3535 for answers to your questions.

Q: I am looking for a job in the arts and cultural sector. Where do I start?
A: We post administrative jobs and calls for artists, and we have a list of websites related to employment. We also place job postings and calls for artists in our Arts Information Centre, record it on our Jobs Line (604-681-3535 ext.1), and distribute this information to members over our E-Net broadcast service.

You may also want to check out our S.E.A..R.C.H. Program. S.E.A.R.C.H. is a four-week, hands-on program that helps artists and cultural workers learn how to create more sustainable incomes through employment and self-employment skills.

Q: I am looking for arts funding/grant information. Where do I start?
A: Our street-level Arts Information Centre houses reference information on grants and fundraising. We sort this information by discipline (dance, film, music, theatre, visual, etc.) or by funding body (federal, provincial, civic government; funding agency or foundation). These materials are available for self-directed research, although our receptionist can answer questions or provide help. To research funding/grants, visit us during our regular work hours (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday). Bring note-taking materials and change for photocopies.

A: Our links includes a section on Funding in Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and internationally.

Q: I would like to be involved in the 2010 Olympics or create art for cultural component of the Olympics.
A: Visit the Olympic information page on our website for funding information, Olympic news and links to 2010 Olympic organizations.

Q: I am a visual artist and need help with my career/my portfolio/exhibiting my work
A: For articles and advice on the life and the business of being an artist, visit non-starving artists at http://www.nonstarvingartists.com/Resources/ArtWork

A. NYFA Interactive also provides valuable information http://www.nyfa.org

Q: I need assistance with my project and/or idea. Where can I go for help?
A: There are many resources on the internet to help you, along with your public library.

A: A fabulous website to visit is arts up. Many artists and arts organisations, working on short term projects, are lacking significant resources which assist both management and creative processes. Although a service provided in Tasmania, Australia, there is a lot of helpful information on this website that is applicable to artists worldwide.

Q: I need information on copyright for my art?
A: The Canadian Artists Representation Copyright Collective Inc. http://www.carcc.ca/index.html provides general copyright information, fee schedules, and more on its website. You can also visit CARFAC at http://www.carfac.ca/index-en.php. To read the federal Copyright Act, visit the Department of Justice Canada.

Q: Where can I purchase tickets to events?
A: Tourism Vancouver runs the Tickets Tonight…and every night outlet, the only place in Vancouver where you can buy both selected half-price, day-of and full-price, advance tickets. The ticket booth is located in the TouristInfo Centre at 200 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Half-price tickets must be purchased in-person ONLY on the day of the event. There are limited quantities of tickets and the selection changes daily. Call 604-684-2787 or visit www.ticketstonight.ca for a list of today’s half-price shows. Some advance tickets may also be purchased online.

Q: My grandmother is coming to town next week. What events can we see?
A: For a comprehensive listing of events in the Greater Vancouver area, visit Tickets Tonight’s events calendar. Brochures and event information is also available in our Arts Information Centre and in Tourism Vancouver’s TouristInfo Centre at 200 Burrard Street, Vancouver.

Q: Do you provide a list of festivals?
A: Our links section includes a section on festivals in Greater Vancouver and British Columbia. Links sections for each discipline (dance, film, music, theatre, visual, etc.) also list festivals.

Galleries?
A: Our visual arts links section includes a comprehensive list of galleries. CARFAC (Canadian Artists' Representation/le front des artistes canadien) also has excellent information.

Venues?
A: Visit our venues links section for this information. Or check out Vancouver’s Office of Cultural Affairs’ online database of cultural facilities.

Studios?
A: We provide a list of studios in our links section.

Q: Where do I find out about arts schools?
A: Find out about arts schools by visiting our educational links. Links sections for each discipline (dance, film, music, theatre, visual, etc.) list local, provincial, national, and international schools. The Fine Arts and Music Division of the Vancouver Public Library’s Central Branch also collects prospectus calendars for Canadian and international post-secondary schools.

Q: Where do I learn more about the arts for children?
A: Our website carries sections listing summer art camps and arts activities for children.

Q: I have a painting I want to sell. How much is it worth, and where can I sell it?
A: Organizations that buy/sell art and appraise work.
A: If you are an artist and want to ensure you get a fair price for your work, contact CARFAC (Canadian Artists Representation/Le Front des Artistes Canadiens) for information and practical advice. In Vancouver, you can reach CARFAC by phone at 604/519-4669.

Q. I need assistance pricing my artwork.
A. The information at the following links can help you price your artwork:

http://reviews.ebay.com/How-I-price-my-artworks-for-sale-in-the-studio-web_W0QQugidZ10000000000018876 (Canadian)

http://artcafenetwork.net/studio/jenn/price1.html (American)

Q: I am looking for an artist named John Smith. How can I find him?
Q: I want to find an artist who paints portraits. Where do I go?
A: The Fine Arts and Music Division of the Vancouver Public Library’s Central Branch keeps active files on Canadian visual artists. You can reach library staff by phone at 604-331-3603.

A: CARFAC is a national, volunteer-run professional association of member artists. You may find the artist you’re seeking by contacting CARFAC. In Vancouver, you can reach CARFAC by phone at 604-519-4669.

A: Artists in Canada is a website which has a national directory that lists Canadian artists, art galleries, association and arts resources.

A: Artists in Canada Database is a directory maintained by the National Gallery of Canada, and identifies the location of documentation on Canadian artists. 23 libraries, archives, and art galleries across Canada have contributed biographical information and lists of their holdings to create this union list. Accompanying the name of each artist are the names of the institutions that have a file on the artist, containing information such as press clippings, exhibition announcements, and other items. Copies of these items can be obtained from the contributing institutions.

Q: I want to start a nonprofit organization (or my own business). What do I do?
A: Call your local library to find out whether it has a copy of Forming and Managing a Non-Profit Organization in Canada. This Self-Counsel Press book is out of print, but most libraries have a copy.

A: Self-Counsel Press publishes other books, such as Starting a Successful Business in Canada and Start & Run a Profitable Home-Based Business. These and other books are available in most bookstores and libraries.

A: Contact the Canada / British Columbia Business Services Society. The services of the Society include access to government programs, services, information and data. The Society offers business information and advice to a full range of business-types including existing businesses, start-up ventures and would-be entrepreneurs. They can be reached at 604-775-5525 or toll free 1-800-667-2272.

A: Visit eBusiness Connection: BC's one-stop e-business resource centre for small and medium-sized enterprises who are starting a business and want to bring it online. eBusiness Connection offers a comprehensive collection of e-business information services to help your company succeed in an Internet connected world. Here, you can access the tools and information you need to integrate e-business technology into your start-up or growing business.

A: Contact the Province of British Columbia Corporate Registry. The Corporate Registry provides the legal framework and files documents for the incorporation, registration, maintenance and dissolution of companies, societies and cooperatives doing business or active in BC.

Last Updated: Friday, April 20, 2007