2025 APPLICATIONS OPEN
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If you require support in completing this application, please contact us by email – [email protected]
Geoff McMurchy (1955–2015), Kickstart’s founding Artistic Director, was a pioneer in the local and international disability arts community. Anyone who knew him will tell you that he was a trailblazer and an amazing Artist who influenced a huge number of people.
Geoff’s dream was that disability art be appreciated on the same level as all art. “My interest is that the art that is presented should not be through the filter of ‘disability’; I would like it to be appreciated as art, and you don’t have to like it,” he once said.
Kickstart wants to keep Geoff’s legacy and spirit alive, so in 2019 we created the annual Geoff McMurchy Artist Development Grant for a disabled artist working in any media to support them directly with their artistic practice.
The Grant Recipient will receive:
o Cash award – A $7,000 cash award will be provided for artistic-related costs (what is deemed to be artistic related costs is to be determined by the applicant and outlined within application);
o Solo show – an exhibit to show the work created through the bursary. Kickstart will support the artist in presenting an exciting and accessible show. Date(s), location and presentation details to be determined with the recipient. Show must take place sometime between October-December 2025;
o Mentorship – Recipient can either choose a Kickstart staff member or source their own mentor from the BC Disability Arts community. Mentorship is paid with an expectation of the mentor supporting the artist with 75 hours of their time during development, creation and exhibition. Mentorship structure to be determined by recipient and mentor (applicant to share mentorship preference in the application).
Eligibility
- a resident of British Columbia.
- identify as: mad, Deaf, disabled, crip, chronically ill, sick, etc. (self-identification welcome)
Key Dates
- July 15: Grant opens
- August 15: Applications close
- September 15: Recipient announced
All applicants and the chosen recipient will be notified of the results no later than September 15, 2025. Have questions about the application? Contact us – [email protected]
The Geoff McMurchy Artist Development Grant is supported by TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment.