Community
Shambhala Music Festival acknowledges and is grateful to the Syilx, Sinixt, and Ktunaxa Nations on whose land we work, live, and play.
We recognize that our Farmily comes together amongst the mountains, forests, and rivers of the unceded, traditional lands of the Syilx, Sinixt, and Ktunaxa Nations, and we honor that it is on this land that we are able to create the magic that is Shambhala Music Festival. We hope our guests will feel a connection and respect for the past and the future of the Syilx, Sinixt, and Ktunaxa peoples when they set foot on the farm.
Indigenous Grant Funding Initiatives
Shambhala Music Festival administers two annual funding initiatives: the Indigenous University Bursary Program, and the Indigenous Artist Grant Program.
Indigenous Artist Grants
The Annual Artist Grant is awarded to Indigenous visual or performance artists who wish to share their work with the Shambhala Farmily during our annual event. The funding provided by this grant will help the artist gather the necessary materials needed to complete their on-site project and assist in the cost of travelling to attend Shambhala Music Festival. This grant will give the artist early access to the festival grounds, allowing them the appropriate time to complete their project and enjoy the farm coming to life.
Applications for the 2026 funding intake open on February 12 and close on March 31, 2026.
About the Artist Grant Program
Funding Available
The total funding allocated for this program is $5000, divided between 2 successful applicants:
- Professional Artist Grant: $3500 CAD + festival access for the artist and 1 artist assistant
- Emerging Artist Grant: $1500 CAD + festival access for the artist and 1 artist assistant
Eligibility
Who Can Apply:
- This program is open to applications from individuals or groups
- Visual or Performance Artists who identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit
- Artists with preferably 2-5+ years of artistic experience
- Artists of any discipline are welcome to apply
- Preference will be given (but is not limited) to artists local to the Kootenays
- Preference will be given to artists who have not yet been funded through this program
Emerging Artist Category ($1500 Grant)
- Artists who may be at the beginning of their career, or just starting to bring their art to special events
- Smaller-scale work or intimate experiences for festival guests to discover
- Artist demonstrates a high level of craftsmanship in the physical execution of their projects, but on a smaller, more manageable scale to create and transport.
Professional Artist Category ($3500 Grant)
- Demonstrates a well-rounded portfolio
- Larger-scale projects that will have a huge visual impact on our large festival site
- Demonstrates past experience creating or presenting at events
- Registered with Canada Council for the Arts (an asset, but not required)
For applicants that do not fit within either category, we encourage you to please still fill out the application form to the best of your ability, in case any other suitable opportunities arise.
How To Apply
Please complete the form here to apply for the Annual Artist Grant.
Once we’ve received your application, our team will review and inform the selected applicant(s) on how to proceed. All applicants will be notified of their results.
Questions? Please send us an email to community@shambhalamusicfestival.com - we’re happy to help!
Important Dates
Applications Open: February 12, 2026
Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
Notice of Application Results: April 2026
The 2026 festival will run from July 24th to 27th. Successful applicants must have their installations set up on-site by Monday, July 20th (early access can be arranged). For Performance Artists, a schedule will be created between Thursday, July 23rd and Sunday, July 26th. The close-down process will begin on Monday, July 27th.
Past Artist Grant Recipients
We send our deep gratitude to the Artists who have contributed their talent and skills to displaying Indigenous culture on the Salmo River Ranch.
2025 Artist Grant Recipients:
- Professional Artist Grant: Rain Pierre
- Emerging Artist Grant: Vania Stager
2024 Artist Grant Recipients:
- Frankie McDonald
- Levi Nelson
- Shanley Spence
- Zachary Poitras
- Danielle Boyer
University Bursary
This program provides non-repayable financial support for First Nations, Métis, or Inuit students who are currently enrolled in (or are applying for) a full-time university or college program in BC or Canada in the 2026/2027 academic year. Our aim is to make education and future career opportunities more accessible and available for underrepresented communities in Canada.
Applications for the 2026 funding intake open on February 12, 2026 and close on March 31, 2026.
Funding Available
The total funding allocated for this program is $5000, to be divided between up to 10 successful applicants. If the program is undersubscribed, larger sums may be shared with the applicants.
Successful recipients will be able to use the funds for eligible costs covered by the program including:
- Tuition & Student fees
- Books
- Academic Necessities (i.e. technology and supplies needed to complete the course)
- Living Expenses (phone bills, groceries, rent, transportation, etc.)
Funding is limited and not all applicants may receive funding. Partial funding may be provided.
Please note this program does not include admission to Shambhala Music Festival.
Eligibility
Who Can Apply:
- Post-secondary students who identify as First Nations, Inuit or Métis, and demonstrate Financial Need within an eligible post-secondary institution can apply.
- Preference will be given to applicants who are local to the Kootenays, however, we welcome applicants from across Canada. If you reside in local proximity to Shambhala Music Festival or have a connection to the local area, please describe this in your application.
- Preference will be given to new applicants who have not received prior funding through this program.
- Applications are valid for one school year only.
- Applicants must be one of the following:
- a) enrolled in full-time, post-secondary studies in BC or Canada
- b) have received an offer for full-time, post-secondary studies for the 2026/2027 academic year.
- c) Graduating high school and planning to commence full-time, post-secondary studies for the 2026/2027 academic year.
- Students must provide an official confirmation letter of enrollment in full-time studies to be eligible to redeem the bursary. Letters must be provided to Shambhala Music Festival no later than June 15, 2026.
How To Apply
Please complete the form here to apply for the University Bursary Program.
Once we’ve received your application, our team will review and inform the selected applicant(s) on proceeding with their appointed funds. All applicants will be notified of their results.
Questions? Please send us an email to community@shambhalamusicfestival.com - we’re happy to help!
Important Dates
Applications Open: February 12, 2026
Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
Notice of Application Results: April 2026
Past University Student Bursary Recipients
We wish all Bursary recipients good luck with their upcoming studies.
2025 University Bursary Recipients:
- Brandon Tyson
- Emily Sheppard
- Charley Defouw
- Dezarea Kovich
- Jamie Adams
- Taylor Sand
- Teajay Louise Tiessen
- Shayla Chalifoux
- Cadance Tucker
2024 University Bursary Recipients:
- Jordyn Head
- Taryn Walker
- Nicola Megan Terbasket
- Shae Lynn Samuels Mund
- Diane Whitehead
Program Feedback
"As the selected Indigenous artist for Shambhala Music Festival, I truly had a great experience. The team made the installation easy with their ongoing support throughout the process (even post festival). I was so happy to see my artwork by the Living Room entrance and seeing people experience the mural and hugging in front of it. I feel like if anyone has a chance to apply to be a part of the farmily in this capacity - do it! It is such a cool way to experience and be a part of the festival in a different way."
- Rain Pierre
Professional Artist Grant Recipient for Shambhala 2025
Community Requests
Shambhala Music Festival is committed to supporting charitable causes, non-profit organizations, and local initiatives that make a positive impact in our local surrounding communities.
Please complete this form with as much detail as possible to help us evaluate your donation or sponsorship request. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we will contact you if your request aligns with our current giving priorities.
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