Who Can Apply to the Explore and Create Program

The Explore and Create — Concept to Realization program offers vital financial support to foster creative projects across Canada. Whether you're an individual artist or part of a larger artistic organization, this program could be your gateway to bringing innovative artistic visions to life. Understanding who can apply is crucial to leverage this opportunity effectively.

Program Overview

The Explore and Create — Concept to Realization program is designed to support the full creative cycle, from initial ideas to final presentations. This Canadian initiative encourages artists and artistic groups to develop projects that will be publicly presented. Funding encompasses various stages including artistic research, project development, production, and post-production.

Applicant Type Requirements

To qualify for the Explore and Create program, applicants must fit into one of the following categories:

• Individual artists

• Artistic groups and collectives

• Artistic organizations

• Visual arts publishers

Eligibility is contingent on the validated profile created in the program's portal.

Size & Scale Criteria

For composite grants, eligibility requires having received at least one composite or two project grants from the Canada Council in the past five years. Note that new or early-career artists are not eligible for composite grants.

Geographic Eligibility

The program is open to applicants across Canada. There are no specific regional restrictions, making it accessible for artists nationwide.

Project & Activity Requirements

Eligible projects include those aiming for:

• Public presentations

• Confirmed exhibitions

• Media or digital arts productions ready for dissemination

Projects must not be funded by another Canada Council program or listed as ineligible activities.

Financial & Operational Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate financial stability and operational capacity to undertake the project, including having a reasonable budget and appropriate working conditions.

Ineligible Applicants

The following are not eligible to apply:

• Organizations currently receiving core (operating) grants

• New/Early Career Artists for composite grants

• Activities funded by other Canada Council programs

Special Cases & Exceptions

If you are an individual working with a group receiving core or composite grants, you may apply for personal projects not associated with the group's activities. Contacting a program officer is recommended to confirm eligibility.

Self-Assessment Checklist

• Are you an individual artist, artistic group, or organization?

• Have you received prior project grants if applying for a composite grant?

• Is your project aimed at public presentation or exhibition?

Conclusion

Determining your eligibility for the Explore and Create program is the first step in accessing vital funding for your creative projects. If you meet the criteria, consider applying to bring your artistic ideas to fruition.