AFA — Artists and Education Funding
Overview
This grant subsidizes the fees of professional Alberta artists to facilitate interactive arts residency projects for K-12 students in Alberta schools, with a maximum funding amount of $15,000. Eligible activities involve engaging students with Alberta-based artists, encouraging creative expression, and must take place on school property during school hours.
At a glance
Funding available
- Increasing community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop employee skills
- Maximum amount : 15,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
- Open Date : February 3, 2026
Eligible candidates
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Calgary
- Alberta
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- All revenue ranges
- All organization sizes
- All groups
- Culture and Arts
- Primary and Secondary Education
- Children & youth
- Artists / creatives
- Academia / students
- All structures
- Provincial
Activities funded
The AFA — Artists and Education Funding grant supports residency projects that provide Alberta students from kindergarten through Grade 12 with the opportunity to engage in the arts. These projects are designed to foster creativity and provide direct access to professional artists and their work.
- Interactive arts residency projects conducted by Alberta-based professional artists or groups within any artistic discipline.
- Projects that allow students to observe and actively participate in the creative process.
- Activities aimed at helping students discover and express their creative potential.
- Residency projects that take place on school property during school hours.
- Programs ranging in duration from five hours to thirty days and must be completed within three months of their start date.
Eligibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to the applicant's status as an educational institution and collaboration opportunities.
- The applicant must be an Alberta school or school jurisdiction recognized by Alberta Education.
- The school must operate on a full-time basis for students from Kindergarten through Grade 12.
- Two or more eligible schools may apply to collaborate on a project when school populations, locations, or conditions warrant.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be:- An Alberta school or school jurisdiction recognized by Alberta Education operating on a full-time basis for students in kindergarten through Grade 12.- Two or more eligible schools may apply to collaborate on a project when school populations, locations, or conditions warrant.
Who is not eligible
This grant does not explicitly exclude specific types of companies or industries beyond eligibility criteria for schools. There are restrictions primarily aimed at the nature of activities funded and types of expenses covered.
- Activities by applied arts such as culinary, architecture, graphic arts, commercial photography, and gaming.
- Commercial variety acts including face painting, balloon entertainers, fireworks/pyrotechnics, and hypnotism.
- Competitive performances and activities at social events.
Eligible expenses
This grant covers expenses specifically related to engaging professional Alberta artists for school residency projects.
- Artist's fee (excluding GST).
- Travel expenses for the artist.
- Accommodation for the artist.
- Meal expenses for the artist.
- Non-reusable materials required for the proposed activity (e.g. paint, paper, clay, wood, data storage).
Eligible geographic areas
This funding is available to Alberta schools, with varying maximum grant amounts depending on the jurisdiction.
- Schools in Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc, Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Calgary, Airdrie, Okotoks, Strathmore, Chestermere, and Cochrane can apply for up to 50% of the artist's fee (excluding GST).
- Schools in all other jurisdictions in Alberta can apply for up to 75% of the artist's fee (excluding GST).
Selection criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant focus on several key criteria to assess merit and impact effectively.
- Artistic vision and merit of the project.
- Demonstrated school commitment and involvement in the project.
- Demonstrated benefits to students.
- Exposure to and involvement of students in the creative process.
- Demonstrated qualifications of the artist, both as a practicing professional artist and in delivering arts programming to youth.
- The appropriateness of the project expense.
- Additional priority criteria may include high-needs schools, schools with low enrollment, schools that have not previously received funding for an Artists and Education residency, and the impact of the project on the community.
How to apply
Preliminary Registration
- Obtain a GATE Front Office username and password if you are a first-time applicant by completing the GATE Front Office Registration form.
- Email the completed form to registrationAFA@gov.ab.ca at least five business days before the deadline.
- Receive your username and password via email.
Prepare the Application
- Complete the GATE Front Office Applicant Profile section with all required organization and contact information.
- Gather all necessary documents, including the detailed project description and artist resume.
- Ensure the Artist Fee Confirmation Form is completed and signed by both the school and artist.
Draft Project Description
- Develop a detailed project description collaboratively with the school and artist, including project activities, objectives, and expected outcomes.
- Include project timelines, number of students involved, and engagement level.
Submit Application via GATE Front Office
- Log into the GATE Front Office online application system.
- Upload all prepared documents including support materials up to the required format limits.
- Fill out the online application form ensuring all sections are complete and accurate.
- Submit the application before the deadline ensuring enough time for processing before 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time.
Confirmation of Submission
- Ensure you receive a confirmation of submission from GATE Front Office.
- Retain any confirmation numbers or communications for your records.
Additional information
Applicants should consider the following additional details for this grant:
- Applications must be submitted via the GATE Front Office online system and late submissions due to system delay are considered the applicant's responsibility.
- First-time applicants should ensure they request a GATE Front Office username and password at least five business days before the deadline.
- Funding decisions are final, with recommendations reviewed and approved by the AFA Board at their June meeting.
- Successful recipients will be notified approximately four to six months after the application deadline.
- Applicants must comply with all grant conditions, including specifying changes in the project or fund usage, to remain eligible for future grants.
- Detailed support material and artist documentation should be prepared in advance of the application to ensure a complete submission.
- All applications and materials submitted become the property of the AFA, and may be reviewed for compliance.
- Acknowledgement of AFA funding in all project-related publicity is mandatory, with failure to comply resulting in a potential reduction in future funding.
