AFA — Indigenous Arts Individual Project Funding
AB, Canada
Funding opportunity for Indigenous artists' development in Alberta
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateMarch 03, 2025
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
grant_single|grantors
- Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
This grant provides up to $18,000 to support the development of Indigenous artists, arts administrators, or ensembles in Alberta for cultural and artistic projects. Eligible activities include artistic and cultural production, marketing, research, training, and career development.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant provides support for Indigenous artists and cultural practitioners in Alberta to advance their artistic development and project goals. Eligible activities span a variety of artistic and cultural engagements, with each project confined to a distinct phase of work.
- Artistic and cultural production, including development, creation, and production of a work.
- Marketing activities aimed at promoting, advertising, or disseminating work created by Indigenous artists.
- Research programs that support the development of an artistic or cultural project, potentially involving the gathering of natural materials.
- Training and career development opportunities such as workshops, master classes, retreats, mentorship programs, or courses of study in art forms.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the individual applicant's residency, citizenship status, and compliance with the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) criteria.
- The applicant must be an individual, not incorporated under provincial or federal legislation.
- Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Person with an open work or study permit from inside Canada.
- The applicant must have had their primary residence in Alberta for at least one full year before applying.
- Must ordinarily live in Alberta for at least six months of each year, with exceptions for attending formal programs of study.
- The applicant must be in good standing with the AFA, with no open or outstanding projects or reporting.
- Previous grant recipients must have all final reporting approved by the AFA before submitting new applications.
- Principal artists cannot apply and/or receive funding for multiple projects at the same time, either as individuals or as members of ensembles, collectives, or collaborations.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The eligible applicants for this grant are individual Indigenous artists, arts administrators, or ensembles of artists who are residents of Alberta. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:- Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a Protected Person with an open work or study permit from inside Canada.- Has had their primary residence in Alberta for at least one full year prior to applying.- Ordinarily lives in Alberta for at least six months of each year, unless attending a formal program of study.- Must be in good standing with the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA), with no open or outstanding projects or reports.- Previous grant recipients must ensure all final reporting has been approved by the AFA before new applications are accepted.- Neither the individual applicant nor any ensemble or collaboration must be incorporated under provincial or federal legislation.Additionally, the AFA encourages applicants from diverse communities, including Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, women, people with disabilities, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. All members of an ensemble or collective must meet these individual eligibility criteria. Moreover, principal artists cannot apply for or receive funding for multiple projects simultaneously.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant is specifically tailored for individual Indigenous artists and collectives in Alberta, and thus certain organizations and companies are not eligible. The restrictions ensure the grant supports artistic and cultural projects by individuals.
- Incorporated companies and organizations, whether under provincial or federal legislation.
- Industries where the main activity is outside the scope of individual artistic or cultural production.
- Entities not consisting of individuals or unincorporated collectives/ensembles.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
You can apply for funding to cover eligible expenses directly related to the completion of your artistic or cultural project.
- Contracted artist and/or technician fees.
- Commission fees.
- Production expenses.
- Promotion and publicity costs.
- Transportation and accommodation expenses.
- Mentorship costs, including honoraria, protocol, or fees for mentors or Elders, as well as associated travel and accommodation and living costs for mentors.
- Tuition or training fees.
- Royalties.
- Administration and contract fees.
- Basic living/subsistence expenses, such as housing, local transportation, food, child care, or dependent care, up to $3,000/month.
- Other expenses and supplies deemed reasonable and necessary by the AFA.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant supports Indigenous artists residing in Alberta, Canada, fostering artistic and cultural endeavors within the province. Applicants must demonstrate residency in Alberta to qualify for this funding opportunity.
- Residents of Alberta, Canada.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria administered at the discretion of the AFA board to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.
- Impact of the project on both the applicant and the artistic genre in Alberta.
- Artistic, educational, or promotional merit of the project.
- Appropriateness of the project budget showing commitment from all partners as applicable.
- Ability of the applicant to carry out the proposed project.
- Project and individual’s connection to Indigenous culture and community.
- Applicant's artistic and technical ability to execute the proposed project.
- Level of training, experience, and expertise.
- Performance and achievements to date.
- Personal objectives.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: GATE Front Office Registration
- Email registrationafa@gov.ab.ca to request a GATE Front Office username and password at least five business days before the application deadline.
- Provide your legal name, the funding opportunity you are applying to, and your email address in the request.
- Step 2: Prepare Application Materials
- Draft a detailed project description with objectives, planned activities, timelines, and expected outcomes.
- Compile supporting materials such as resumes of principal artists and a project budget.
- If applicable, gather attachments such as contracts, letters of agreement, or marketing plans according to the project type.
- Ensure any necessary permissions or protocols related to traditional Indigenous knowledge are addressed.
- Step 3: Online Submission through GATE Front Office
- Log into the GATE Front Office with your credentials.
- Complete all required online formlets, including applicant information and project description.
- Upload all relevant attachments as per the grant application requirements.
- Ensure your online submission is completed before 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on the deadline date.
- Step 4: Confirmation of Submission
- Verify submission by checking for a confirmation email or notification from GATE Front Office.
- Retain any confirmation details provided for future reference or queries.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Applicants must acknowledge the AFA's financial support in any publicity related to the project.
- Funding decisions by the AFA board are final, and project adjustments require AFA approval.
- Unused funds must be returned if reporting requirements are not met or if the project cannot be completed as proposed.
- Expert panel feedback is general and not specific to individual applications.
grant_single_labels|contact
780-415-0306
Apply to this program
Support for Indigenous Artists in Alberta
This grant provides up to $18,000 to support the development of individual Indigenous artists, arts administrators, or ensembles in Alberta, aiming to nurture cultural or artistic projects that enhance community engagement and artistic growth.
Details on Funding Opportunities for Alberta’s Indigenous Artists
The Indigenous Arts Grant by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) stands as a powerful initiative dedicated to fostering artistic growth and cultural vibrancy among Indigenous artists within Alberta. Tailored specifically for individual artists, arts administrators, or collective ensembles, this grant provides substantial financial support of up to $18,000 per application. This funding serves a critical role in facilitating a range of artistic and cultural endeavors that shape and define Indigenous artistic expression.The grant aims to support distinct phases of artistic and cultural production, whether through creation, research, marketing, or professional development. These projects can include the creation and presentation of new works, market outreach initiatives, cultural research endeavors, or training activities such as workshops and mentorships with esteemed Elders or industry professionals.With deadlines set biannually on March 3 and September 2, applicants must align their submissions with the timeline and guidelines provided by the AFA. Utilizing the Grant Administration Tracking and Evaluation (GATE) Front Office online system for application submission, prospective applicants can ensure their proposals are thoroughly reviewed. The AFA's transparent assessment process involves expert panels that evaluate applications based on their artistic merit, cultural relevance, and potential impact on the applicant’s career and the broader community.Eligible applicants must meet specific residency criteria and demonstrate a commitment to the project as outlined in their applications. This includes maintaining primary residency in Alberta and being in good standing with the AFA. Furthermore, projects are expected to reflect a deep connection with Indigenous culture and community, encouraging artists to present traditional knowledge and contemporary artistic interpretations.The funding supports a vast array of expenses, including artist and technician fees, production and marketing costs, as well as essential living and subsistence expenses. However, applicants should note that certain expenditures, such as capital purchases, recreational projects, and costs incurred prior to application submission, are excluded from eligibility.Successful applicants are required to report comprehensively on the use of granted funds, ensuring accountability and transparency. This includes submitting project evaluations, financial reports, and samples of completed work. The requirement for clear documentation supports the AFA’s commitment to fostering an accountable and productive grant system.Alberta’s Indigenous artists looking to elevate their practice and engage more deeply with their cultural heritage can find in this grant an unparalleled opportunity. By harnessing the resources and platforms offered, artists can amplify their artistic voices, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and participate in the rich tapestry of Canada’s cultural landscape.
