AFA — Theatre Individual Project Funding
AB, Canada
Funding for Alberta artists in theatre/performance project development
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
The grant offers up to $18,000 to support the artistic development of individual Alberta artists, arts administrators, or ensembles, facilitating projects in art production, marketing, research, and training or career development in theatre and performance arts. Eligible activities include workshops, master classes, mentorship programs, and professional courses of study, among others.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant supports Alberta artists in pursuing theatre and performance art-related activities. The eligible projects are designed to enhance artistic skills, promote productions, and develop audiences.
- Development, creation, and production of theatre or performance art work.
- Marketing activities that promote or advertise work by Alberta theatre/performance artists or develop audiences.
- Research activities that support or result in theatre/performance art projects.
- Training and career development through workshops, master classes, retreats, mentorship programs, or professional courses in theatre.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
This grant is tailored to support individual artists and collectives within Alberta through specific eligibility criteria.
- The applicant must be a resident of Alberta, being a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Person with valid open work or study permits.
- The applicant should have had primary residence in Alberta for at least one full year before applying.
- Ordinarily, the applicant must live in Alberta for at least six months each year, excluding formal study programs.
- The applicant must be in good standing with the Alberta Foundation for the Arts and have no open or outstanding projects or reporting.
- Previous grant recipients must have all final reporting approved by the AFA before new applications can be submitted.
- Ensembles, collectives, or collaborations applying must list all principal artists involved and ensure all meet the individual criteria.
- Applicants, including ensembles or collectives, must not be incorporated under provincial or federal legislation.
- Principal artists cannot apply for or receive funding for multiple projects at the same time, whether individually or within multiple groups.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Individual eligibility criteria: The AFA celebrates and supports diversity, creating equitable, inclusive, and accessible programs free of barriers and discrimination. Eligible applicants include those representing diverse communities, such as Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, women, people with disabilities, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. To apply for this funding, individuals must meet the following criteria:- Be a resident of Alberta who is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Person with an open work or study permit from inside Canada.- Have had their primary residence in Alberta for at least one year before applying.- Ordinarily live in Alberta for at least six months each year, except for attending a formal program of study.- Be in good standing with the AFA, with no open or outstanding projects or reporting.- Applicants and ensembles must not be incorporated under provincial or federal legislation.Ensembles and collaborations:- Must list all principal artists involved in project activities.- All ensemble members must meet individual eligibility criteria.- Principal artists cannot apply or receive funding for multiple projects simultaneously, whether individually or as ensemble members.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant is primarily focused on supporting individual or collective artistic endeavors in the theatre and performance arts. It restricts funding to certain organizational structures and ensures alignment with the grant's objectives through specific eligibility requirements.
- Incorporated companies, whether under provincial or federal legislation.
- Organizations primarily pursuing commercial projects.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers expenses directly related to carrying out the proposed theatre and/or performance art project.
- Contracted artist and technician fees.
- Commission fees.
- Production costs.
- Promotion and publicity.
- Transportation and accommodation.
- Tuition or training fees.
- Royalties.
- Administration and contract fees.
- Basic living/subsistence expenses (housing, local transport, food, childcare, dependent care) up to $3,000/month.
- Other expenses and supplies considered by the AFA to be reasonable and necessary.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is intended for individual artists residing in Alberta, Canada. Only individuals, ensembles, collectives, or collaborations who meet the Alberta residency requirements are eligible to apply for this funding opportunity.
- Residents of Alberta, Canada.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on the project's merit and impact in relation to both the applicant and the broader artistic community in Alberta.
- The impact of the project on both the applicant and the artistic genre in Alberta.
- The artistic, educational, or promotional merit of the project.
- The appropriateness of the project budget showing commitment from all partners as applicable.
- The ability of the applicant to carry out the proposed project.
- The applicant's artistic and technical ability to carry out the proposed project.
- The applicant's level of training, experience, and expertise.
- The applicant's performance and achievements to date.
- The applicant's personal objectives.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Register on GATE Front Office
- Email registrationafa@gov.ab.ca at least five business days before the deadline to request a GATE Front Office username and password.
- Include your legal name, the funding opportunity you're applying for, and your email address.
- Receive your username and password through the email provided.
- Step 2: Prepare Application Materials
- Prepare a detailed project description including objectives, planned activities, timelines, and expected results.
- Compile a project budget listing expenditures and non-AFA revenues.
- Gather attachments such as artistic resumes, proof of Alberta residency for all principal artists, and any required project-specific documents (e.g., marketing plan, proof of course acceptance).
- If applicable, prepare a recorded presentation of previous productions or work-in-progress.
- Ensure all materials meet the formatting requirements as specified in the guidelines.
- Step 3: Complete Online Application
- Log in to the GATE Front Office system using your credentials.
- Fill out the online formlets including applicant information, project description, principal artists, and budget.
- Upload all required attachments.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Review the application form for completeness and accuracy.
- Submit the application through the GATE Front Office no later than 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on the deadline date.
- Step 5: Receive Confirmation
- Wait for an email confirmation of your application submission.
- Retain the confirmation for your records.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Applications must be received prior to the commencement of the project to be eligible.
- First-time applicants are required to obtain a GATE Front Office username and password at least five business days before the application deadline.
- Applicants may submit only one application to the AFA each deadline across all disciplines.
- Funding may be scrutinized by the AFA or its representative to ensure it is being used as intended.
- Incomplete applications are not accepted.
- An expert panel assesses the merit of each application based on several criteria, including impact and artistic merit.
- Successful funding recipients are required to acknowledge AFA support in any related publicity.
grant_single_labels|contact
780-415-0306
Apply to this program
Support for Alberta Theatre Artists
This grant offers up to $18,000 for individual Alberta artists, arts administrators, or ensembles to develop theater or performance art projects. The funding is designed to assist with various project phases, from production to marketing, and training to research.
Detailed Overview of the Theatre Project Grant
This financial assistance program, tailored for Alberta's theatre and performance artists, aims to bolster the creative industries by providing substantial aid to individuals and groups undertaking specific artistic projects. The Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) has crafted this grant to cater to a wide range of artistic activities that are crucial for the growth and development of theater arts within the province. By supporting artists through various stages of their projects, such as conception, production, marketing, and even personal skill development, this grant ensures a comprehensive development path for recipients.
Eligible projects encompass different segments of artistic endeavor, ensuring that artists can secure the necessary resources to advance their work. Whether the need is for contracting technical professionals, publicizing a new production, conducting valuable research, or pursuing further training, the grant can cover up to 100% of the expenses deemed eligible under the program, up to a maximum of $18,000. Typical expenditures might include artist fees, production costs, commission fees, promotional activities, and even basic subsistence expenses for the artists during the project's life cycle.
For the application process, artists must submit their proposals through the Grant Administration Tracking and Evaluation (GATE) Front Office online system. Deadlines for submission are set twice a year, on March 3 and September 2. Importantly, applications must be cohesive and comprehensive, detailing the artistic vision, budgeting, and expected outcomes sufficiently to convince the evaluators of the project's merit. Furthermore, applicants are required to demonstrate their commitment through a robust project description, artistic resumes, budgets, and any additional supportive material that could strengthen their case.
The AFA not only recognizes the diverse cultural landscape of Alberta but actively promotes inclusivity and diverse representation within their funding choices. By prioritizing applications that reflect a wide array of community backgrounds and artistic perspectives, including Indigenous peoples, women, people with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, the foundation ensures a diverse pool of art and performance that is reflective of the vibrant tapestry of its citizenry.
Once an application is submitted, it undergoes a detailed review by an expert panel. This panel, convened by AFA staff, assesses each application based on artistic merit, potential impact, and feasibility. They strive to fund projects that not only foster growth for the individual artist but also enhance the broader artistic environment in Alberta. This ensures that each grant has the potential to elevate both the artists and the artistic community at large.
The importance of adhering to reporting requirements and funding conditions cannot be overstated. Recipients are obliged to furnish a detailed final report that establishes how funds were utilized and what outcomes were achieved. This accountability step guarantees a responsible use of public funds and enables the AFA to assess the positive impacts generated from their financial support. Completing this reporting not only closes the loop on the current project but is also a prerequisite for eligibility in future funding rounds.
Through this grant, Alberta's artists are given the means to explore new creative avenues and enhance their professional capabilities. This opportunity enables them not just to achieve immediate project goals but lays the ground for sustained artistic contributions to Alberta's cultural heritage.