Get a grant of up to $30,000 to cover travel costs associated with presentations, exhibitions, artistic collaborations, networking or building market opportunities outside of Canada, to build an international presence.

Eligibility criteria

In order to be eligible for the Arts Abroad Travel grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Types of potential applicants include artists, curators, arts professionals, cultural connectors and sector builders, artistic groups and collectives, and artistic organizations.
The eligibility is determined by the validated profile created in the portal.
Organizations presently receiving core grants can apply to this component.

Eligible expenses

Eligible expenses for the Arts Abroad grant include travel costs, accommodation, meals, and transportation related to the international activities. Other eligible expenses may include visa fees, insurance, and per diems.

Travel costs
Accommodation expenses
Meal expenses
Transportation costs
Visa fees
Insurance expenses
Per diems

Eligible projects & activities

Travel linked to international presentation, exhibition, artistic collaboration, networking, and new market opportunities for Canadian artists and arts professionals is eligible for the Arts Abroad grant. Activities include developing markets and networks, presenting artistic work, exploring future collaborations, prospection for exhibition tours, participating in significant events, and building on an existing tour.

Developing markets and networks (including participation in official showcases)
Presenting artistic work
Exploring future artistic collaborations
Prospection for exhibition tours (directors and curators only)
Participating in significant events
Building on an existing tour (for a single representative of a group or organization)

Eligible geographic areas

There are specific eligible geographic areas for this grant.

Outside of Canada

Evaluation & selection criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The assessment process considers the following:

Artistic or professional merit of the project
Value of travel for the artist/arts professional
Impact on the applicant's career or artistic practice
Engagement with the international community

How to apply

Step 1: Create an account on the portal and submit one or more profiles for validation at least 30 days before you want to apply.
Step 2: Check the eligibility criteria for the grant, ensuring your travel plans meet the requirements.
Step 3: Complete the application form with all necessary details about your travel plans, purpose of travel, and expected outcomes.
Step 4: Submit your application before the deadline specified, ensuring all required documents and information are provided.
Step 5: Await notification of results and follow any additional instructions provided by the funding organization.

Documents and links

Arts Abroad — Travel

Apply to this program

Arts Abroad Travel Grant Overview

Arts Abroad Travel Grant Program

The Arts Abroad Travel Grant Program offered by the Canada Council for the Arts is designed to support Canadian artists, arts professionals, groups, and organizations in traveling outside of Canada for international presentations, exhibitions, collaborations, networking, and exploring new market opportunities. The grants provide funding for attendance at significant events abroad to help participants build an international presence and enhance their global connections.

Travel activities eligible for funding include developing markets and networks, presenting artistic work, exploring future collaborations, prospecting for exhibition tours (for directors and curators), participating in significant events, and building on existing tours. Applicants must travel at least 500 kilometers from their place of departure and must be invited to participate in the activities.

The Arts Abroad Travel Grant Program does not provide support for activities that occur before the departure date, receive funding from other Canada Council programs, or are on the general list of ineligible activities. Individuals such as artists, curators, arts professionals, and cultural connectors, as well as groups, collectives, and organizations, are eligible to apply for this grant. Successful applicants can receive up to $30,000 per year to cover their travel expenses.

Organizations that currently receive core grants from the Canada Council can also apply to this component of the Arts Abroad program. There is no specific deadline for applications as they can be submitted at any time before the departure date. Applicants are encouraged to consult the Deadlines and Notification of Results page for more information on when to apply and expect notifications.

Applicants can access the guidelines and application form on the Canada Council for the Arts website. For additional assistance or clarification on eligibility, applicants can contact a Canada Council officer. The program also offers Application Assistance for individuals facing barriers due to disabilities, mental illness, language, geography, or cultural factors.

In conclusion, the Arts Abroad Travel Grant Program serves as a valuable resource for Canadian artists and arts professionals seeking to expand their international presence, collaborate with global partners, and showcase their work on a global scale. By supporting travel outside of Canada and facilitating participation in significant international events, the grant program contributes to the growth and recognition of Canadian artistic talent on the global stage.