How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 25000% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the CALQ — Exploration and Research?

CALQ — Exploration and Research is funded by Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ)

What are CALQ — Exploration and Research's eligibility criterias?

The applicant must be a recognized professional artist or an independent curator. Submitted projects must be individual and not related to the activities of a business or organization. The project must be submitted at least four weeks before the start date.

CALQ — Exploration and Research

Last Update: July 17, 2025

QC, Canada

Funding for artistic research, experimentation, and creative development

CALQ — Exploration and Research at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $25,000

Timeline

Open Date : January 1, 2025

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Arts, entertainment and recreation

Grant Providers

Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ)

Status

Open

Overview of the CALQ — Exploration and Research program

The CALQ — Exploration and Research program provides up to $25,000 to support professional artists and curators engaging in research, creation, or experimentation activities that foster artistic innovation. Eligible activities include the development of new ideas, exploration of artistic practices, residencies, and technical or technological experimentation.

Financing terms and conditions

Maximum financial assistance of $25,000 per project.
Travel and living expenses are covered up to a maximum of $200 per day (in Canada and internationally).

Eligible projects & activities

Development of new artistic ideas or approaches.
Experimentation with artistic partners or collaborators.
Exploration of alternative or interdisciplinary artistic practices.
Conducting research or exploration residencies in the arts.
Creation of prototypes or technical/technological experimentation in preparation for future projects.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 20,500

Experimentation with large-scale textile art using digital looms

$ 15,000

Interdisciplinary music-theatre research residency exploring soundscapes

$ 18,500

Exploration of eco-art installation techniques using recycled materials

$ 19,900

Research on AI-driven choreography processes with academic partners

$ 20,000

Prototype of immersive VR storytelling for new media theatre

$ 18,500

Residency to develop new digital sculpture techniques with collaborators

Eligibility criteria of the CALQ — Exploration and Research program

The applicant must be a professional artist or an independent curator recognized in one of the supported disciplines by CALQ.
The applicant must carry out the proposed activity on their own and not as part of the activities of a company or organization with which they are affiliated.
The applicant must have demonstrated experience in their discipline, such as past public presentations, productions, or published works recognized by peers.
The project must be submitted at least four weeks prior to its planned start date.
The applicant may present a project in any of the disciplines supported by CALQ if they meet the eligibility criteria in at least one discipline.

Who is eligible?

Professional artists in disciplines supported by CALQ
Independent curators in visual arts, arts and crafts, architectural research, digital arts, and film and video art

Who is not eligible

Corporations and partnerships (except for personal projects by their shareholders that are not part of the company’s activities).
Non-profit organizations (except for personal projects by employees that are not part of the organization’s activities).
Individuals employed full-time as curators in arts organizations (for curator applications).

Eligible expenses

Remuneration for the applicant.
Research and experimentation expenses.
Fees for participating artists and partners (excluding the applicant).
Rental of studio or workshop space, purchase of supplies, and equipment rental.
Expenses for research and exploration residencies.
Costs for photos and rehearsal videos documenting the process.
Travel and living expenses justified by the project (maximum $200 per day in Canada and outside Canada).
Visa fees.
Purchase of specialized equipment if necessary for the project and cannot be rented, or the purchase price is lower than the rental cost (with supporting documentation).

Eligible geographic areas

Quebec

Eligibility criteria of the CALQ — Exploration and Research program

Quality of artistic work (30%).
Interest and relevance of the project, including its innovative aspects and potential impact on the evolution of the applicant’s work (70%).
Appropriateness of remuneration for the project team (rated as Satisfactory or Non satisfactory).
Feasibility of the work plan (rated as Satisfactory or Non satisfactory).
Feasibility of the project budget (rated as Satisfactory or Non satisfactory).

How to apply to the CALQ — Exploration and Research program

Review eligibility and guidelines

Read the full details and eligibility conditions of the program on the CALQ website
Ensure your discipline and project type qualify under program guidelines
Confirm you meet experience requirements as a professional artist or independent curator

Prepare application materials

Prepare all required documents as detailed on the application form
Complete all project descriptions, budgets, and supporting materials
Fill out the official CALQ forms for project and personal information

Submit application online

Access Mon Dossier CALQ or use WeTransfer if required
Submit your complete application at least four weeks before your project start date
Ensure all files are uploaded and submitted according to CALQ instructions

Monitor application status

Track the status of your application in Mon Dossier CALQ or await confirmation by email
Respond promptly to any additional requests from CALQ for information or documents

Receive grant decision

Receive formal notification of decision from the CALQ
If awarded, review grant terms and obligations

Additional information

Applications must be submitted at least four weeks before the intended project start date to be eligible.
A maximum of five applications can be submitted and five grants can be received per CALQ fiscal year (April 1st to March 31st).
No more than three projects may be considered, supported or under way at the same time per applicant.
All application documents and processes are confidential, in line with Quebec's access to information laws.

Apply to this program