
CALQ — Exploration and Research
Last Update: July 22, 2025
QC, Canada
Funding for artistic research, experimentation, and creative development
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
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open
Overview
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).
Activities funded
- 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:
$ 15,000
Interdisciplinary music-theatre research residency exploring soundscapes
$ 19,900
Research on AI-driven choreography processes with academic partners
$ 18,500
Residency to develop new digital sculpture techniques with collaborators
$ 20,500
Experimentation with large-scale textile art using digital looms
$ 20,000
Prototype of immersive VR storytelling for new media theatre
$ 18,500
Exploration of eco-art installation techniques using recycled materials
Eligibility
- 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
Selection criteria
- 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
1
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
2
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
3
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
4
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
5
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the CALQ — Exploration and Research Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the CALQ — Exploration and Research. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the CALQ — Exploration and Research?
How much funding can be received?
What expenses are eligible under CALQ — Exploration and Research?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the CALQ — Exploration and Research a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the CALQ — Exploration and Research?
Who is eligible for the CALQ — Exploration and Research program?
Who can I contact for more information about the CALQ — Exploration and Research?
Where is the CALQ — Exploration and Research available?
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