How much funding can be received?

The CALQ Professional Development grant provides up to $15,000 in funding to support professional artists and independent curators in Québec pursuing activities that enhance artistic practice or career management, such as attending specialized workshops, seminars, festivals, and symposiums. Eligible activities focus on acquiring new skills and knowledge through professional development opportunities.

Financing terms and conditions

Maximum financial aid of $15,000 per project.
Living expenses are covered up to $200 per day per participant in Canada and internationally.
Eligible costs include candidate remuneration, registration, internship or materials expenses, professor's or mentor's fees, travel and related costs (including vaccination and visa), and purchase of specialized equipment (if purchase cost is less than rental and justified).

Eligible projects & activities

Participation in specialized workshops tailored to an artistic discipline.
Attendance at seminars, symposiums, festivals, biennials, or colloquiums for professional growth.
Engagement in artistic practice development activities aimed at advancing professional skills.
Inviting an artist or arts professional to share expertise with Quebec artists or curators.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 11,975

Participating in the FIFA International Festival of Films on Art

$ 13,920

Participating in an Indigenous arts symposium on contemporary weaving

$ 13,950

Attending a digital art workshop with leading contemporary artists

$ 14,500

Attending a contemporary art management seminar to improve curatorial skills

$ 13,800

Attending the Banff Centre’s advanced composition residency for composers

$ 14,460

Organizing a masterclass with a world-class contemporary sculptor

Eligibility criteria of the CALQ — Professional Development program

The applicant must be a professional artist or an independent curator in one of the disciplines supported by CALQ.
The applicant must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and must have normally resided in Québec for at least the 12 months preceding the application.
The applicant may only submit personal projects that are not part of the activities of a company, organization, or employer.
The application must be submitted at least four weeks before the start date of the project and include a letter of invitation or confirmation of participation for the proposed activity.
Applicants must have submitted all required Grant Use Reports for previous CALQ-funded projects that have reached their end before applying again.

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 (unless the application is for a personal project, independent from company activities).
Non-profit organizations (unless the application is for a personal project, not tied to the organization's activities).
Companies or organizations seeking support for training projects leading to a college, university, or specialized school degree.
Organizations applying for projects already covered by other public or private funding sources.

Eligible expenses

Remuneration for the applicant.
Project-related expenses, such as registration, internship or materials costs, or fees for professors or mentors.
Travel expenses and related costs, including vaccinations and visa fees.
Living expenses (accommodation and per diem, up to $200 per day per participant, in Canada and abroad).
Purchase of specialized equipment required for the project, provided it cannot be rented or is less expensive to purchase than rent (documentation required).

Eligible geographic areas

Applicants must normally reside in Québec and have resided there for at least the preceding 12 months.

Eligibility criteria of the CALQ — Professional Development program

Quality of the applicant’s past artistic work (40%).
Interest and relevance of the project, including the quality of the professional development program, choice of host structure, master or mentor, and the impact on the development of the applicant’s artistic practice (60%).
Appropriateness of the applicant’s remuneration (Administrative – must be satisfactory).
Feasibility of the work plan and budget (Administrative – must be satisfactory).

How to apply to the CALQ — Professional Development program

Verify eligibility and project criteria

Review eligibility criteria, including discipline, residency, and applicant profile requirements
Confirm your project and expenses are eligible under program rules

Prepare application documents

Gather required supporting documents, such as a letter of invitation or confirmation of participation
Prepare all information needed for the online application form

Submit the application online

Access Mon Dossier CALQ online platform or use the WeTransfer method if necessary
Complete the application form, uploading all required files
Ensure the application is submitted at least four weeks before the project start date

Track application progress

Receive confirmation of receipt by email
Track the status of your application through Mon Dossier CALQ

Under review by CALQ

Await evaluation by program managers and jury members according to published criteria
The average decision time is approximately four months after submission

Receive funding decision

Consult your online account or wait for a written decision
If approved, read and follow the terms and conditions for grant use provided in the confirmation letter

Provide post-grant report

Submit a Grant Use Report within three months after project completion
Ensure compliance with CALQ’s reporting and visibility requirements

Additional information

You may not have more than three projects under consideration, supported, or underway at the same time within CALQ programs.
All grant recipients must submit a report detailing the use of funds within three months after the project's completion.
Personal data and documents submitted are kept confidential in accordance with applicable privacy legislation.
Results are communicated approximately four months after submission, and all CALQ decisions are final and not subject to appeal.