CALQ — Strategic Opportunities and Career Planning
Last Update: July 22, 2025
QC, Canada
Financial aid supporting artists’ career development and strategic projects
CALQ — Strategic Opportunities and Career Planning at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $100,000
Timeline
- Open Date : January 1, 2025
Financing Type
Other Support
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Grant Providers
- Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ)
Program status
Open
Overview of the CALQ — Strategic Opportunities and Career Planning program
The CALQ — Strategic Opportunities and Career Planning program provides up to $100,000 per year in funding for atypical, career-defining projects by professional artists and independent curators in various disciplines. This grant supports activities such as research, creation, production, promotion, and dissemination of artistic work.
Financing terms and conditions
- Financial assistance of up to $100,000 per year, with the possibility of multi-year support.
- Administrative expenses eligible for up to 10% of total project costs.
- Travel and living expenses (accommodation and per diem) are eligible up to a maximum of $200 per day per participant in Canada and abroad.
Eligible projects & activities
- Execution of projects that address a prompt professional need for artists or curators.
- Implementation of a series of activities over an extended period contributing to career planning or development.
- Coordination and production of major artistic projects requiring long-term planning.
- Accessing professional or consulting services over a defined timeframe for career advancement.
- Managing and producing a set of interconnected long-term projects to foster professional growth and visibility.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 98,000
Creation of a multimedia dance performance with live visuals
$ 56,000
Organization of an intergenerational community mural project
$ 78,000
Research and creation of an experimental sound installation
$ 93,000
Production of an original short film with regional talent
$ 85,000
Solo visual art exhibition with international guest curator
$ 63,000
Development and publishing of a contemporary poetry book series
Eligibility criteria of the CALQ — Strategic Opportunities and Career Planning program
- The applicant must be a professional artist or an independent curator in disciplines supported by the CALQ.
- The applicant must be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant, ordinarily residing in Québec for at least the preceding 12 months.
- Only individuals are eligible; company or non-profit organization applications are not admissible, except for personal projects not related to the entity's activities.
- The applicant must have demonstrated involvement and recognition in their field, as shown by public presentations, published works, or peer-recognized projects.
- The proposed project must not be eligible for other components of the CALQ program.
Who is eligible?
- Professional artists operating as individuals in eligible artistic disciplines
- Independent curators recognized in visual arts, arts and crafts, architectural research, digital arts, and film and video art
Who is not eligible
- Corporations or partnerships in which the artist applicant is a shareholder or partner (for projects carried out by or with these companies).
- Non-profit organizations in which the artist applicant is an employee (for projects carried out by or with these organizations).
Eligible expenses
- Remuneration for the applicant and participating artists or partners (excluding the applicant if applicable).
- Research expenses related to the project.
- Development costs such as studio or workshop rental, purchase of supplies, and equipment rental.
- Production expenses for the artistic works.
- Presentation expenses related to exhibiting or showcasing the works.
- Promotional expenses associated with the project.
- Travel and living expenses (accommodation and per diem) directly tied to the project, up to $200 per participant per day in Canada and internationally.
- Visa fees needed for project-related travel.
- Professional or contractual fees, such as consultants, technicians, or specialists providing expertise required by the project.
- Administrative costs, up to a maximum of 10% of the total project cost.
- Purchase of specialized equipment, only if rental is not possible or the purchase cost is lower than rental fees (supporting documentation required).
Eligible geographic areas
- Applicants must normally reside in Quebec and have resided there for at least the preceding 12 months.
Eligibility criteria of the CALQ — Strategic Opportunities and Career Planning program
- Quality of the applicant’s past artistic work (30%).
- Interest and relevance of the proposed project and activities plan (70%).
- Appropriateness of remuneration for the applicant and participating artists (administrative rating).
- Quality of project management, including planning, schedule, budget feasibility, diversity of revenue sources, and applicant’s capacity to complete the project (administrative rating).
How to apply to the CALQ — Strategic Opportunities and Career Planning program
1
Review program and eligibility
- Carefully read the grant program guidelines
- Review eligibility requirements for your profile and project
- Contact the program officer for clarification if needed
2
Prepare application documents
- Download the official grant application forms from the CALQ website
- Prepare all required documents: project description, personal information, budget, and schedule
- Ensure all parts of the form are completed as required
3
Submit application to CALQ
- Submit your completed application by WeTransfer or as instructed in the application form
- Ensure your application is sent before the start of the project
- Keep acknowledgment of receipt from the CALQ
4
Await evaluation and decision
- Application is reviewed by CALQ program managers for eligibility
- Eligible applications are evaluated by peer jury
- Wait for official notification, typically within four months
5
Accept grant and fulfill requirements
- If awarded, receive confirmation letter with terms and conditions
- Comply with grant guidelines regarding reporting and visibility
- Declare the grant amount as required by tax laws
Additional information
- Applications can be submitted at any time before the start of the project.
- A maximum of five applications per CALQ fiscal year is allowed, including those deemed ineligible.
- No more than three projects can be simultaneously under consideration, supported, or in progress.
- Applicants must submit a Grant Use Report within three months of project completion to maintain eligibility for future grants.
Contact Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ)
nancy.laferriere@calq.gouv.qc.ca
1-800-608-3350
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