CALQ — Strategic Opportunities and Career Planning

Q: How much funding can be received?

CALQ — Strategic Opportunities and Career Planning Funds up to 100000% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the CALQ — Strategic Opportunities and Career Planning a grant, loan, or tax credit?

CALQ — Strategic Opportunities and Career Planning is a Other Support

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the CALQ — Strategic Opportunities and Career Planning?

CALQ — Strategic Opportunities and Career Planning is funded by Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ)

Q: Who is eligible for the CALQ — Strategic Opportunities and Career Planning program?

To be eligible for the CALQ — Strategic Opportunities and Career Planning program, you must: • Reserved for individual professional artists or independent curators, not for profit-making enterprises. • The project must be personal and carried out outside the activities of a company or organization. • Must usually reside in Quebec and have lived there for the last 12 months.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the CALQ — Strategic Opportunities and Career Planning?

You can contact Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ) by email at nancy.laferriere@calq.gouv.qc.ca or by phone at 1-800-608-3350.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Financial aid supporting artists’ career development and strategic projects

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

Funds Providers

Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec

Program status

Open

Overview

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.

Activities funded

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

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.

Selection criteria

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Contacts

nancy.laferriere@calq.gouv.qc.ca

1-800-608-3350

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the CALQ — Strategic Opportunities and Career Planning Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the CALQ — Strategic Opportunities and Career Planning. 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 — Strategic Opportunities and Career Planning?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under CALQ — Strategic Opportunities and Career Planning?

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.