Open
CALQ — Strategic Opportunities and Career Planning
Financial aid supporting artists’ career development and strategic projects
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 100,000
Timeline
- Open Date : January 1, 2025
Location
Quebec, Canada
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop an online presence
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 100,000 $
Timeline
- Open Date : January 1, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Persons with Disabilities
- Canadians
Next steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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.
Eligibility
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.
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
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?
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.
How much funding can be received?
CALQ — Strategic Opportunities and Career Planning Funds up to $100,000 of admissible expenses.
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.
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.
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.
Where is the CALQ — Strategic Opportunities and Career Planning available?
The CALQ — Strategic Opportunities and Career Planning program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the CALQ — Strategic Opportunities and Career Planning a grant, loan, or tax credit?
CALQ — Strategic Opportunities and Career Planning is a Other Support
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