Closed
Source verified July 23, 2026
Edmonton Arts Council - Equity and Access in the Arts
Funding for Edmonton artists facing access barriers
Get notified when Edmonton Arts Council - Equity and Access in the Arts reopens
Latest source updateLast Update: September 28, 2026Latest change: The Funding FAQ now states that a collective’s primary applicant receives a T4A for the full grant amount.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 28, 2026
Latest change: The Funding FAQ now states that a collective’s primary applicant receives a T4A for the full grant amount.
Funding FAQ updated on T4A treatment
The Funding FAQ now states that a collective’s primary applicant receives a T4A for the full grant amount. This adds a funding-terms condition for collective applicants and clarifies how the grant is reported for tax purposes.
Funding available
$ 25,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Overview
This program supports Edmonton-based artists and collectives from communities facing barriers to access. It funds creation, professional development, mentorship, residencies, and production or presentation projects, with maximum amounts of $5,000, $10,000, or $25,000 depending on the stream.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Conduct research and development activities
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 25,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Edmonton
- Alberta
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 2
Activities funded
- Creation, experimentation, and research by individual artists
- Mentorship, residencies, and professional development for artists and arts workers
- Artistic projects ready for production and/or presentation
- Individual or collective creation leading directly to production or presentation
Documents Needed
- SmartSimple applicant profile
- Project description
- Artist statement and biography
- CV or resume
- Supporting materials and budget documents, if applicable
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Individuals and collectives
- Edmonton-based artists and arts organizations working in all artistic disciplines and their various cultural forms
- Registered and governed not-for-profit organizations in Alberta or Canada applying for Operating or Programming funding
Who is not eligible
- Organizations whose projects primarily benefit the organization itself
- Applicants seeking support for advanced education
- Projects or costs already funded by the Edmonton Arts Council
- Applications for work already started before the deadline
Eligible expenses
- Artist subsistence and living expenses
- Professional fees, honorariums, and payments to collaborators or mentors
- Equipment, tools, software, materials, and venue or studio space
- Travel, accommodations, and per diems related to the project
- Marketing, communications, and dissemination costs for eligible projects
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Projects that primarily benefit an organization rather than an individual or collective
- Advanced education leading to a degree or diploma
- Costs already supported by the Edmonton Arts Council through other programs
- Activities or costs incurred before the application deadline
- Professional grant writers, unless they are assisting the artist with a specific barrier
Eligible geographic areas
- Edmonton
- City of Edmonton
- Enoch Cree Nation
- Alexander First Nation
- Paul First Nation
- Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation
Selection criteria
- Artistic merit
- Feasibility of the project plan
- Impact on the applicant and the arts sector
- Alignment with the program and stream objectives
How to apply
- Create or update your SmartSimple user account and applicant profile before starting an application
- Log in to SmartSimple and find the EAC’s available opportunities under Open Opportunities
- Start an application, save your progress, and return to it anytime
- Book Draft Application Assistance early if you want a 30-minute one-on-one video or phone meeting with a Program Advisor; your draft application must be complete in SmartSimple at least 24 hours before the meeting or it may be rescheduled
- Give your application a final check and submit it online
Processing and Agreement
- The Arts Development and Investment team checks eligibility and completeness
- A panel of diverse, knowledgeable members from the artistic community reviews the applications and conducts a peer assessment
- Peer assessors make recommendations to the EAC, and EAC staff summarize relevant information for investment approval
- Applicants receive the result by SmartSimple notification email, and a Revision Request may be sent if an update or additional information is needed
- Successful applicants must sign and submit a Funding Agreement before payment is released, and grant recipients for Individuals & Collectives and Equity & Access in the Arts must submit a final report to the Edmonton Arts Council
Additional information
- Support is available for applicants facing barriers through Access Support.
- Draft Application Assistance is offered before the deadline.
- Applicants are notified by email through SmartSimple after assessment.
- Funding recipients must submit a final report after the project.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Edmonton Arts Council - Equity and Access in the Arts Program
What is the Edmonton Arts Council - Equity and Access in the Arts?
This program supports Edmonton-based artists and collectives from communities facing barriers to access. It funds creation, professional development, mentorship, residencies, and production or presentation projects, with maximum amounts of $5,000, $10,000, or $25,000 depending on the stream.
How much funding can be received?
Edmonton Arts Council - Equity and Access in the Arts Funds up to $25,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Edmonton Arts Council - Equity and Access in the Arts program?
To be eligible for the Edmonton Arts Council - Equity and Access in the Arts program, you must:
Applicants must have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Individuals or collectives may only have one grant active at a time
Individuals or collectives may receive one grant from this program annually from January to December
What expenses are eligible under Edmonton Arts Council - Equity and Access in the Arts?
Creation, experimentation, and research by individual artists
Mentorship, residencies, and professional development for artists and arts workers
Artistic projects ready for production and/or presentation
Individual or collective creation leading directly to production or presentation
Who can I contact for more information about the Edmonton Arts Council - Equity and Access in the Arts?
You can contact The Edmonton Arts Council Society by email at grants@edmontonarts.ca or by phone at 780−424−2787.
Where is the Edmonton Arts Council - Equity and Access in the Arts available?
The Edmonton Arts Council - Equity and Access in the Arts program is available the province of Alberta.
Is the Edmonton Arts Council - Equity and Access in the Arts a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Edmonton Arts Council - Equity and Access in the Arts is a Grant and Funding