Closed
Edmonton Arts Council - Equity and Access in the Arts
Funding for Edmonton artists facing access barriers
Last Update: May 26, 2026
Funding available
$ 5,000 - $ 25,000
Timeline
- Closing date : June 2, 2025
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.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
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 $
- Minimum amount : 5,000 $
Timeline
- Closing date : June 2, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
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
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?
- Edmonton-based individual artists
- Artist collectives based in Edmonton
- Artists and arts professionals from equity-seeking communities
- Applicants in the Indigenous and arts sectors
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
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
- Step 1: Create or update your SmartSimple profile
- Log in to the EAC online portal.
- Complete the applicant profile before starting the application.
- Step 2: Prepare the application
- Select the appropriate stream and complete the required form fields.
- Prepare supporting materials and budget information, if required for the stream.
- Step 3: Submit online through SmartSimple
- Access the opportunity under the Open Opportunities section.
- Review the application carefully and submit it online before the deadline.
- Step 4: Await review and follow-up
- Monitor email and SmartSimple for any revision requests or result notifications.
- If funded, sign the funding agreement and complete reporting requirements later.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are first checked for eligibility and completeness
- Eligible applications are reviewed by a peer assessment panel
- EAC staff summarize the results for funding approval
- Applicants receive the decision by notification email
- Successful applicants must sign a funding agreement before payment is released
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.
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:
Edmonton-based applicant
18 years or older
Majority eligible members for collectives
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.
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