Explore and Create — Artist-Driven Organizations
Canada
Money for artistic activities
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJanuary 01, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateJune 30, 2025
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
grant_single|grantors
- Canada Council for the Arts (CCA)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
If you’re an artistic organization, you could get a grant equal to 60% of your total annual revenues, averaged over the last 3 years, to pay for research, creation, and production through to dissemination.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Artist-Driven Organizations component of the Explore and Create program is funded by the Canada Council for the Arts. No specific geographical restrictions within Canada are mentioned, so it can be inferred that the grant is open to eligible organizations across Canada.
- Entities based anywhere in Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$24,000
Development of a music album exploring multicultural influences
$24,000
Creation and dissemination of a documentary film about Indigenous communities
$24,000
Creation and exhibition of a photo series on urban architecture
$24,000
Research and development of an immersive theatre experience
$24,000
Producing and disseminating a public art installation celebrating local history
$24,000
Developing a new contemporary dance performance for national tour
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to the applicant's status and activities.
- The organization must create, produce, present or exhibit the work of artists and be driven by the vision and voice of an artistic leader or group of artists.
- The organization must support the development and dissemination of works by Canadian artists.
- The organization must presently receive core (operating) support from this component or have received 1 composite grant or 2 Canada Council project grants in the last 5 years, excluding specific components and programs.
- The organization must be an incorporated not-for-profit arts organization.
- The organization must work with a professional staff.
- The organization must have at least 5 years of continuous professional artistic activities accessible to the public.
- The organization must have had total revenues exceeding $75,000 in each of the last 3 years, with some exceptions considered.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Types of potential applicants to the Artist-Driven Organizations component of Explore and Create include artistic organizations that are driven by the vision of artistic leaders or a group of artists. These organizations must support the development and dissemination of works by Canadian artists. To be eligible, an organization must:- Currently receive core (operating) support from this component or have received one composite grant or two Canada Council project grants in the last five years.- Be an incorporated not-for-profit arts organization.- Work with a professional staff.- Have at least five years of continuous professional artistic activities that are accessible to the public.- Have had total revenues exceeding $75,000 in each of the last three years (some exceptions may be considered).
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Artist-Driven Organizations component of the Explore and Create program offers funding to support the artistic processes of Canadian arts organizations. This includes a wide range of activities from initial research to the dissemination of artistic works.
- Artistic development of new projects.
- Creative research to support innovative artistic initiatives.
- Creation of new artistic works.
- Production of artistic projects for presentation to the public.
- Dissemination of artistic works to broader audiences.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers activities aimed at developing and disseminating artistic works by Canadian artists.
- Artistic development expenditures.
- Creative research costs.
- Creation-related expenses.
- Production expenses.
- Dissemination costs.
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria include:
- Your organization's artistic vision and voice
- Suitability of activities for the grant
- Professionalism of staff and organization
- Financial stability and revenue history
- Past grant history and core support
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Create an Account
- Access the Canada Council for the Arts portal.
- Create an account and complete the required fields.
- Submit your profile for validation at least 30 days before applying.
- Step 2: Validate Eligibility
- Ensure your organization meets the eligibility criteria.
- If previously funded or under new artistic leadership, contact a Program Officer for eligibility confirmation.
- Step 3: Prepare Application
- Use the guidelines to prepare your application.
- Translate your application if required by the guidelines.
- Include information on artistic development, creative research, creation, production, and dissemination plans.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Log into the portal and upload all required documentation.
- Complete and review the online application form.
- Submit your application by the spring 2025 deadline.
- Step 5: Confirmation
- Receive an automated confirmation email upon submission.
- Keep the email confirmation for future reference.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Most core grant applications must be translated into French or English. Please see guidelines for details and the translation deadline date.
- An organization that has undergone a change in key artistic leadership and is currently receiving core support may be treated as a new applicant, with no commitment to maintaining the organization’s current level of funding.
- Grants fund the activities of organizations mandated to support the creative process of artists, stimulating the emergence of new artistic voices.
- If your organization receives core support from another component or has undergone a recent change in leadership, you must contact your Program Officer before applying.
- The grant can cover up to 60% of your total annual revenues, averaged over the last 3 years.
- Total revenues must have exceeded $75,000 in each of the last 3 years, although some exceptions may be considered.
Apply to this program
Empowering Canadian Artistic Visionaries
The Artist-Driven Organizations component of the Canada Council for the Arts' Explore and Create program provides crucial funding to Canadian art organizations championing artistic leadership. This grant supports various stages of artistic endeavors, from research and creation to production and public dissemination, thus fostering the emergence of new artistic voices.
Unlocking Creative Potential Through Strategic Funding
The Explore and Create program, particularly through its Artist-Driven Organizations component, seeks to empower Canadian arts organizations that are at the forefront of artistic innovation. This grant is unique in its comprehensive support, guiding organizations from the initial stages of creative research all the way to the broad dissemination of artistic works. By maintaining a supportive environment for creative exploration, the program not only nurtures individual artists but also bolsters the broader cultural fabric of Canada.
Organizations applying for this grant must align with the fundamental vision of the program, which emphasizes artistic leadership and the development of new and diverse voices in the arts community. This alignment ensures that the financial resources provided are directly contributing to expanding the artistic landscape in Canada. Such support includes fostering an environment where new artistic methodologies and practices can emerge, ultimately enriching the public's access to varied artistic experiences.
Recipients of this grant are expected to effectively manage and utilize funds to not only enhance their existing capacities but also to innovate and expand upon standard artistic practices. By channeling funds into activities associated with artistic development, creative research, creation, production, and dissemination, organizations can create ripple effects that extend their impact beyond the confines of their immediate projects.
The program encourages organizations to use funds to explore their artistic identities, engage with the community, and expand their reach within the arts sector. This approach not only supports artists in achieving their creative goals but also contributes significantly to the Canadian economy by reinforcing the arts' role as a crucial pillar within society.
Moreover, the program’s long-term vision includes fostering enduring relationships between artists, organizations, and audiences. By investing in arts organizations that exhibit strong leadership and a clear artistic vision, the Canada Council for the Arts ensures lasting impact both within Canada and on the international stage.
The Artist-Driven Organizations component of the Explore and Create grant represents a significant opportunity for arts organizations seeking to advance their creative agendas. By providing up to 60% of the organization's average annual revenues, the grant alleviates financial burdens that may otherwise hinder bold artistic exploration and execution.
Thus, organizations committed to advancing Canada's cultural narrative are encouraged to apply, leveraging this financial support to not only meet immediate project goals but also to instigate long-term developmental projects that nurture artistic endeavors and community engagement.
This grant supports the cultural ecosystem by ensuring that life-enriching artistic experiences remain accessible to the Canadian public, ultimately contributing to the cultural enrichment and economic vitality of Canadian society. By continuously supporting the foundational elements of artistic development, the program creates a sustainable future where art can thrive, evolve, and impact lives positively.
As organizations prepare their applications, they should focus on showcasing their innovative capabilities and the ways in which they will leverage this funding to enhance both their internal processes and external societal contributions. With the program's extended deadline to the spring of 2025, organizations have ample opportunity to strategically plan their applications, ensuring they meet all eligibility criteria and maximize their potential for impactful artistic expression.
