Explore and Create — Concept to Realization
Last Update: April 24, 2025
Canada
Financial support for creative projects
Explore and Create — Concept to Realization at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $100,000
Timeline
- Closing date : April 17, 2024
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Grant Providers
- Canada Council for the Arts (CCA)
Status
Closed
Overview of the Explore and Create — Concept to Realization program
The "Explore and Create — Concept to Realization" grant offers Canadian artists and arts organizations funding up to $100,000 for the full creative cycle, including research, creation, and presentation stages. Eligible activities include artistic research, project development, remounts, production, post-production, and public presentations.
Financing terms and conditions
This grant provides diverse funding options to support Canadian artists and artistic organizations in executing their creative projects. It combines flexibility with structured funding caps and compliance conditions.
- Project grants are available up to $60,000, with higher amounts up to $100,000 possible for projects with elevated costs due to the project's nature.
- Composite grants offer up to $60,000 per year, with an upper limit of $100,000 annually, and a maximum of $300,000 over three years for multiple projects.
- Eligible direct costs include professional fees, child or dependent care costs, and specific equipment purchases, with certain restrictions.
- Advanced payments are aligned with project schedules, with the first payment post-1 April for composite grants.
- Final reports are mandatory within three months following project completion, with annual updates required for multi-year projects.
Eligible projects & activities
The Concept to Realization grant supports the artistic process from ideation to the presentation phase. Eligible activities span various creative pursuits intended for public dissemination and engagement.
- Artistic research leading to the development of new creative works.
- Project development activities aiming towards a public presentation.
- Creation and production efforts for artworks.
- Remounts and adaptations of existing works.
- Post-production processes to finalize media projects.
- Public presentations or confirmed exhibitions.
- Media and digital arts productions ready for dissemination.
- Production of artist books for visual arts publishers or artists.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 50,000
Developing an animated short film addressing climate change through visual storytelling
$ 60,000
Production of a digital arts project showcasing the impact of technology on society
$ 40,000
Developing a visual art exhibition on the theme of migration and diaspora
$ 45,000
Creating a public art installation that promotes mental health awareness
$ 50,000
Creation of artist's book series documenting indigenous art and culture
$ 50,000
Developing a multimedia installation exploring urban environments with public presentations
Eligibility criteria of the Explore and Create — Concept to Realization program
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.
- Applicants must be Canadian artists, artistic groups, or arts organizations.
- The applicant's profile must be validated in the application portal before applying.
- To be eligible for a composite grant, the applicant must have received at least 1 composite or 2 project grants from the Canada Council in the last 5 years.
- Applicants with a New/Early Career Artist profile are not eligible for composite grants.
- Organizations receiving core (operating) grants are ineligible to apply.
- Individual applicants working with a group or organization receiving a composite or core grant may apply only for a personal project not associated with the organization's funded activities.
Who is eligible?
This grant within the Concept to Realization component is open to various applicants involved in creative endeavors across the artistic spectrum, providing support for the development and presentation of artistic projects.
- Canadian artists.
- Artistic groups and collectives.
- Artistic organizations.
- Visual arts publishers.
Who is not eligible
This grant primarily targets Canadian artists and arts organizations, and there are specific restrictions regarding the eligibility of companies or industries. Applicants must adhere to the conditions outlined by the grant, including those related to funding limitations and activity focus.
- Organizations currently receiving core (operating) grants.
- Applicants with a New/Early Career Artist profile are not eligible for composite grants.
- For-profit companies or industries not involved in artistic or cultural activities.
- Activities that receive funding from another Canada Council program.
Eligible expenses
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the activities supported by the "Concept to Realization" component.
- Professional fees or compensation for working on the project (for you and the people you hire).
- Child/dependent care costs if required to complete the activities (not including regular, ongoing expenses).
- Equipment purchases required specifically for the activity, with a maximum of $1,000 per item purchased and a total combined cost up to 10% of the grant awarded.
Eligible geographic areas
The Explore and Create: Concept to Realization grant is available to applicants across Canada. It supports Canadian artists, artistic groups, and organizations from throughout the country's diverse regions.
- Open to artists in all provinces and territories of Canada.
Eligibility criteria of the Explore and Create — Concept to Realization program
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.
- Artistic Merit 50% (minimum score of 35 out of 50)
- Impact 30% (minimum score of 15 out of 30)
- Feasibility 20% (minimum score of 10 out of 20)
How to apply to the Explore and Create — Concept to Realization program
1
Preliminary Registration
- Create an account on the portal at least 30 days before you intend to apply.
- Submit your profile for validation.
2
Check Eligibility
- Ensure that your profile is validated and confirm your eligibility based on past grants and other criteria.
- Contact a Canada Council Program Officer if applying for the first time to confirm eligibility.
3
Prepare Application
- Draft a detailed description of your proposed activities including artistic rationale and expected outcomes.
- Outline a work plan and timeline for your project.
- Prepare a budget detailing expenses and grant amount requested.
- Provide information on key artists involved and safe working conditions.
- Gather support material like previous works and partnership confirmations.
4
Submit Application
- Log in to the portal and complete the application form with all necessary information.
- Upload all required documents and support materials.
- Submit the application ensuring all sections are completed accurately and thoroughly.
5
Confirmation and Follow-up
- Receive confirmation of submission via the portal.
- Track application status through your account dashboard.
6
Post-Submission Requirements
- If awarded, complete the Grant Acceptance Form to initiate payment.
- Submit a final report 3 months after project completion, or an annual update for composite grants.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Submission of support material is mandatory, and should be current work or activities related to the grant application.
- Successful applicants are required to submit a final report within three months after the completion of the project.
- Composite grant recipients need to submit annual updates three months after each year of activities, and a final report in the last year.
- It is beneficial to discuss your project with a Canada Council Program Officer before applying for the first time.
- Applicants have the possibility to opt out from being considered for prizes by contacting the Canada Council via email.
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