How much funding can be received?

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

Project grants are generally available up to $60,000, with exceptional cases allowing up to $100,000 for projects with elevated costs.
Composite grants are generally capped at $60,000 per year, exceptionally up to $100,000 per year, to a maximum of $300,000 over 3 years.
Equipment purchases required specifically for the activity are eligible up to $1,000 per item, with the total combined equipment cost limited to 10% of the grant awarded.

Eligible projects & activities

Creation and development of artistic projects intended for public presentation or exhibition.
Production and post-production of media arts or digital arts works ready for dissemination.
Development and presentation of remounted artistic works.
Creation and publishing of artist books by visual artists or visual arts publishers.

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

$ 45,000

Creating a public art installation that promotes mental health awareness

$ 40,000

Developing a visual art exhibition on the theme of migration and diaspora

$ 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

The applicant must be a Canadian artist, artistic group or collective, arts organization, or visual arts publisher.
The applicant must have a validated profile in the Canada Council portal.
The project must lead to a public presentation, confirmed exhibition, media or digital arts production ready for dissemination, or the creation of artist books for visual arts publishers or visual artists.
For composite grant applications, the applicant must have received at least one composite or two project grants from the Canada Council in the last five years (excluding specified components).
Organizations currently receiving core (operating) grants from the Canada Council are not eligible to apply.

Who is eligible?

Artists
Artistic groups and collectives
Arts organizations
Visual arts publishers

Who is not eligible

Organizations currently receiving core (operating) grants from the Canada Council.
Applicants with a New/Early Career Artist profile (for composite grants).
Groups or individuals applying for activities that have already received funding from another Canada Council program.
Companies or applicants seeking support for literary writing, self-publishing, or author-subsidized publishing projects.

Eligible expenses

Professional fees or compensation for work related to the project (for you and people you hire).
Child or dependent care costs required to complete project activities (excluding regular ongoing expenses).
Equipment purchases required specifically for the activity, up to $1,000 per item and a total combined cost of up to 10% of the grant awarded (excluding equipment related to a building).

Eligible geographic areas

Canada

Eligibility criteria of the Explore and Create — Concept to Realization program

Artistic Merit (50%): Assessed on the artistic quality of the work, the artistic rationale for the project, and the potential artistic outcomes. Minimum score required: 35 out of 50.
Impact (30%): Evaluates the potential of the project to contribute to artistic development, advance artistic practice, and build public interest or knowledge. Minimum score required: 15 out of 30.
Feasibility (20%): Based on the applicant’s capacity and experience to carry out the project, reasonableness of the budget, use of resources, inclusion of other revenue sources, and adequacy of working conditions. Minimum score required: 10 out of 20.

How to apply to the Explore and Create — Concept to Realization program

Preliminary Registration

Create an account on the portal at least 30 days before you intend to apply.
Submit your profile for validation.

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.

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.

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.

Confirmation and Follow-up

Receive confirmation of submission via the portal.
Track application status through your account dashboard.

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

You can only apply to this funding component once per calendar year (January 1 to December 31).
Registration in the application portal must be completed at least 30 days before applying.
Successful applicants are required to submit a final report within 3 months of completing their project; composite grant recipients must also submit annual updates.
Support material submitted should be limited to what is relevant for evaluation, with reviewers usually considering up to 10 minutes per item.