How much funding can be received?

If you’re an artist, or part of an artistic group, collective, organization or visual art publisher, you could get up to $100,000 to cover the full creative cycle, from initial idea to presentation.

grant_single_labels|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.

grant_single_labels|projects

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.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 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 an animated short film addressing climate change through visual storytelling

$ 50,000

Developing a multimedia installation exploring urban environments with public presentations

grant_single_labels|admissibility

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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

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.

grant_single_labels|criteria

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)

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Preliminary Registration
Create an account on the portal at least 30 days before you intend to apply.
Submit your profile for validation.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 5: Confirmation and Follow-up
Receive confirmation of submission via the portal.
Track application status through your account dashboard.
Step 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.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

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.

grant_single_labels|documents

Explore and Create — Concept to Realization

Apply to this program

Unleashing Creativity Through "Concept to Realization" Grants

The "Concept to Realization" grant under the "Explore and Create" program provides comprehensive support for Canadian artists and organizations, facilitating the entire creative process from inception to public presentation. This initiative by the Canada Council for the Arts aims to foster innovation and artistic development across various disciplines through both project and composite grants.

Detailed Overview of the "Concept to Realization" Grant

The "Concept to Realization" grant component is designed to empower Canadian artists, artistic groups, and arts organizations by supporting an extensive range of creative activities. The program embraces the full spectrum of the creative cycle, from the initial brainstorming phase to the public exhibition of the final work. Whether it's artistic research, creation, project development, remounts, production, post-production, or presentation, this grant is tailored to provide the necessary resources to bring creative visions to life.

Eligible applicants include individual artists, groups, and organizations involved in various art forms, excluding literary writing projects. Visual arts publishers can also apply for projects such as creating artist books. The program excludes activities self-funded through self-publishing or author-subsidized means, maintaining a focus on collaborative and emerging artistic endeavors. Importantly, applicants must have a validated profile in the application portal, ensuring that they are recognized contributors to the Canadian arts scene.

For those seeking project grants, support is available for single artistic activities, whereas composite grants cater to multiple projects over several years. The funding typically caps at $60,000 but can exceptionally reach up to $100,000 per year, accommodating the dynamic and sometimes costly nature of large-scale or technically demanding projects. Cumulative funding for composite grants can extend up to $300,000 over a three-year period.

The assessment of grant applications is rooted in a commitment to artistic merit, impact, and feasibility. A peer assessment committee evaluates the artistic quality, potential outcomes, and development opportunities presented by each project. Emphasis is placed on the demonstrated ability of applicants to leverage their grant effectively, ensuring a responsible and impactful use of resources.

Successful recipients must navigate not only the creative aspects of their projects but also adhere to administrative responsibilities, including submitting a final report within three months post-completion. For composite grants, interim project updates are required annually, maintaining accountability and progress transparency.

To aid diverse groups, the Council offers Application Assistance for artists facing specific barriers, such as those with disabilities or cultural language hurdles, ensuring equitable access to this robust funding opportunity. This inclusivity broadens the scope of creative voices and narratives supported by the grant, nourishing a rich tapestry of Canadian contemporary art.

"Concept to Realization" grants paint a broad canvas for creative exploration, enabling projects that might otherwise remain unfunded. By encouraging artistic risk-taking, technical innovations, and new modes of dissemination, this program stands as a pillar of support for the arts community, fostering growth, exposure, and evolution in Canada's artistic landscape.