Explore and Create — Concept to Realization
Canada
Financial support for creative projects
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateApril 17, 2024
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 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|projects
This grant supports a variety of activities that encompass the full creative cycle, from artistic research to presentation. The eligible projects are those intended to culminate in a public offering or dissemination effort, across diverse artistic disciplines.
- Creative research, project development, and production leading to a public presentation.
- Confirmed exhibitions showcasing artistic works.
- Media arts or digital arts projects prepared for public dissemination.
- Creation of artist books for visual arts publishers or visual 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
This grant is available to Canadian artists, artistic groups, and arts organizations. The eligibility is based on the applicant's profile registered within the approved portal by Canada Council for the Arts.
- All provinces and territories within 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.
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.
