Closed
Explore and Create — Research and Creation
Grant to begin the creative process
Last Update: March 24, 2026
Funding available
$ 25,000
Timeline
- Open Date : September 23, 2020
- Closing date : October 4, 2023
Location
Canada
Overview
If you’re an artist, curator, writer, or part of an artist group or collective, you could get up to $25,000 to pay for creative research, creation, and product development.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 25,000 $
Timeline
- Open Date : September 23, 2020
- Closing date : October 4, 2023
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Research
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- People with disabilities
- Artists / creatives
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
The Research and Creation component of the Explore and Create grant is designed to support the foundational stages of the creative process for artists in Canada. Eligible projects under this grant focus on facilitating creative research, initiating the creation of new works, and advancing project development, including participating in residencies.
- Support for creative research that forms the basis for new artistic projects.
- Development and creation of new artistic works and concepts.
- Project development activities, such as art residencies, aimed at refining and advancing artistic concepts.
Documents Needed
- Validated applicant profile in the Canada Council portal
- Application form
- Budget forms
- Required appendices
- Arts CV
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
Artists, artistic groups, and arts organizations in Canada may apply for this grant. The specific eligibility is determined through a validated profile on the application portal. Potential applicants include:- Artists, curators, and writers- Artistic groups and collectives- Artistic organizationsOrganizations currently receiving core (operating) grants are not eligible to apply for this component.Who is not eligible
There are specific restrictions on who can apply for this grant, targeting the main activity and funding status of the organization. The grant aims to focus support on the creative process and organizations currently receiving other forms of core funding are excluded.
- Organizations presently receiving core (operating) grants from Canada Council.
- Applicants attempting to fund activities that have commenced prior to the project start date.
- Projects already receiving funding from another Canada Council program for the same activities.
Eligible expenses
This grant supports the initial stages of the creative process for Canadian artists, artistic groups, and organizations. It focuses on activities that foster creative research, creation, and project development.
- Creative research initiatives.
- Artistic creation projects.
- Project development, including artists' residencies.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Activities that take place before your project start date.
- Activities funded by another Canada Council program.
- Activities on the Canada Council’s general list of ineligible activities.
- Production and/or post-production of a final work, which must apply to Concept to Realization instead.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is managed by the Canada Council for the Arts, but there is no specific mention of eligible geographical areas within Canada for applicants. Therefore, eligibility is likely dependent on the applicant’s alignment with the grant objectives rather than geographical location.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after submission by the Canada Council through the client portal.
- Funding decisions are based on the program’s assessment process and are not guaranteed.
- If a request is approved, applicants are notified through the portal.
- The program’s deadlines and notification dates are available on the Deadlines and Notification of Results page.
- Grants are managed through the client portal, where applicants can also track their funding opportunity.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- You may qualify for Application Assistance if you encounter difficulties and self-identify as an artist who is Deaf, hard of hearing, has a disability, lives with mental illness, or as a First Nations, Inuit, or Métis artist facing language, geographic and/or cultural barriers.
- It is essential to create an account and submit your profile for validation at least 30 days before the intended application date.
- The application can be submitted any time before the start date of the project or the part of the project for which you seek funding.
- The maximum grant amount available is up to $25,000.
- A consultation with an officer is available for additional inquiries or guidance.
Documents and links
Frequently Asked Questions about the Explore and Create — Research and Creation Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Explore and Create — Research and Creation. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Explore and Create — Research and Creation?
If you’re an artist, curator, writer, or part of an artist group or collective, you could get up to $25,000 to pay for creative research, creation, and product development.
How much funding can be received?
Explore and Create — Research and Creation Funds up to $25,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was October 4, 2023.
Who is eligible for the Explore and Create — Research and Creation program?
To be eligible for the Explore and Create — Research and Creation program, you must:
Applicants can include artists, curators, writers, artistic groups and collectives, and artistic organizations.
Eligibility is determined by a validated profile created in the application portal.
Organizations currently receiving core (operating) grants cannot apply.
What expenses are eligible under Explore and Create — Research and Creation?
The Research and Creation component of the Explore and Create grant is designed to support the foundational stages of the creative process for artists in Canada. Eligible projects under this grant focus on facilitating creative research, initiating the creation of new works, and advancing project development, including participating in residencies. Support for creative research that forms the basis for new artistic projects.
Development and creation of new artistic works and concepts.
Project development activities, such as art residencies, aimed at refining and advancing artistic concepts.
Who can I contact for more information about the Explore and Create — Research and Creation?
You can contact Canada Council for the Arts (CCA).
Where is the Explore and Create — Research and Creation available?
The Explore and Create — Research and Creation program is available across Canada.