Explore and Create — Research and Creation
Canada
Grant to begin the creative process
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateSeptember 23, 2020
- grant_single|closingDateOctober 04, 2023
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|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Research and Creation component of Explore and Create supports the initial stages of the creative process by providing grants for creative research, creation, and project development. Eligible activities include:
- Creative research
- Creation
- Project development, including residencies
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$17,000
A writer's retreat focusing on the development of new literary works about climate change
$17,000
A nonprofit will create a contemporary dance performance inspired by urban life
$20,000
A social enterprise develops a mobile art studio for underserved communities
$15,000
An artist collective will conduct a series of creative research workshops to explore indigenous art forms
$25,000
A for-profit company will develop an interactive art exhibit exploring virtual reality
$21,000
A General Partnership will orchestrate a public art installation celebrating local maritime history
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility for this grant is based on specific criteria related to the applicant's profile and activities proposed.
- Applicants must be Canadian artists, curators, writers, artistic groups, collectives, or artistic organizations.
- The applicant's eligibility is determined by a validated profile created in the portal.
- Organizations currently receiving core (operating) grants cannot apply to this component.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers a variety of expenses essential to the creative process, focusing on the initial stages of project development.
- Expenses related to creative research.
- Costs incurred during the creation of artistic works.
- Development costs, including those related to residencies.
grant_single_labels|criteria
Evaluation and Selection Criteria:
- Demonstration of creative research and innovation in the proposed project
- Feasibility and potential impact of the creative work
- Clarity and coherence of the project proposal
- Artistic merit and potential for artistic development
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Create an Account
- Access the application portal designated by the funding program.
- Create an account and ensure all your information is accurate.
- Step 2: Profile Submission
- Submit one or more profiles for validation at least 30 days prior to your intended application date.
- Wait for confirmation that your profile has been validated.
- Step 3: Application Preparation
- Review the guidelines and application form available on the portal.
- Prepare the necessary documents, including budget forms and any required appendices.
- Ensure that the activities you are applying for are eligible and not funded by another Canada Council program.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Access the application form on the portal.
- Complete the online form, ensuring all details are precise and all uploaded documents meet requirements.
- Submit the application through the portal.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
Apply to this program
Fostering Creativity Through Research and Creation Grants
The Research and Creation component of the "Explore and Create" program provides Canadian artists, groups, and organizations with up to $25,000 to support the early stages of their creative processes. These grants are designed to financially assist in the development of creative works, enabling artists to engage in research, creation, and project development activities.
In-Depth Understanding of the Research and Creation Grant Program
The Research and Creation grants offered by the Canadian "Explore and Create" program stand as a beacon of support for artists and organizations eager to delve into creativity at its foundational levels. With a focus on the initial and often financially challenging stage of artistic creation, this grant addresses the need for freedom and resources to explore new ideas and artistic expressions. By providing support for creative research, conceptual development, and initial project activities, the grant aims to nurture the early sparks of innovation that may otherwise be stifled by financial constraints.
Open to individual artists, curators, writers, and artistic collectives, the grant paves the way for a diverse range of creative pursuits across Canada. Whether working independently or as part of a larger organization, these individuals and groups can utilize the grants to explore artistic concepts and hone their creative skills. The program is particularly inclusive, as it offers application assistance to applicants who face additional challenges, such as those who are Deaf, have disabilities, or are Indigenous artists experiencing cultural and geographic barriers.
A notable aspect of these grants is their flexibility, supporting not only traditional forms of art but also encouraging experimental and interdisciplinary approaches. This inclusiveness ensures that a wide array of Canadian cultural narratives are fostered and developed, contributing to a rich and diverse artistic landscape. Artists seeking to innovate without the pressures of immediate commercial viability can find a supportive environment where risk-taking and pushing boundaries are encouraged.
The application process itself requires careful preparation. Artists must create an account and submit their profiles at least 30 days prior to their application to ensure eligibility. This step is crucial, as it verifies the artist's standing and readiness to engage with the program's opportunities. While the grants cannot support activities that have already received funding from other Canada Council programs or occur before the project start date, they do provide a critical funding source for new and groundbreaking projects.
Ultimately, the Research and Creation grants are more than just financial assistance. They represent a commitment to fostering the arts and supporting artists throughout Canada. By empowering artists to take creative risks and explore uncharted territories, this funding helps maintain a vibrant and dynamic cultural sector that can adapt and thrive amidst shifting cultural trends.
The impact of these grants resonates far beyond the individual projects they fund. By supporting a wide gamut of artistic ventures, they contribute to Canada's cultural richness and help shape a society that values artistic expression as a pillar of communal identity. For Canadian artists, these grants offer not just financial backing but also validation and encouragement to pursue their creative visions.
