Open
Source verified August 5, 2026
Independent Performance Spaces Fund
Support for central Montréal performance spaces
Funding available
$ 100,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Opened August 5, 2026
Location
Westmount, Canada
Overview
Independent Performance Spaces Fund supports operators of independent performance spaces in targeted central Montréal neighbourhoods with assistance of up to 90% of project costs. It aims to strengthen the cultural offer and can fund customer traffic development, programming diversification, marketing and promotion, shared resources, and customer data optimization.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Enhance an existing program
- Increase operational productivity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 100,000 $
- Up to 90% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Westmount
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Documents Needed
- Duly completed electronic form
- Copy of the certificate of occupancy for the performance space issued by the borough or the reconstituted municipality
- Copy of the articles of incorporation or a statement of information submitted to the Registre des entreprises du Québec
- Professional artistic or stage programming for the independent performance space, showing the number of professional performances scheduled and publicized for the year before the request and for the current year
- Liquor license indicating the maximum capacity of the independent performance space, or another public document showing the maximum capacity if no liquor license has been issued
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Operators (owners or lessors) of an independent performance space
- Groups of operators wishing to carry out a shared project
- Independent performance spaces with annual cultural programming featuring at least 35 performances that are publicized and accessible to the general public
Who is not eligible
- Spaces presenting benefit or charitable performances
- Spaces presenting corporate or private performances
- Spaces presenting karaoke
- Businesses that have received financial assistance from CALQ
Eligible expenses
- Development of customer traffic, such as promotion or a loyalty program aimed at customers
- Diversification and enhancement of programming, such as new artistic disciplines or special events
- Marketing and promotion strategy, such as digital partnership tools or optimized ticketing
- Sharing of resources, such as shared equipment or staff training
- Optimization of customer traffic data, such as demographic studies or sales management
Eligible geographic areas
- PME MTL Centre-Ville: Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, Plateau-Mont-Royal, Outremont, Ville-Marie, and the City of Westmount
- PME MTL Centre-Est: Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie, and Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension
- PME MTL Grand Sud-Ouest: Sud-Ouest, Verdun, and LaSalle
Selection criteria
- Economic viability of the performance space
- Participation of other financial partners in the project
- Experience of the performance space management team
- Inclusion of a strategic sustainable development process
How to apply
- Complete and submit the application form.
Additional information
- The fund is deployed by PME MTL and is part of the support program introduced by Ville de Montréal for independent performance spaces.
- It is supported through the joint economic plan of the Ville de Montréal and the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy (MEIÉ).
Frequently Asked Questions about the Independent Performance Spaces Fund Program
What is the Independent Performance Spaces Fund?
Independent Performance Spaces Fund supports operators of independent performance spaces in targeted central Montréal neighbourhoods with assistance of up to 90% of project costs. It aims to strengthen the cultural offer and can fund customer traffic development, programming diversification, marketing and promotion, shared resources, and customer data optimization.
How much funding can be received?
Independent Performance Spaces Fund Funds up to 90% of admissible expenses, capped at $100,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Independent Performance Spaces Fund program?
To be eligible for the Independent Performance Spaces Fund program, you must:
The space must have a capacity of less than 1,000 people.
The space must have offered at least 35 performances in the year before the request.
Annual cultural programming must include at least 35 performances that are publicized and accessible to the general public.
Where is the Independent Performance Spaces Fund available?
The Independent Performance Spaces Fund program is available across Canada.
Is the Independent Performance Spaces Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Independent Performance Spaces Fund is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Independent Performance Spaces Fund?
Independent Performance Spaces Fund is funded by PME MTL (PME)