How much funding can be received?

If you’re an artistic group, organization or collective, you could get up to $50,000 towards activities like implementing new technologies, publishing a critical magazine, or creating opportunities for networking, collaborating or organizing conferences.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This grant offers flexible financial support for arts sector projects in Canada, emphasizing inclusivity and innovation. It provides specific funding limits designed to accommodate diverse project needs while ensuring accountability.

Project grants are normally funded up to $50,000, while composite grants can be funded up to $50,000 per year for a multi-year period.
Higher amounts, up to $100,000 for project grants or $100,000 per year for composite grants, may be considered for projects with elevated costs due to factors such as project duration, access requirements, or technical needs, provided the need is justified.
Applicants can apply for funding twice per year, but only one application per period can be for a composite grant.
The total annual funding for project requests within this component cannot exceed $100,000 per applicant.
Eligible expenses include direct costs related to project activities, limited to artistic creation costs under certain conditions, and costs related to engaging Indigenous Elders or traditional knowledge keepers.
Expenses not eligible include ongoing operational support, capital construction, and projects focused primarily on artistic creation or presentation activities.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant supports projects aiming to grow and improve the arts sector in Canada. Eligible activities include initiatives that involve advancing practices, nurturing professional development, and fostering collaboration in the arts community.

Development of new business or support models for the arts sector.
Mentorship programs and professional development opportunities for artists and arts workers.
Organization of networking events, conferences, symposia, and workshops.
Research, knowledge sharing, and publication efforts that benefit the arts sector.
Implementation of new technologies to enhance the arts industry's capabilities.
Development of representation or management services for Canadian artists and organizations.
Sector research aimed at strengthening and improving the arts community.
Critical and interpretive publishing that supports the arts sector.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 35,000

Publication of a critical arts magazine focusing on emerging Canadian artists

$ 40,000

Organization of a national symposium on contemporary Canadian art

$ 35,000

Research project studying the impact of digital transformation on local theater productions

$ 35,000

Development of a digital platform for independent artists to showcase and sell their work

$ 35,000

Implementation of new technology in a collaborative workspace for mixed media artists

$ 35,000

Mentorship program for emerging Indigenous artists involving traditional and contemporary practices

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.

The applicant must have an approved profile in the Canada Council portal.
Eligible applicants include arts professionals, cultural connectors, groups, artistic organizations, National arts service organizations, festivals, book and magazine publishers, and agencies within Canada, particularly those with a focus on Canadian and First Nations, Inuit and Métis arts.
Organizations presently receiving core funding must apply for project grants outside of their regular scope of activities.
For composite grants, the applicant must have received at least 1 composite or 2 project grants from the Canada Council in the last 5 years, excluding certain components.
Applicants from designated priority groups such as culturally diverse, Deaf and disability, official language minority, and Indigenous communities may have additional eligibility considerations.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

This grant is aimed at those involved in advancing and developing the arts sector in Canada. Eligible applicants include a wide range of arts and cultural entities, from individual professionals to large organizations.

Arts professionals and cultural connectors.
First Nations, Inuit or Métis arts/cultural professionals.
Artistic groups and collectives.
First Nations, Inuit or Métis groups or collectives.
Architectural groups and collectives.
Artistic organizations.
First Nations, Inuit or Métis organizations.
National arts service organizations.
Support groups, organizations and shared platforms.
Festivals, presenters and touring networks.
Book and magazine publishers.
Agencies and management service organizations.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Organizations with certain statuses or main activities are not eligible to apply for this grant. These restrictions ensure the grant supports sectors that align with its goals of strengthening the arts community.

Organizations currently receiving core funding for organizational development activities.
Entities applying for creation and presentation activities.
Applicants seeking funds for projects that occur before the deadline date.
Projects receiving funding from another Canada Council program or those on the general list of ineligible activities.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant allows for specific expenses directly tied to the project's activities and objectives.

Direct costs related to the activities.
Limited expenses for artistic creation in support of a larger sector development project (up to 10% of the total requested grant amount or a maximum of $5,000).
Costs related to gifts or payment to Indigenous Elders and/or traditional knowledge keepers, ceremonies, etc.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant provides opportunities for Canadian arts and cultural professionals, prioritizing national support within the arts sector. Eligibility is particularly aimed at ensuring equitable representation across diverse and underserved communities in Canada.

First Nations, Inuit, or Métis groups and individuals in Canada.
Arts professionals and organizations working within Canada’s national arts sector.

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.

Relevance 50% (minimum score of 35 out of 50): The project rationale, including the context and need for your proposed activities or services; the potential for innovation and/or increased sectoral support or collaboration in your proposed activities or services.
Impact 30% (minimum score of 15 out of 30): The potential of the project to strengthen and develop the arts sector; accessibility of project activities or services to a broad and inclusive representation of your artistic community, particularly with regards to the engagement and inclusion of Indigenous communities, culturally diverse groups, people who are Deaf or have disabilities, and official language minority communities.
Feasibility 20% (minimum score of 10 out of 20): The capacity and experience you and/or your partners have to undertake the project; a reasonable budget, including other revenue sources and efficient use of resources.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to apply for this grant:

Step 1: Account Creation and Validation
Create an account on the Canada Council’s portal.
Submit one or more profiles for validation at least 30 days before you plan to apply.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application
Identify the type of grant you are applying for: Project or Composite.
Compile all required documents including a project schedule, budget, and any relevant letters of support.
Prepare a detailed project description including goals, outcomes, and justification for funding.
Include biographies of key personnel and any supporting documentation.
Step 3: Consult with Program Officer
Contact a Canada Council program officer to discuss your application at least 2 weeks prior to the deadline.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Log into the Canada Council’s portal and fill out the necessary forms.
Upload all the required documentation to the portal.
Review your application for completeness and accuracy before submission.
Ensure submission occurs before the deadline.
Step 5: Confirmation of Submission
Receive an automated confirmation email after submission.
Keep the confirmation for your records and future reference.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Grant recipients must complete the Grant Acceptance Form to initiate the grant payment process.
A final report will be required within 3 months after project completion for projects that receive funding.
Grants are available up to a normal maximum of $50,000, with consideration for higher amounts up to $100,000 based on project needs.
Each applicant can submit only one request for a composite grant per year.
The grant cannot be used for activities or costs that are funded by another Canada Council program.
You can apply twice a year within January to December, as long as each submission is for a different project.

grant_single_labels|documents

Supporting Artistic Practice — Sector Innovation and Development

Apply to this program

Empowering Innovation in the Canadian Arts Sector

The Sector Innovation and Development grant supports Canadian arts professionals in developing projects that enhance the arts sector. It offers financial assistance to initiatives that aim to strengthen the support provided to artists across Canada.

Exploring the Sector Innovation and Development Grant in Depth

The Sector Innovation and Development component of the Supporting Artistic Practice program is a vital funding source dedicated to advancing the Canadian arts sector. It targets arts professionals, cultural connectors, and organizations, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis groups, focusing on projects that improve, innovate, and strengthen the arts landscape in Canada. The grant recognizes the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities and culturally diverse groups, providing specific opportunities for enhancement and development of artistic practices.

Eligible applicants, ranging from individual arts professionals to large organizations, can apply for either project grants, typically capped at $50,000, or composite grants funded up to $50,000 annually across multiple years. This flexibility allows arts entities to tailor their applications according to their specific needs, addressing various scale projects that align with the goals of strengthening the arts ecosystem.

The program underscores the importance of innovation, supporting projects that explore novel business models, platform development, and the adaptation of new technologies. It also emphasizes continuous improvement through mentorship programs, professional development, and collaborative initiatives. Networking opportunities and the sharing of artistic knowledge are pivotal in fostering a dynamic and inclusive arts sector.

Targeting accessibility, equity, and cultural representation, the program mandates applicants to demonstrate inclusive practices and ensure projects benefit a broad spectrum of communities. This includes considerations of culturally sensitive protocols especially when engaging Indigenous communities or those from official language minority groups.

The evaluation of applications is rigorous, focusing on relevance, impact, and feasibility. Projects must clearly articulate their potential for innovation and scalability, aligning with the strategic priorities of fostering a robust arts sector capable of evolving and addressing contemporary challenges.

Incorporating this grant into their funding strategy allows arts practitioners and organizations to innovate and expand their reach, while making a lasting impact on the artistic community across Canada. The Sector Innovation and Development grant thus stands as a beacon for artistic advancement, ensuring that the creative dimensions of the Canadian cultural narrative are continually nurtured and evolved.