The Supporting Artistic Practice — Sector Innovation and Development program provides up to $50,000 for projects that strengthen and improve the Canadian arts sector. Funding supports activities such as organizational development, sector research, mentorship, collaboration, and network building among artists, cultural professionals, and groups.

Financing terms and conditions

Project grants normally provide up to $50,000 per project.
Composite grants normally provide up to $50,000 per year for multiple projects, for a duration of 1 to 3 years.

Activities funded

Advancing or developing practices in the arts sector, such as adapting or exploring new structures, systems, platforms, and business models.
Nurturing learning and continuous improvement through mentoring, professional development, or network-building activities.
Facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange by organizing research, sharing or publishing sector insights, or developing networks.
Planning, developing, or implementing initiatives to support, strengthen, or improve the arts sector, including organizational development and adapting to new technologies.
Organizing conferences, symposia, workshops, or sector research projects aimed at enhancing the arts community.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 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

Eligibility

The applicant must be a Canadian or First Nations, Inuit, or Métis arts professional, cultural connector, group, collective, or organization.
The applicant's activities must aim to support, strengthen, or improve the arts sector and have an impact beyond personal or organizational gain.
Eligible applicant types include artistic organizations, national arts service organizations, architectural groups and collectives, festivals, presenters, touring networks, book and magazine publishers, agencies, and management service organizations.
To be eligible for a composite grant, the applicant must have received at least one composite or two project grants from the Canada Council in the last five years.

Who is eligible?

Artistic organizations
Artistic groups and collectives
First Nations, Inuit or Métis arts/cultural professionals
Book and magazine publishers
Festivals, presenters, and touring networks

Who is not eligible

Organizations presently receiving core funding cannot apply for organizational development activities.
Organizations currently receiving core grants are not eligible for composite grants.

Eligible expenses

Expenses related to representation or management services for Canadian artists, groups, or organizations.
Costs for production, management, and platform services for multiple Canadian artists, groups, or organizations.
Spending on critical and/or interpretive publishing activities that support the arts sector.
Organizational development costs, such as exploring new business models and management practices.
Expenses for shared learning, networking, resource exchange, or collaborative initiatives (including mentorship programs).
Costs associated with organizing conferences, symposia, and workshops.
Sector research expenditures.
Expenses for implementing and adapting to new technologies to strengthen or improve the arts sector.

Eligible geographic areas

Canada
First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities within Canada

How to apply

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.

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.

Consult with Program Officer

Contact a Canada Council program officer to discuss your application at least 2 weeks prior to the deadline.

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.

Confirmation of Submission

Receive an automated confirmation email after submission.
Keep the confirmation for your records and future reference.

Additional information

Changes to this component will take effect with the launch of the updated portal in 2025.
A transition period is underway, temporarily preventing access to accounts and portal activities.
Targeted funding is available for designated priority groups, such as culturally diverse, Deaf and disabled, official language minority, and Indigenous communities.
Application Assistance is offered for applicants who identify as having barriers in the application process.

Documents and links

Supporting Artistic Practice — Sector Innovation and Development

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Supporting Artistic Practice — Sector Innovation and Development Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Supporting Artistic Practice — Sector Innovation and Development. 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 Supporting Artistic Practice — Sector Innovation and Development?

How much funding can be received?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Supporting Artistic Practice — Sector Innovation and Development a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Supporting Artistic Practice — Sector Innovation and Development?

Who is eligible for the Supporting Artistic Practice — Sector Innovation and Development program?

To be eligible for the Supporting Artistic Practice — Sector Innovation and Development program, you must: Eligible applicants include arts professionals, cultural connectors, First Nations, Inuit, or Métis arts/cultural professionals, artistic groups and collectives, and various organizations such as architectural groups, national arts service organizations, and book publishers. Applicants must have an approved profile created in the portal to determine eligibility for this component. To be eligible for a composite grant, the applicant must have received at least one composite or two project grants from the Canada Council in the last five years.