The Canada Council for the Arts (CCA) is Canada’s public arts funder, with a mandate to foster and promote the study and enjoyment of, and the production of works in, the arts.

Explore and Create funds Canadian artists, artistic groups and organizations committed to the creation and dissemination of innovative, vibrant and diverse art. This program advances Canadian artistic practices by encouraging artists to investigate creative processes and take risks that lead to the development of unique works destined to connect with the public.

• Research and Creation – Any time before the start date of your project.
  • Up to $25 000 (to a maximum of $50 000 over 2 years)
• Concept to Realization –Project requests – any time before the start date of your project; Composite requests -April 30/17
  • project requests – up to $100,000; composite requests – up to $100,000 per year (to a maximum of $300,000 over 3 years)

Arts Across Canada fosters meaningful relationships and exchanges between artists and the Canadian public. Artists, arts professionals, groups and arts organizations can apply to present and share artistic work with diverse communities across the country, engage more deeply with the public and develop a stronger national profile.

• Travel Grants – no deadlines- any time before your departure date
  • up to $30,000, based on fixed amounts
• Circulation and Touring grants – May 10/17; Sept 25/17; Jan 25/18
  • Generally up to 50% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $200 000

Arts Abroad celebrates the creativity, innovation and excellence of Canadian artists by helping to bring Canadian works to the world. This program supports artists, arts professionals, groups and organizations to enhance international exposure, undertake artistic exploration or exchanges with international colleagues, and nurture new and existing art markets in a global context.

• Travel Grants  -no deadlines- any time before your departure date
  
  • up to $30,000, based on fixed amounts
• Circulation and Touring – May 5/17; Sep 10/17; Dec 5/17; Feb 20/18
  • Generally up to 50% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $200 000

Registration: You must register on the grant portal 30 days before applying.

NOTE: In general, you will be unable to apply in your capacity at Western University. You will apply as an individual. Check with CCA’s Program Officer for the program you’re interested in prior to completing your application to ensure you are eligible. Canada Council grants are considered taxable income –  more about income taxes and grants from CCA.

DEFINITIONS:

In Music and Sound, the Canada Council defines a professional artist as someone who:

• has specialized training in the field, consistent with the standards of their practice.
• is recognized by other music artists working in the same tradition as an artist of superior achievement or potential.
• is committed to their own artistic vision, retains creative control and is committed to the creation and/or promotion of original work.
• has a history of public presentation, receives professional compensation for the public presentation of its work, and actively seeks to maximize the audience for their work, regardless of purely commercial considerations.

Musicians maintain a professional music and sound practice (as defined by the Council).

To be eligible as a musician, you must:

• be a professional artist
• have a minimum of 2 years of professional activities.
• have at least one professional public performance for which you received a professional engagement fee
• be committed to your own artistic vision, retain creative control and are committed to the creation and/or promotion of original work.
• be dedicated to the ongoing development of your artistic practice
• receive professional compensation for the public presentation of your work
• actively seek to maximize the audience for your work, regardless of commercial appeal

Composers and sound creators maintain a professional music and sound practice (as defined by the Council). This profile includes artists who both compose and perform their own works, such as improvisers and audio artists. To be eligible as a composer or sound creator, you must:

• be a professional artist
• have maintained a professional artistic practice for a minimum of 2 years (but not necessarily in consecutive months)
• have at least 1 professional public performance for which you were paid a artist’s fee
• be committed to their own artistic vision, retain creative control and are committed to the creation and/or promotion of original work.
• be dedicated to the ongoing development of their artistic practice
•  receive professional compensation for the public presentation of their work
• actively seek to maximize the audience for your work, regardless of commercial appeal

photo credit: judy dean Under the lid of the Grand Piano via photopin (license)