Supporting Artistic Practice
Supporting Artistic Practice encourages a dynamic support system for the arts in Canada by funding Canadian arts professionals, groups and arts organizations who champion the Canadian arts sector, boost the capacity for artists to realize work and advance the conditions of creation.
The program supports collaboration, targeted initiatives and career development opportunities for Canadian arts professionals.
$37.2M awarded in 2023–24.
Get to know some of the Supporting Artistic Practice grant recipients and their work
Exeko
Inter-Arts
The Supporting Artistic Practice program is backing Exeko in its triennial laboratory and charter project to develop accessible, inclusive and equitable arts.
BookLand Press Inc.
Literature
The 2020 Literary Publishing Project Grant is helping Bookland Press expand its Modern Indigenous Voices book series.
Listen to Dis' Community Arts Organization Inc.
Deaf and Disability Arts
A Supporting Artistic Practice grant is strengthening Saskatchewan’s sole disability-led arts organization.
Pacific Legal Education and Outreach Society
Multidisciplinary Activities
A Supporting Artistic Practice grant is helping the Pacific Legal Education and Outreach Society to improve services to artists.
Aakuluk Music
Music and Sound
A Supporting Artistic Practice grant enabled Iqaluit-based music label Aakuluk Music to mentor Nunavut music professionals.
Borealis Soul
Multidisciplinary
With funding from the Supporting Artistic Practice program, Borealis Soul is reviving the Cypher for Change hip-hop and breakdance festival.
Funding opportunities
All funding opportunities can be viewed, applied for and managed in the client portal. There are six funding opportunities offered through the Supporting Artistic Practice program.
Sector Support, Innovation and Development
Next deadline: Any time before the start date of your project or activity
Funding for projects to encourage and support the ongoing growth, strengthening and development of the arts sector by artists, arts professionals, cultural connectors, groups and organizations
Sector Support, Innovation and Development supports activities previously funded under Supporting Artistic Practice: Sector Innovation and Development.
Composite Activities
Next deadline: November 5, 2025
Provide multi-year activity support for Canadian artists, arts and cultural workers, artistic groups and organizations to carry out multiple, large or complex projects, for a period of up to 3 years. Grants support a wide range of activities.
Composite Activities supports activities previously funded under Explore and Create: Concept to Realization, Supporting Artistic Practice: Sector Innovation and Development and Arts Across Canada: Public Outreach.
Literary Publishing Projects
Next deadline: TBC
Funding for Canadian publishers to support the publication of literary books and magazines written by Canadian authors
Literary Publishers
Next deadline: Spring 2027
Multi-year funding for literary book and magazine publishers
Support Organizations
Next deadline: April 2026
Multi-year funding for support organizations that provide targeted resources for artistic development
National Arts Service Organizations
Next deadline: April 2026
Multi-year funding for national arts service organizations
Get help with your application
Guidance and Resources are available to help you learn how to use the portal, apply for grants, create your arts CV and more. For help with filling out grant applications, Application Assistance is available to individuals or lead applicants for groups, who self-identify as:
- Deaf, hard of hearing, having a disability or living with mental illness; or
- First Nations, Inuit or Métis facing language, geographic and/or cultural barriers.