Explore and Create

Explore and Create supports research, development, creation, production and sharing of work, as well as professional development. The program encourages artists and curators, groups and organizations to investigate creative processes and take risks.

Get to know some of the Explore and Create grant recipients and their work

A man sits on a sofa with his hands in the hair of a woman sitting on the floor in front of him.

Misha Maseka: Not That Deep

Media Arts

Misha Maseka’s project, Not That Deep, delves into themes of heartbreak and identity through a unique blend of visual poetry, music and film.

Three people sit together looking at documents.

Poems and History: Thandiwe McCarthy

Visual Arts

Poems and History: Thandiwe McCarthy reflects on being Black in New Brunswick

Collage of photographs in which two women wearing colourful robes and headdresses stand in the desert with a loom in their hands.

We Breathe Together: Adhel Arop Tells of the Child Soldiers of South Sudan

Media Arts

Adhel Arop's project was funded through the Explore and Create program. Her documentary series, Katiba Banat: Sisters in Arms, explores her mother’s experiences as a child soldier in South Sudan.

A drawing show a glass of red liquid against a dark background with a blood red moon and the words ‘Carmilla the Lonely.’

Theo Cuthand

Media Arts

The Concept to Realization component of the Explore and Create program supports Theo Cuthand’s queer-themed video game.

FadaDance Troupe

Dance

The Explore and Create program supports the FadaDance Troupe’s project aimed at creating new artistic practices.

An illustration shows a woman wearing a Ushanka hat and winter garb.

Troy Lindstrom

Digital Arts

The Concept to Realization component of the Explore and Create program supports Troy Lindstrom’s accessibility-focussed creative process.

Funding opportunities

All funding opportunities can be viewed, applied for and managed in the client portal. There are two funding opportunities offered through the Explore and Create program.

Artistic Creation

Next deadline: Any time before the start date of your project or activity

Supporting the creation of artistic work from initial idea to public presentation, Artistic Creation supports Canadian artists, groups and arts organizations to develop, create and share artistic works at any or all stages of the creative process.

This funding opportunity supports activities previously funded by: Research and Creation and Concept to Realization.

Artist-driven Organizations

Multi-year funding for incorporated not-for-profit arts organizations that create, produce, present or exhibit artistic activities.

Artist-driven Organizations supports the development of artistic activities, from research, creation and production through to dissemination by Canadian arts organizations. These organizations are driven by the vision of artistic leaders.

Explore funding opportunities

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.