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.

2,162 successful applications in 2023-24.

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

Ciel (Cindy Li) performing live at MUTEK Montréal with DJ equipment and green-and-red LED visuals in the background.

Homesick: A Sonic Return Home

Music and Sound

JUNO winner Ciel talks about the impact of Council funding on her journey from blueprint to breakthrough.

Several PEI Symphony musicians on stage with their instruments in performance

Music all around

Music and Sound

On PEI’s Meike Trail, you may just catch sight of a raptor, a warbler — and quite possibly the occasional musician.

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.

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 develop, create and share artistic works at any or all stages of the creative process.

This program 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.