1. Funding
  2. Strategic Funds and Initiatives

In addition to its regular programs, the Canada Council for the Arts makes use of strategic, targeted funds that respond to particular opportunities or issues in the arts sector.

Learn more about our strategic funds

Strategic Innovation Fund

With the Strategic Innovation Fund, we are investing $200+ million over 5 years to build a more resilient, sustainable, inclusive and equitable arts sector by supporting artists and arts organizations on their innovation journeys. Now more than ever, there is a need to create meaningful change in the arts sector and beyond—from developing new business models to supporting digital transformation and advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. Take advantage of our funding opportunities to be bold and experiment!

Access Support Fund

Access Support funds individual applicants who are Deaf, have disabilities or who are living with mental illness, as well as Deaf and disability arts groups and organizations. Grants provide a contribution towards costs for specific services and supports required to complete a project funded through a Canada Council program.

Official Languages Fund

The Official Languages Fund is intended to counter isolation and assist in the artistic development of individual artists working in official language minority communities and assist in the development of arts organizations working in official language minority communities. It supports Canadian professional artists, arts professionals, artistic groups and arts organizations whose maternal or chosen official language is not the majority language in their province or territory (Official Language Minority Communities, or “OLMCs”).

Market Access Strategy for Official Language Minority Communities (OLMC) Fund

The Market Access Strategy for Official Language Minority Communities (OLMC) Fund aims to increase access of applicants from OLMCs to a diversity of markets and publics. This fund supports Canadian professional artists, arts professionals, artistic groups and arts organizations who belong to an Official Language Minority Community (OLMC). An OLMC is defined as a group of people whose maternal or chosen official language is not the majority language in their province or territory. In other words, Anglophones in Quebec and Francophones outside of Quebec.

Media Arts Equipment Acquisition Fund

The Media Arts Equipment Acquisition Fund supports Canadian professional media arts organizations to develop technical infrastructure that fosters conditions necessary for the vitality and advancement of independent media arts in Canada.

Initiatives

The Canada Council's support to artists and arts organizations extends beyond its grant and prize programs.

Apply on the portal

Create an account and submit one or more profile(s) for validation at least 30 days before you want to apply

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