Updates to Funding Opportunities and Portal
Created: November 20, 2024
Updated: September 12, 2025
The Canada Council is modernizing its granting systems, programs and processes, bringing a more seamless, accessible, efficient and secure experience to the arts community. This includes the opening of our updated portal in the summer of 2025, where, for the first time, grant- and prize-based funding opportunities will be available in one place.
Important information
The Canada Council recognizes that applicants, especially those relying on timely funding, are eager to access the updated portal. To ensure a smooth and reliable experience for everyone, the Canada Council is taking a phased approach to the opening. This means that different features and access points will become available gradually, allowing feedback and tailored support to be provided as needed. The Council’s priority is to ensure that no one is left without access. That’s why it has taken steps—such as extending deadlines and preparing additional applicant support—to minimize disruption and maintain funding continuity.
If your application was submitted before the transition period (May 26, 2025), it will not be counted in the annual application limits, giving you more chances to apply once the updated portal opens.
If you applied through the portal and have not received your grant result yet, it will be visible to you in the updated portal.
Visit the Deadlines and Notification of Results page for information about fall 2025 application deadlines.
Visit the Webinars and information sessions web page to register for sessions as they are announced.
Regularly consult this page for the latest funding opportunities and portal updates.
Upcoming key dates
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Starting week of September 15, 2025 |
The portal will be accepting applications for select components, and deadlines will be updated to reflect this staggered approach. We will provide updates through bulletins to The Council's mailing list subscribers as new funding opportunities gradually reopen. |
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March 26 to November 26, 2025 |
Expenses incurred during this period will still be eligible for funding after the updated portal opens in the summer of 2025. |
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December 3, 2025 |
If your final report was due during the transition period, note that the due date has been extended to December 3, providing you with more time to finalize your report. |
Revised applicant profile descriptions
The number of applicant profile categories has been reduced to 9 broader, more inclusive profiles:
- Artist or arts worker
- Creation
- Writing
- Performing
- Curation
- Arts criticism
- Arts direction and administration
- Architecture
- Translation of literary or theatrical works
- Cultural connectors belonging to marginalized and underserved communities facing barriers
- Other arts roles that contribute to the making and sharing of artwork for the public
This profile is for artists or other arts workers involved in any of the following arts activities or roles:
- Artistic group
This profile is for bands, collectives, ensembles and other groups of individuals who make artistic work and share it with the public.
- Arts supporting group
This profile is for collectives, consortia and other groups of individuals or organizations who support and promote artists, arts communities or artistic practices from Canada or strengthen the arts sector in Canada and its role in society.
- Artistic organization
This profile is for not-for-profit arts organizations from Canada that are primarily dedicated to the research, creation, production or curation of their own artistic programs or exhibitions.
- Presenting organization
This profile is for not-for-profit arts organizations from Canada that foster relationships and exchanges between artists and the public by curating professional artistic programming for audiences in Canada. Typical activities include live or virtual events, exhibitions, readings and performances.
- Supporting organization
This profile is for organizations from Canada that provide support, services and opportunities that advance the creative and professional capacities of writers, artists, organizations from Canada or the arts sector in Canada. Supporting organizations are typically involved in activities such as publishing, project management, administration support, artist representation, promotion, market development and networking. They may also provide production and dissemination assistance.
- Business cultural connector
This profile is for specific types of entities from Canada that play unique business roles in promoting architecture or sharing works by writers or music and sound artists from Canada with the public.
- Foreign arts festival, biennale or book fair
This profile is for arts organizations not from Canada that present, exhibit and promote the work of writers, literary artists, media artists or visual artists.
- Foreign publisher or theatre
This profile is for publishers of literary books and theatre organizations not from Canada that produce theatrical work.
The feedback received from the New and Early Career Artist (NECA) pilot project played a key role in shaping the revised portal applicant profiles outlined above. As we retire the NECA profile, we want to reassure new and early career artists that they will continue to have access to our programs. Your existing account and applicant profile will transfer automatically to the updated portal once you create your account. Please use the same email address you last used to access the Canada Council’s previous portal. When you sign in, your applicant profile status will either be “Approved” or “Pending review.”
Here’s what to expect in the updated portal depending on your NECA profile status:
- If you have an approved NECA profile and have received funding, your applicant profile will be approved when you sign in.
- If you have an approved NECA profile, but you haven’t received funding, your applicant profile will be pending review by a program officer when you sign in.
First Nations, Inuit and Métis applicant profiles
Applicants who belong to these communities will be able to select one of the following profiles:
- First Nations, Inuit or Métis Cultural Carrier
This profile is for individuals whose role within First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities supports the preservation, retention, maintenance and knowledge production or transfer of specific Indigenous worldviews, cultural practices and traditions through art and creative practice. Cultural carriers include Elders, knowledge keepers, traditional educators and language holders.
- First Nations, Inuit or Métis artist or arts/cultural worker
This profile is for First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists with a history of making and sharing contemporary or customary work with the public or for individual arts/cultural workers whose work supports, facilitates, investigates or examines the work of First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists.
- First Nations, Inuit or Métis emerging artist
This profile is for First Nations, Inuit or Métis individuals who have engaged in some form of artistic or cultural training or practice, but who do not meet the eligibility criteria for the First Nations, Inuit or Métis artist or arts/cultural worker profile.
- First Nations, Inuit or Métis group or collective
This profile is for collectives and other groups of individual artists, arts or cultural workers and/or cultural carriers who engage in Creating, Knowing and Sharing activities.
- First Nations, Inuit or Métis not-for-profit organization
This profile is for First Nations, Inuit or Métis not-for-profit organizations that make artistic work, share it with the public and/or support the artists and organizations who make the work. Artistic activities can include presenting, performing or exhibiting artistic or cultural events. Supporting activities can include publishing, organizing networking events or providing services and opportunities that advance the creative and professional capacities of First Nations, Inuit or Métis artists, cultural workers and organizations.
- First Nations, Inuit or Métis for-profit organization
This profile is for First Nations, Inuit or Métis for-profit organizations. Typical activities include publishing, artist representation, market development or promotion of arts and cultural works. Activities may also include making artistic work and sharing it with the public.
Applicants who belong to First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities from the land now known as Canada can select from the 6 Canada Council profiles for First Nations, Inuit and Métis applicants. To reduce barriers, these profiles will now also provide access to other Council funding opportunities beyond the Creating, Knowing and Sharing: The Arts and Cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples program.
| Type | Previous Applicant Portal Profiles (Field of Practice) | Applicant Portal Profiles (new) |
|---|---|---|
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Individual |
1. Circus Artist (Circus Arts) |
Artist or arts worker |
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2. Circus Arts Curator (Circus Arts) |
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3. Circus Arts Professional (Circus Arts) |
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4. Cultural Connector (Circus Arts) |
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5. Dance Artist (Dance) |
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6. Cultural Connector (Dance) |
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7. Dance Professional (Dance) |
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8. Deaf and Disability Artist (Deaf and Disability Arts) |
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9. Independent Critic or Curator in the Deaf and Disability Arts (Deaf and Disability Arts) |
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10. Cultural Connector (Deaf and Disability Arts) |
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11. Deaf and Disability Arts Professional (Deaf and Disability Arts) |
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12. Digital Artist (Digital Arts) |
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13. Digital Arts Independent Curator (Digital Arts) |
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14. Cultural Connector (Digital Arts) |
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15. Digital Arts Professional (Digital Arts) |
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16. Inter-Arts Artist (Inter-Arts) |
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17. Inter-Arts Curator (Inter-Arts) |
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18. Cultural Connector (Inter-Arts) |
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19. Inter-Arts Professional (Inter-Arts) |
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20. Literary Translator (Literature) |
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21. Literary Writer (Literature) |
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22. Spoken Word, Storytelling or Literary Performance Artist (Literature) |
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23. Cultural Connector (Literature) |
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24. Literature Professional (Literature) |
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25. Independent Critic or Curator (Media Arts) |
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26. Independent Media Artist (Media Arts) |
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27. Cultural Connector (Media Arts) |
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28. Professional in the Media Arts (Media Arts) |
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29. Composer or Sound Creator (Music and Sound) |
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30. Curator in the Performing Arts (Music and Sound) |
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31. Musician (Music and Sound) |
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32. Cultural Connector (Media Arts) |
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33. Music Professional (Music and Sound) |
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34. Playwright, Theatre Creator or Translator (Theatre) |
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35. Theatre Artist (Theatre) |
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36. Cultural Connector (Theatre) |
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37. Theatre Professional (Theatre) |
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38. Architect (Visual Arts) |
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39. Artist (Visual Arts) |
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40. Independent Critic or Independent Curator (Visual Arts) |
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41. Cultural Connector (Visual Arts) |
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42. Professional in Architecture (Visual Arts) |
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43. Visual Arts Professional (Visual Arts) |
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44. New/Early Career Artist (Circus Arts) |
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45. New/Early Career Artist (Dance) |
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46. New/Early Career Artist (Deaf and Disability Arts) |
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47. New/Early Career Artist (Digital Arts) |
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48. New/Early Career Artist (Inter-arts) |
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49. New/Early Career Artist (Literature) |
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50. New/Early Career Artist (Media Arts) |
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51. New/Early Career Artist (Music and Sound) |
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52. New/Early Career Artist (Theatre) |
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53. New/Early Career Artist (Visual Arts) |
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54. First Nations, Inuit or Métis Professional Artist (Indigenous Arts) |
First Nations, Inuit or Métis artist or arts/cultural worker |
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55. Arts/Cultural Professional (Indigenous Arts) |
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56. Cultural Carrier (Indigenous Arts) |
First Nations, Inuit or Métis cultural carrier |
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57. Aspiring Artist (Indigenous Arts) |
First Nations, Inuit or Métis emerging artist |
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Group |
1. Circus Arts Group or Collective (Circus Arts) |
Artistic group |
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2. Dance Group or Collective (Dance) |
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3. Deaf and Disability Arts Group or Collective (Deaf and Disability Arts) |
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4. Digital Arts Group or Collective (Digital Arts) |
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5. Inter-Arts Group or Collective (Inter-Arts) |
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6. Spoken Word, Storytelling, Literary Performance Group or Collective (Literature) |
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7. Artist Group or Collective (Media Arts) |
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8. Multidisciplinary Group (Multidisciplinary Activities) |
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9. Group, Band, Ensemble or Ad hoc Group (Music and Sound) |
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10. Ad hoc Group or Collective (Theatre) |
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11. Artist Duo or Collective (Visual Arts) |
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12. Group or Collective in Architecture (Visual Arts) |
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13. Visual Arts Group (Visual Arts) |
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14. Deaf and Disability Arts Support Group (Deaf and Disability Arts) |
Arts supporting group |
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15. Literary Event Organizer – Group (Literature) |
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16. First Nations, Inuit or Métis Group or Collective (Indigenous Arts) |
First Nations, Inuit or Métis group or collective |
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Organization |
1. Circus Arts Organization (Circus Arts) |
Artistic organization |
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2. Dance Company (Dance) |
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3. Deaf and Disability Arts Organization (Deaf and Disability Arts) |
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4. Digital Arts Organization ( Arts) |
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5. Inter-Arts Organization (Inter-Arts) |
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6. Spoken Word, Storytelling or Literary Performance Organization (Literature) |
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7. Cinematheque (Media Arts) |
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8. Creation Organization (Media Arts) |
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9. Multidisciplinary Organization (Multidisciplinary Activities) |
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10. Music Organization or Concert Society (Music and Sound) |
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11. Theatre Company (Theatre) |
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12. Art Museum (Visual Arts) |
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13. Public Art Gallery (Visual Arts) |
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14. University Gallery (Visual Arts) |
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15. Visual Arts Organization (Visual Arts) |
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16. Digital Arts Production Centre (Digital Arts) |
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17. Production Centre (Media Arts) |
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18. Artist-Run Centre (Visual Arts) |
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19. First Nations, Inuit or Métis For-profit Organization (Indigenous Arts) |
First Nations, Inuit or Métis for-profit organization |
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20. First Nations, Inuit or Métis Not-for-profit Organization (Indigenous Arts) |
First Nations, Inuit or Métis not-for-profit organization |
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21. Circus Arts Festival or Presenter (Circus Arts) |
Presenting organization |
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22. Dance Festival (Dance) |
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23. Presenter (Dance) |
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24. Deaf and Disability Festival or Presenter (Deaf and Disability Arts) |
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25. Digital Arts Festival or Presenter (Digital Arts) |
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26. Inter-Arts Festival or Presenter (Inter-Arts) |
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27. Festival, Book Fair and Reading Series (Literature) |
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28. Festival or Programming Organization (Media Arts) |
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29. Multidisciplinary Festival or Presenter (Multidisciplinary Activities) |
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30. Festival or Presenter (Music and Sound) |
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31. Touring Network (Music and Sound) |
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32 Theatre Specialized Festival or Presenter (Theatre) |
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33. Canadian National or International Festival, Biennale, Triennale (Visual Arts) |
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34. Agency or Management Services (Circus Arts) |
Supporting organization |
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35. Circus Arts Support Organization (Circus Arts) |
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36. Magazines on the Arts and Literature (Circus Arts) |
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37. National Arts Service Organization (Circus Arts) |
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38. Agency or Management Services (Dance) |
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39. Dance Presenter Network (Dance) |
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40. Magazines on the Arts and Literature (Dance) |
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41. National Arts Service Organization (Dance) |
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42. Support Service Organization (Dance) |
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43 Deaf and Disability Arts Support Organization (Deaf and Disability Arts) |
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44. Deaf and Disability National Service Arts Organization (Deaf and Disability Arts) |
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45. Magazines on the Arts and Literature (Deaf and Disability Arts) |
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46. Digital Arts National Service Organization (Digital Arts) |
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47. Digital Arts Support Organization (Digital Arts) |
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48. Magazines on the Arts and Literature (Digital Arts) |
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49. Agency or Management Services (Inter-Arts) |
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50. Inter-Arts Support Organization (Inter-Arts) |
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51. Magazines on the Arts and Literature (Inter-Arts) |
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52. National Arts Service Organization (Inter-Arts) |
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53. Creative Writing Magazine Publisher (Literature) |
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54. Literary Agent or Agency (Literature) |
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55. Literary Book Publisher (Literature) |
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56. Magazines on the Arts and Literature (Literature) |
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57. National Arts Service Organization (Literature) |
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58. Sectorial Impact Organization (Literature) |
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59. Distribution Centre (Media Arts) |
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60. Magazines on the Arts and Literature (Media Arts) |
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61. Media Arts Support Organization (Media Arts) |
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62. National Arts Service Organization (Media Arts) |
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63. Agency or Management Services (Multidisciplinary Activities) |
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64. Magazines on the Arts and Literature (Multidisciplinary Activities) |
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65. Multidisciplinary Arts Support Organization (Multidisciplinary Activities) |
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66. Multidisciplinary National Arts Service Organization (Multidisciplinary Activities) |
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67. Agency or Management Services (Music and Sound) |
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68. Magazines on the Arts and Literature (Music and Sound) |
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69. National Arts Service Organization (Music and Sound) |
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70. Support Organization (Music and Sound) |
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71. Administrative Platform or Arts Management Provider (Theatre) |
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72. Agency or Management Services (Theatre) |
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73. Dramaturgical Organization (Theatre) |
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74. Magazines on the Arts and Literature (Theatre) |
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75. National Arts Service Organization (Theatre) |
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76. Shared Producing Platform (Theatre) |
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77. Support Organization (Theatre) |
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78. Contemporary Art Dealer (Visual Arts) |
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79. Magazines on the Arts and Literature (Visual Arts) |
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80. National Arts Service Organization (Visual Arts) |
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81. Visual Arts Publisher (Visual Arts) |
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82. Visual Arts Support Organization (Visual Arts) |
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83. Digital Arts Production Centre (Media Arts) |
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84. Production Centre (Media Arts) |
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85. Artist-Run Centre (Visual Arts) |
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86. Record Label (Music and Sound) |
Business cultural connector |
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87. Architectural Firm (Visual Arts) |
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88. Literary Event Organizer (Literature) |
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Foreign Organization |
1. International Literary Festival, International Spoken Word or Storytelling Festival or International Book Fair (Literature) |
Foreign arts festival, biennale or book fair |
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2. Foreign Media Arts Festival (Media Arts) |
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3. Major Foreign International Biennale/Triennale (Visual Arts) |
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4. International Literary Book Publisher (Literature) |
Foreign publisher or theatre |
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5. Foreign Theatre Organization (Theatre) |
Accounts and application history
- Even if you had an active account in the portal, you will need to create a new account in the updated portal. Your application history will then be transferred and be visible to you in the updated portal.
- Any applications that were started but not submitted in the portal before it became unavailable will not be transferred to the updated portal.
- Submitting a prize application or nomination will not require a portal applicant profile.
Program updates: New and combined grant components
New and combined grant components will be launched later in 2025 in the updated funding portal. The components will provide more flexible and comprehensive support, covering a wider range of activities and expenses within a single application. Applying for access support will also be easier for applicants who are Deaf or have disabilities.
More details about the new and combined grant components are available via the links below:
- Micro-grants: Streamlined funding for activities supporting the professional growth and advancement of artistic careers or artistic practices of artists, arts workers, groups and organizations
- Composite Activities: Multi-year funding and flexible support for various activities
- Artistic Creation: Support for all artistic research, creation and public sharing in one streamlined component
- Circulation and Touring: Supporting the presentation and exhibition of performances and works nationally and internationally
- Representation and Promotion: Funding for travel linked to national and international promotion and the development of markets
- Sector Support, Innovation and Development: Supporting the ongoing growth, strengthening and development of the arts sector.
Creating, Knowing and Sharing:
First Nations, Inuit and Métis profiles can access all grant programs without creating additional profiles.
- Small-Scale Activities:
- Applicants can request grants of up to $5,000.
- Aspiring artists no longer require a mentor to apply.
- Short-Term Projects:
- Aspiring artists can access up to $50,000.
Arts Across Canada and Abroad:
- Public Outreach:
- Applicants can request grants of up to $75,000 per application, and up to $150,000 per year.
- There is no longer a Composite option in Public Outreach.
- Circulation and Touring:
- Applicants can request grants of up to $200,000 per application and up to $400,000 per year.
- The requirement related to having 3 or more destinations in Canada has been removed.
- The requirement that destinations be at least 250 kilometres from the place of departure has been removed.
- The $150 maximum per day for accommodations and per diems has been removed.
- Representation and Promotion:
- Applicants can request grants of up to $30,000 per application, and up to $60,000 per year.
- Researching artistic content for public presentation in Canada is now an eligible activity in this component.
- The requirement that destinations must be 300 kilometres from the place of departure has been removed.
- Fixed amounts based on distances travelled have been removed.
- The $2,500 maximum for shipping and baggage costs has been removed.
- Foreign Artist Tours:
- Applicants can request grants of up to $50,000.
- National Translation:
- Applicants can only include 1 title per application.
Don’t miss an update: Subscribe to the Canada Council for the Arts mailing list to receive emails on the Council’s grants and prizes, upcoming events, helpful resources and more.
For more information
Read the Council bulletins on this topic shared with the community by Lise Ann Johnson, Director General, Arts Granting Programs:
Visit the Webinars and information sessions web page to access recordings and/or to register for future sessions as they are announced.
This video is presented in American Sign Language (ASL).