Deadline: 01-Oct-2026
The Shevchenko Foundation is inviting applications for its Arts Pillar – Music Sector Grants for Individuals to support projects inspired by Ukrainian heritage in Canada. The program funds music initiatives in traditional, classical, and contemporary forms while promoting artistic excellence, innovation, collaboration, and broader audience engagement.
Focus Areas, Objectives, Priorities, and Themes
The program focuses on enriching Canadian culture through Ukrainian Canadian heritage, strengthening the Ukrainian community in Canada, promoting Ukrainian cultural contributions among diverse audiences, supporting financially sustainable projects, encouraging innovative technologies and partnership approaches, promoting collaboration and co-production models, advancing artistic excellence, supporting innovation in music creation, and engaging audiences with both traditional and contemporary Ukrainian-inspired music works.
About the Music Sector Grants Program
The Arts Pillar – Music Sector Grants for Individuals aims to support music professionals and creators whose work reflects Ukrainian heritage and contributes to Canada’s cultural landscape.
The initiative supports projects across traditional, classical, and contemporary music fields and encourages both preservation and creative interpretation of Ukrainian musical influences.
The program also emphasizes the importance of audience development and collaborative artistic practices.
Types of Projects Supported
Funding support may be used for:
• Performance production costs
• Touring activities within Canada
• Sound recording projects
• Professional development activities
• Workshops and master classes
• Creation and development of original scores
• Music arrangements and composition work
• Promotion and marketing activities
Funding Information
The Foundation supports projects through partial funding assistance.
Funding details include:
• Support for up to 50% of total project or program costs
• Funding amounts subject to available budget resources
Applicants are expected to secure additional financial resources to support remaining project costs.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include Canadian citizens or permanent residents involved in music-related fields influenced by Ukrainian heritage.
Eligible professionals include:
• Performers
• Composers
• Arrangers
• Music teachers
• Conductors
• Rehearsal accompanists
• Music therapists
• Archivists
• Music writers
Applicants must also:
• Have final creative control over the proposed work
• Demonstrate experience and capacity to complete the project
• Submit supporting reference letters
For collaborative projects:
• One lead applicant must be identified
• The lead applicant becomes responsible for reporting requirements
Who is Not Eligible?
The following are not eligible:
• Projects completed primarily for degree or diploma requirements
• Projects primarily benefiting organizations rather than individuals
Priority Areas for Selection
Priority consideration may be given to projects involving:
• Partnerships and collaborations
• Co-production models
• Experienced mentors
• Music organizations
• Arts centres
• Festivals
• Innovative project approaches
Why This Grant Matters
The program supports preservation and evolution of Ukrainian-inspired music while strengthening cultural exchange within Canada.
The initiative contributes to:
• Cultural preservation and promotion
• Artistic innovation
• Audience development
• Professional growth of artists
• Cross-sector collaboration
• Increased visibility of Ukrainian cultural contributions
How to Apply
Applicants should complete the following steps:
- Confirm eligibility requirements
- Develop a project aligned with Ukrainian heritage themes
- Prepare a detailed project description and implementation plan
- Identify project costs and additional funding sources
- Obtain required reference letters
- Identify a lead applicant for collaborative projects if applicable
- Submit the application according to program requirements
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Applying for projects linked to degree or diploma requirements
• Submitting projects primarily benefiting organizations
• Failing to demonstrate Ukrainian heritage influence within the work
• Missing supporting reference letters
• Not identifying additional funding sources for remaining project costs
• Providing unclear project objectives or implementation plans
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the Music Sector Grants for Individuals?
The program supports music projects influenced by Ukrainian heritage that contribute to Canada’s cultural landscape.
What types of music projects are eligible?
Traditional, classical, and contemporary music projects influenced by Ukrainian heritage are eligible.
How much funding is available?
The Foundation funds up to 50% of total project costs, depending on available resources.
Who can apply?
Canadian citizens or permanent residents working in music-related professions influenced by Ukrainian heritage may apply.
Can collaborative projects apply?
Yes. Collaborative projects are allowed, but one lead applicant must manage reporting responsibilities.
Are professional development activities eligible?
Yes. Workshops, master classes, and similar professional development activities are supported.
Are student degree projects eligible?
No. Projects intended to fulfill degree or diploma requirements are not eligible.
Conclusion
The Shevchenko Foundation Arts Pillar – Music Sector Grants for Individuals provides valuable support for artists and music professionals working with Ukrainian-inspired music traditions and innovations. Through funding, collaboration opportunities, and support for artistic excellence, the initiative strengthens cultural expression and expands the presence of Ukrainian heritage within Canada’s arts landscape.
For more information, visit Shevchenko Foundation.
