The Summer School Project Funding program in Alberta provides grants to registered not-for-profit organizations to deliver residence-based arts summer schools for youth aged 11–19. Funding supports multi-day, intensive training in disciplines like dance, theatre, music, visual arts, literary arts, Indigenous arts, film, and new media, covering up to 40% of eligible project expenses. Applications are open for programs taking place between July 1 and August 31.

Program Overview

The Summer School Project Funding program aims to support youth arts education in Alberta by providing grants to organizations that deliver immersive, residence-based summer arts schools. The program emphasizes intensive training, meaningful engagement with professional artists, and inclusive, safe learning environments for participants across the province.

Focus Areas

Eligible projects should address the following priorities:

Arts-intensive training – Hands-on workshops across disciplines such as dance, theatre, music, visual arts, literary arts, Indigenous arts, film and new media
Youth engagement – Ensuring participants aged 11–19 can meaningfully explore creative processes
Residence-based programming – Minimum of five consecutive days, including meals, accommodation, and supervision
Professional artist access – Opportunities to learn from Alberta-based professional artists and instructors
Inclusive and safe environments – Age-appropriate curriculum, adequate supervision, and inclusive learning approaches
Province-wide participation – Encouraging diverse youth from multiple communities to attend

HWho is Eligible?

Registered not-for-profit organizations in Alberta, legally established and in good standing for at least one year
Organizations must operate independently from municipalities, schools, or commercial enterprises
Demonstrated governance, financial stability, and prior experience in residence-based arts programming
Partnerships are allowed if control, knowledge sharing, and collaborative outcomes are clearly defined
Ineligible applicants: Municipalities, commercial enterprises, schools, or organizations not operating at arm’s length from such entities

Funding Details

Grants may cover up to 40% of eligible project expenses
Eligible expenses include:
- Administration and programming costs
- Instructor and artist fees
- Promotional expenses
- Accommodation, meals, and supervision
- Equipment rental and materials
- Curriculum development and other reasonable project-related costs
Funding does not cover:
- Alcohol, capital purchases, construction, amortization, GST, fundraising costs
- Competitive performances or applied arts like culinary or architecture
- Institutional overhead beyond limited permanent staff allocations
- Projects that start before application submission or are already funded by the AFA

How to Apply

Confirm eligibility of your organization and proposed project
Develop a detailed residence-based arts summer school plan for youth aged 11–19
Outline a clear budget for eligible project expenses, ensuring requested funds do not exceed 40%
Submit application to the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) through the designated online platform
Include information on governance, prior programming experience, supervision plans, curriculum, and accessibility measures

H2: Key Tips for Applicants

Emphasize multi-day, immersive training experiences
Provide clear supervision and safety protocols for minors
Ensure inclusion and province-wide youth engagement
Break down budget clearly, linking expenses directly to program delivery
Avoid proposing projects ineligible under program guidelines

FAQ

Q1: What ages are eligible to participate? Youth aged 11–19.
Q2: What disciplines are supported? Dance, theatre, music, visual arts, literary arts, Indigenous arts, film, and new media.
Q3: Can schools or municipalities apply? No, only independent not-for-profit organizations.
Q4: How much funding can be requested? Up to 40% of eligible expenses.
Q5: Can projects start before application approval? No, only projects starting after submission are eligible.
Q6: Are partnerships allowed? Yes, if responsibilities and collaborative outcomes are clearly defined.
Q7: Are competitive performances or applied arts projects eligible? No, these are excluded.

Conclusion

The Summer School Project Funding program provides Alberta-based not-for-profit organizations with the resources to deliver immersive, residence-based arts training for youth. By focusing on intensive skill development, professional artist engagement, safe and inclusive learning, and province-wide participation, the program strengthens the arts ecosystem while providing meaningful creative opportunities for young people across Alberta.