Deadline: 01-Dec-2026
The Arts Presenting Project Funding program reimburses eligible organizations for a portion of professional artist fees paid in the previous year for publicly presented arts events.
It supports touring professional artists across all artistic disciplines, including live, in-person, and eligible live-streamed presentations, ensuring public access to high-quality arts programming.
Program Overview
The Arts Presenting Project Funding program supports organizations that publicly present professional artists by reimbursing a portion of eligible professional artist fees already paid during a defined eligibility period.
The program is retrospective in nature and is designed to strengthen public access to professional arts presentations by reducing the financial burden on presenting organizations.
Funding applies to a wide range of artistic disciplines and supports organizations that host touring artists who perform, exhibit, or present work outside their place of residence.
Artistic Disciplines Supported
The program supports professional artists across all major artistic fields.
Eligible disciplines include:
• Dance
• Film and video arts
• Indigenous arts
• Literary arts
• Music
• Theatre
• Visual arts
• New media
Arts presentations may take the form of live performances, exhibitions, readings, screenings, lectures, panel discussions, or original live streaming events.
What Types of Events Are Eligible?
Eligible events must meet clear presentation and timing requirements.
To qualify, events must:
• Publicly present professional touring artists
• Have arts presentation as the primary purpose
• Be open to the public through ticketed or free admission
• Occur within the specified eligibility period prior to the grant deadline
• Include original live streaming events delivered via online platforms after March 12, 2020
Both in-person and qualifying digital presentations are eligible if they meet program criteria.
How the Grant Is Calculated
Funding is calculated based on eligible professional artist fees paid directly by the applicant organization.
Key calculation rules include:
• Only professional artist fees are eligible
• Fees are calculated excluding GST
• Artists must be paid at industry-standard rates
• Reimbursement applies only to fees already paid during the eligible period
The program does not fund future or projected expenses.
Definition of a Professional Artist
Professional artists must meet recognized professional standards.
An artist must satisfy at least two of the following criteria:
• Public or peer recognition within their artistic field
• Regular presentation of work for compensation
• Specialized training in their artistic discipline
• Active professional marketing or promotion
• Membership in recognized professional associations
• Receipt of royalties or residual payments
Organizations must be able to demonstrate that all artists claimed meet these criteria.
Eligible Expenses
Only artist-related costs paid directly by the applicant organization are eligible.
Eligible expenses include:
• Performance or presentation fees
• Exhibition, screening, or reading fees
• Lecture and panel discussion fees
• Transportation costs related to the artist’s participation
• Accommodation costs directly tied to the artist’s engagement
All expenses must be clearly linked to the professional artist’s participation in the event.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligible Applicant Organizations
Applicants must fall within one of the following categories:
• Registered not-for-profit organizations
• Churches
• Library boards
• Indian Bands as defined under federal legislation
• Métis Settlements
• Agriculture societies
• Recognized post-secondary faculties or departments
Organizational Requirements
To be eligible, organizations must:
• Be registered and in good standing in Alberta for at least one year
• Demonstrate sound governance and financial stability
• Operate independently at arm’s length from municipalities or commercial entities
• Be the primary organizer and payer of professional artist fees
Artist Presentation Requirements
Applicant organizations must demonstrate active presenting activity.
Requirements include:
• Presentation of at least three different touring professional artists
• Events must fall within the eligible twelve-month period
• Flexibility is provided for rural organizations serving communities under 3,000 people
These requirements ensure the funding supports consistent and meaningful arts presentation.
Partnerships and Institutional Limits
Special rules apply to partnerships and post-secondary institutions.
• Partnerships must apply through one primary organization
• The primary organization must be responsible for paying artist fees
• Post-secondary institutions are limited to one application per faculty or department
Multiple applications from the same organizational unit are not permitted.
Why This Funding Matters
The Arts Presenting Project Funding program plays a key role in sustaining Alberta’s arts ecosystem.
It helps organizations:
• Offset costs of presenting professional touring artists
• Maintain public access to high-quality arts programming
• Support fair compensation for artists
• Strengthen cultural offerings in urban and rural communities
• Encourage diverse artistic expression across disciplines
By reimbursing past expenses, the program reinforces long-term sustainability for presenters.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
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Confirm your organization meets all eligibility and registration requirements.
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Identify all eligible arts presentations that occurred within the defined eligibility period.
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Verify that each artist meets the professional artist criteria.
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Compile documentation of professional artist fees paid, excluding GST.
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Ensure expenses are limited strictly to eligible artist-related costs.
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Submit a single application as the primary presenting organization.
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Retain records in case of audit or follow-up review.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Claiming fees for non-professional or local non-touring artists
• Including ineligible expenses such as production or administrative costs
• Submitting projected or unpaid artist fees
• Failing to meet the minimum artist presentation requirement
• Applying as a partner rather than a single primary organization
• Submitting multiple applications from the same faculty or department
Avoiding these errors improves both eligibility and processing efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this funding for future events?
No. The program reimburses eligible artist fees already paid during the eligible period.
Are live-streamed events eligible?
Yes. Original live streaming presentations delivered after March 12, 2020 are eligible if they meet all criteria.
Can local artists be included?
Artists must be touring outside their place of residence and meet professional criteria.
Are GST costs eligible?
No. Eligible fees are calculated excluding GST.
Can municipalities apply?
No. Applicant organizations must operate at arm’s length from municipalities.
How many artists must an organization have presented?
At least three different touring professional artists during the eligible twelve-month period, with flexibility for small rural communities.
Can partnerships submit multiple applications?
No. Partnerships must submit a single application through one primary organization.
Conclusion
The Arts Presenting Project Funding program provides essential reimbursement support to organizations that publicly present professional touring artists across all artistic disciplines.
By focusing on fair artist compensation, public accessibility, and retrospective funding, the program helps sustain vibrant arts presentation throughout Alberta’s diverse communities.
For more information, visit AFA.
