Deadline: 15-Apr-2026
The Foreign Artists Tours Grant supports Canadian not-for-profit arts organizations in presenting international artists or exhibitions across Canada. Grants of up to $50,000 per application enable cultural exchange, audience engagement, and nationwide access to diverse artistic expressions.
What is the Foreign Artists Tours Grant?
The Foreign Artists Tours Grant provides funding for Canadian not-for-profit arts organizations to tour international artists or circulate exhibitions across the country. The program encourages meaningful exchanges between artists and audiences while celebrating creativity, innovation, and artistic excellence.
The grant is part of the Arts Across Canada and Abroad program, which connects artists to audiences nationally and internationally, supporting organizations that bring international artistic work to Canadian communities.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
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Canadian artistic organizations
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Presenting organizations
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First Nations, Inuit, or Métis not-for-profit organizations
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Organizations currently receiving core grants are also eligible
Funding Details
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Maximum funding per application: $50,000
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Maximum funding per year: $50,000
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Applications allowed: Up to two per calendar year
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Funding supports the circulation or touring of international artistic work across Canada
Eligible Activities
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Projects must include the touring of work by international artists, groups, or organizations
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Projects must feature at least two consecutive performances, presentations, or exhibitions
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Performances or exhibitions must take place in two different cities, towns, communities, or reserves within Canada
Why It Matters
The grant enables organizations to:
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Provide Canadian audiences with diverse international artistic experiences
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Foster cross-cultural exchange and audience engagement
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Strengthen relationships between international artists and Canadian communities
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Celebrate creativity, innovation, and excellence in the arts on a national scale
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your organization is a Canadian not-for-profit entity or First Nations, Inuit, or Métis organization, and check that it meets grant requirements.
Step 2: Develop Tour Project
Plan the touring project, specifying participating international artists, locations, performance or exhibition schedule, budgets, and expected audience reach.
Step 3: Submit Application
Apply through the Canada Council for the Arts portal, including all required documentation such as project descriptions, budgets, and partnership agreements with international artists.
Step 4: Grant Review and Award
Applications are evaluated based on:
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Artistic merit and innovation
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Project feasibility and planning
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Cultural exchange and audience impact
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Potential to engage multiple communities across Canada
Tips for Applicants
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Include detailed schedules for at least two consecutive locations
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Highlight partnerships with international artists or groups
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Provide clear audience engagement strategies
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Ensure your organization meets eligibility criteria, including not-for-profit status
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Demonstrate impact and outreach potential of touring activities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for the Foreign Artists Tours Grant? Canadian not-for-profit artistic organizations, presenting organizations, and First Nations, Inuit, or Métis not-for-profit organizations.
2. What is the maximum funding per application? $50,000.
3. How many applications can be submitted per year? Up to two applications per calendar year.
4. What types of projects are supported? Circulation or touring of work by international artists, groups, or organizations across Canada.
5. How many locations must be included? Projects must have at least two consecutive performances or exhibitions in different communities.
6. Can organizations receiving core grants apply? Yes, they remain eligible.
7. Does the grant support international travel costs for artists? Funding supports touring and circulation activities as part of the project plan.
Conclusion
The Foreign Artists Tours Grant empowers Canadian not-for-profit organizations to present international artistic work nationwide. By supporting touring projects and exhibitions, the grant promotes cultural exchange, audience engagement, and access to diverse artistic experiences, strengthening Canada’s connection to the global arts community.
For more information, visit Canada Council for the Arts.