Deadline: 01-Oct-2025
Applications are now open for the Artist-Driven Major Projects Grant Program to support artistic projects ready for implementation, production and/or presentation.
This can include production and/or presentation, creation directly for production and/or presentation, subsistence for individual or collective creation, and may include travel and/or mentorship when the primary focus of the project is production and/or presentation. Applications to Stream 3 should be connected to specific work, with the intention of production and/or presentation of that work. Applicants should only consider production or presentation once the major artistic and logistic decisions relating to a project have been made. Applicants may request up to $25,000 based on the anticipated costs of the project, including artist subsistence.
The program welcomes artist-driven major projects across a wide range of disciplines. For example, visual artists may develop ambitious public installations, collectives of dance or music artists may create and present original works, and creative teams may collaborate on projects such as graphic novels, albums, or innovative games. These examples illustrate the program’s support for projects that are artistically developed and ready to move into the stages of production and presentation.
Applicants are expected to prepare a clear and well-documented application including a project title, description, dates, and budget. They must also provide details about their artistic background, including an artist statement, biography, CV or resume, and links to an online presence that showcases their practice. For projects involving collectives, mentors, or collaborators, information on roles and contributions is required.
The project description section allows applicants to articulate the vision, goals, timeline, desired impact, and other relevant details of the work. The budget must balance and can include professional fees, subsistence, production costs, venue rentals, equipment, marketing, and travel. Supporting documents such as quotations, rate confirmations, or evidence of other funding must also be included.
Supporting materials are a vital part of the application, giving assessors insight into artistic merit and feasibility. Applicants can upload a combination of audio, visual, PDF files, or public links, with careful consideration of quality and relevance. Clear labeling and concise descriptions help ensure assessors can engage effectively with the material.
Assessment is based on artistic merit, feasibility, impact, and alignment with the program’s goals. Eligibility is open to artists aged 18 or older who reside in Edmonton or the surrounding Indigenous communities, with collectives also eligible under specific conditions. Applicants must be in good standing with previous grant reporting requirements, and individuals or collectives can receive one grant per year under this program.
Additional considerations include the possibility for applicants facing systemic barriers to also access Equity & Access funding in the same calendar year, provided the projects are distinct. The program only accepts one submission per applicant per deadline, although individuals may participate in multiple collectives. The deadline for applications is 1 October 2025.
For more information, visit Edmonton Arts Council.
