Deadline: 15-Apr-2026
The International Co-productions Grant supports Canadian artists and arts organizations collaborating with international partners to develop and present new artistic works or exhibitions. Grants provide up to $50,000 per application to foster creative, financial, and cultural exchange while enhancing access to diverse artistic experiences in Canada and abroad.
What is the International Co-productions Grant?
The International Co-productions Grant funds artistic projects created through partnerships between Canadian artistic groups or arts organizations and foreign arts organizations. The program supports:
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Artistic co-productions, where two or more groups share creative, financial, and human resources to produce a project, exhibition, or publication
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Financial co-productions, where Canadian festivals or presenters contribute funding to new or unfinished projects by foreign artists for public presentation in Canada
The program is part of the Arts Across Canada and Abroad initiative by the Canada Council for the Arts, which connects Canadian artists to audiences nationally and internationally, encouraging cultural exchange and collaboration.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
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Artistic groups and arts organizations
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Presenting organizations and festivals
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First Nations, Inuit, or Métis groups, collectives, and not-for-profit organizations
Applicants must have received at least one Canada Council grant within the past five years to qualify.
Funding Details
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Maximum funding: $50,000 per application
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Applications allowed: Up to two per calendar year
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Funding supports both the development and realization of collaborative artistic projects, exhibitions, or public presentations
Types of Co-productions
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Artistic co-productions: Multiple groups share creative responsibility and resources to develop and produce new works or exhibitions
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Financial co-productions: Canadian presenters or festivals invest in foreign artists’ projects for public presentation in Canada
Why It Matters
This grant helps Canadian artists and organizations:
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Expand artistic opportunities through international collaboration
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Promote cross-cultural exchange and creative innovation
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Bring Canadian artistic work to audiences worldwide
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Strengthen relationships within the global arts community
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Enhance access to diverse artistic experiences for audiences in Canada and abroad
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your organization is Canadian, has received at least one Canada Council grant in the past five years, and can collaborate with foreign partners.
Step 2: Develop Co-production Project
Create a detailed plan for an artistic or financial co-production, specifying roles, creative and financial contributions, timelines, and intended public presentations or exhibitions.
Step 3: Submit Application
Apply through the Canada Council for the Arts portal, including required documentation, project description, budget, and proof of past Canada Council funding.
Step 4: Grant Review and Award
Applications are assessed based on:
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Artistic merit and innovation
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Collaboration quality and international partnership
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Feasibility and clarity of project plan
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Potential audience engagement and cultural impact
Tips for Applicants
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Highlight shared creative responsibility and collaborative planning
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Include financial contributions and resources from all partners
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Emphasize cross-cultural and international engagement
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Provide a clear plan for public presentations or publications
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Ensure eligibility by verifying past Canada Council grant history
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for this grant? Canadian artistic groups, organizations, presenting organizations, and First Nations, Inuit, or Métis groups with at least one Canada Council grant in the past five years.
2. What is the maximum funding amount? $50,000 per application.
3. How many applications can be submitted per year? Up to two applications per calendar year.
4. What types of projects are supported? Artistic co-productions with shared resources or financial co-productions where Canadian presenters fund foreign artists’ projects.
5. Can projects be presented internationally? Yes, artistic co-productions may be presented in Canada or internationally.
6. Are collaborations with foreign partners required? Yes, projects must involve international artistic partnerships.
7. What does “financial co-production” mean? Canadian presenters or festivals provide funding to foreign artists to develop new works for presentation in Canada.
Conclusion
The International Co-productions Grant provides vital funding for Canadian artists and arts organizations to create innovative, collaborative projects with international partners. By supporting artistic and financial co-productions, the grant fosters cross-cultural exchange, global audience engagement, and the international presence of Canadian art.
For more information, visit Canada Council for the Arts.
