Music Tour Support Grant Empowers Saskatchewan Musicians in Canada

Deadline: 28-Jan-2026

The Music Tour Support Grant helps eligible Saskatchewan musicians fund commercially viable tours within Canada. The program supports multi-city, ticketed live performances by covering eligible touring expenses and enabling artists to expand audiences while promoting new work.

Overview

The Music Tour Support Grant provides financial assistance to Saskatchewan-based musicians undertaking commercially viable tours in Canada. The grant offsets touring costs, supports professional tour management, and strengthens public access to live music across multiple cities.

What Is the Music Tour Support Grant?

This grant supports eligible music tours that meet clear commercial and public-access criteria. Funded projects must include contracted performance fees, a defined tour schedule, and multiple live, ticketed performances in different venues.

Key Objectives and Priorities

Program Goals

• Support commercially viable music tours

• Expand audiences for Saskatchewan musicians

• Enable professional tour planning and delivery

• Promote new releases or new touring activity

Touring Requirements

Eligible tours must:

• Include at least six secured live public performances

• Be ticketed and open to the public

• Take place in multiple cities at different venues

• Limit consecutive days off between performances

• Demonstrate contracted performance fees

Eligible Expenses

Supported Cost Categories

Grant funding may be used for:

• Artist and crew performance fees at industry-standard rates

• Booking and management fees with justification

• Tour manager fees with justification

• Phone expenses, subject to a capped amount

• Marketing and promotion costs up to 25% of the total project budget

• Per diems and accommodation costs

• Travel expenses for Saskatchewan residents

• Self-produced show costs with clear rationale and detailed budget
  All expenses must be directly related to touring activities and occur within the approved project term.

Funding Amount and Limits

Grant Value

• Maximum funding: $15,000 or 50% of the total eligible cash budget, whichever is less

• Applicants may receive a maximum of two Tour Support Grants per year

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must be active practitioners in a creative industry recognized under The Creative Saskatchewan Act (2013), including:

• Music

• Film and television

• Craft and visual arts

• Live performing arts

• Digital game development

• Book publishing

Eligibility Conditions

• Tours must demonstrate commercial viability

• Projects must meet Creative Saskatchewan production grant criteria

• Activities must support new touring initiatives or releases

• Applicants must provide justification for fees, marketing, and self-produced shows

How to Apply

Application Process

1. Develop a commercially viable tour plan with contracted performance dates

2. Secure a minimum of six live, public, ticketed performances

3. Prepare a detailed eligible budget with required justifications

4. Ensure all expenses align with touring criteria and project timelines

5. Submit the application within the program guidelines

Assessment Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Commercial viability of the tour

• Public accessibility and audience reach

• Budget clarity and justification

• Alignment with Creative Saskatchewan objectives

Why This Grant Matters

Touring is essential for building sustainable music careers. This grant helps Saskatchewan musicians manage touring costs, reach new audiences, and maintain professional standards while focusing on high-quality live performance and promotion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to secure the minimum number of performances

• Submitting budgets without proper justification

• Exceeding the marketing expense cap

• Including expenses unrelated to touring activities

• Applying for more than the allowed annual grant limit

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum funding available?

Up to $15,000 or 50% of the eligible cash budget, whichever is less.

2. How many shows are required?

A minimum of six secured live public performances.

3. Are self-produced shows eligible?

Yes, with clear justification and a detailed budget.

4. Can marketing costs be included?

Yes, up to 25% of the total project budget.

5. How many times can I apply each year?

Applicants may receive up to two Tour Support Grants per year.

6. Are tours outside Canada eligible?

No, the grant supports tours within Canada only.

7. Who can apply?

Active practitioners in eligible creative industries under The Creative Saskatchewan Act.

Conclusion

The Music Tour Support Grant plays a critical role in helping Saskatchewan musicians tour professionally across Canada. By covering eligible touring costs and encouraging commercially viable projects, the program strengthens live music ecosystems and supports artists in growing sustainable careers.

For more information, visit Creative Saskatchewan.