The Present Program: Supporting Artistic Work in Manitoba (Canada)

Deadline: 25-Feb-2026

The Manitoba Arts Council (MAC) Present Grant Program provides up to $15,000 per project to support the presentation of work in Manitoba by professional artists, arts groups, and arts organizations. Applicants can receive up to $30,000 in MAC grants per year, provided all previous grants have been properly reported.

Overview

The MAC Present Grant Program supports the presentation and showcasing of artistic work across all disciplines in Manitoba. The program aims to strengthen the cultural landscape, enabling artists and arts organizations to engage audiences, promote professional growth, and contribute to the province’s vibrant arts community.

Focus Areas and Objectives

The program prioritizes:

• Professional Artists: Individual artists presenting work across disciplines

• Arts and Cultural Professionals: Supporting those who facilitate artistic creation and presentation

• Indigenous Knowledge Keepers: Promoting cultural transmission and artistic practice

• Arts Students: Encouraging emerging talent and educational engagement

• Arts Groups and Organizations: Including professional not-for-profit and for-profit arts organizations, book and periodical publishers, and professional arts service organizations

• Community Organizations: Non-profits supporting arts presentation and cultural initiatives

Funding Details

• Grant Amount per Project: Up to $15,000

• Annual Grant Limit per Applicant: Up to $30,000 across multiple MAC grants

• Restrictions: Funding cannot cover the same expenses in multiple grants

• Eligibility Requirement: All previous MAC grants must have final reports submitted; overdue reports disqualify applicants from new funding

Who Is Eligible?

• Professional artists and arts practitioners presenting work in Manitoba

• Arts groups, organizations, and publishers

• Community-based non-profits involved in arts presentation

• Applicants who have complied with previous MAC grant reporting requirements

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Prepare Proposal: Include a description of the work to be presented, target audience, artistic significance, and budget

2. Submit Application: Follow MAC submission guidelines for the Present program

3. Grant Assessment: Applications evaluated on artistic merit, audience impact, organizational capacity, and adherence to MAC guidelines

4. Funding Allocation: Approved projects receive up to $15,000 per project; total annual funding cannot exceed $30,000

5. Reporting: Submit final report for each grant to maintain eligibility for future funding

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without submitting final reports for previous grants

• Requesting duplicate funding for the same expenses across multiple grants

• Incomplete or unclear descriptions of artistic presentation and audience impact

• Applying without demonstrating professional or organizational eligibility

Why This Grant Matters

• Promotes artistic presentation and cultural engagement in Manitoba

• Supports both emerging and established artists across all disciplines

• Strengthens the province’s cultural ecosystem through diverse artistic experiences

• Encourages professional growth, audience development, and community participation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply? Professional artists, arts groups, arts organizations, Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, and arts students presenting work in Manitoba.
2. What is the maximum grant per project? $15,000
3. What is the annual limit per applicant? $30,000 across all MAC grants in a calendar year
4. Can the same expenses be covered by multiple grants? No, funding cannot cover duplicate expenses
5. What happens if previous grant reports are overdue? Applicants are ineligible for new grants until all final reports are submitted
6. What types of organizations are eligible? Not-for-profit and for-profit arts organizations, community non-profits, and professional arts service organizations
7. How is the grant assessed? Based on artistic merit, audience engagement, organizational capacity, and alignment with MAC guidelines

Conclusion

The Manitoba Arts Council Present Grant Program provides vital funding to support the presentation of artistic work across Manitoba, fostering a diverse and vibrant cultural landscape. By enabling professional artists, arts organizations, and community groups to showcase their work, the program strengthens both audience engagement and artistic development throughout the province.

For more information, visit Manitoba Arts Council.