Deadline: 01-Oct-2026
The Dance Sector Grant Program is part of the Shevchenko Foundation’s Arts Pillar, which supports Ukrainian Canadian cultural development across Canada. It focuses on strengthening the presence of Ukrainian heritage in the performing arts, particularly through dance.
The program encourages innovation while preserving traditional Ukrainian Canadian dance forms and supporting their evolution in contemporary contexts.
Programme Objectives
The program aims to:
- Preserve and promote Ukrainian Canadian cultural heritage through dance
- Strengthen community engagement across Canada
- Support artistic excellence and innovation in dance
- Encourage collaboration and co-production in the arts
- Develop professional skills and mentorship opportunities
- Promote sustainable cultural development
- Expand audience participation and cultural accessibility
- Support original choreography and artistic creation
Key Focus Areas
Funded activities include:
- Original choreography development
- Folk, ballet, folk ballet, and contemporary Ukrainian dance
- Concert and performance production
- Canadian touring and live presentations
- Costume and set design development
- Musical commissions for dance productions
- Workshops and masterclasses with professional artists
- Training and professional development programs
- Cultural collaboration and partnerships
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include:
- Canadian not-for-profit organizations
- Artist collectives and cultural groups
- Registered private businesses operating primarily in Canada
- Canadian educational institutions
- Professional, semi-professional, and amateur dance groups
- Board-governed organizations or equivalent bodies
Funding Details
- Funding coverage: Up to 50% of total project or program costs
- Funding type: Project-based support
- Requirement: Applications must be submitted before project start
- Reporting: Final reports required before reapplying
Eligible Project Expenses
Funding may be used for:
- Choreography commissions
- Professional artistic fees
- Dance production and staging costs
- Costume and set design
- Facility and rehearsal space rental
- Canadian touring expenses
- Promotion and marketing activities
- Travel related to project implementation
- Research and creative development
- Presentation and performance costs
Programme Priorities
The program prioritizes:
- Artistic excellence and innovation in dance
- Strong Ukrainian Canadian cultural relevance
- Feasible and well-budgeted project plans
- Collaboration and partnership development
- Co-production opportunities in the arts
- Mentorship and professional development
- Financial or in-kind support from partners
- Audience engagement and cultural outreach
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Clarity and strength of project concept
- Artistic quality and cultural relevance
- Organizational and production capacity
- Financial viability and realistic budgeting
- Innovation and creative contribution
- Audience engagement and outreach strategy
- Contribution to Ukrainian Canadian heritage
- Marketing and dissemination planning
How the Programme Works
The process typically includes:
- Development of a dance-based cultural project
- Preparation of detailed artistic and financial proposal
- Submission before project start date
- Evaluation by the Foundation
- Funding decision (up to 50% of costs)
- Project implementation (creation → production → presentation)
- Final reporting and eligibility review for future grants
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting applications after project start
- Weak or unclear Ukrainian Canadian cultural connection
- Unrealistic or incomplete budgeting
- Lack of audience engagement strategy
- Insufficient partnership or co-production planning
- Missing final reports from previous grants
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve success chances:
- Clearly connect dance work to Ukrainian Canadian heritage
- Present a strong artistic vision and choreography concept
- Include detailed production and touring plans
- Show realistic budgeting and financial planning
- Demonstrate partnerships or in-kind support
- Highlight innovation in performance and design
- Emphasize audience development strategies
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Shevchenko Foundation Dance Sector Grant?
- It supports Ukrainian Canadian dance projects in Canada.
- It funds choreography, performances, and cultural productions.
- It promotes Ukrainian heritage through dance arts.
- Who can apply?
- Canadian not-for-profit organizations
- Artist collectives and educational institutions
- Registered businesses operating in Canada
- Professional and community-based dance groups
- How much funding is available?
- Up to 50% of total eligible project costs
- Subject to Foundation budget availability
- What types of projects are funded?
- Dance performances and tours
- Choreography commissions
- Workshops and training programs
- Costume and set design development
- What costs are covered?
- Artistic fees and production expenses
- Travel and touring within Canada
- Marketing and promotion
- Rehearsal and venue costs
- What is not allowed?
- Applications submitted after project start
- Projects without Ukrainian Canadian cultural relevance
- Missing final reporting from previous grants
Conclusion
The Shevchenko Foundation Dance Sector Grant Program strengthens Ukrainian Canadian cultural identity through dance by supporting high-quality artistic productions, collaborations, and professional development. By funding innovative and community-focused dance projects, it helps preserve tradition while encouraging contemporary artistic expression across Canada.
For more information, visit Shevchenko Foundation.