Visual Arts Sector Grants by the Shevchenko Foundation (Canada)

Deadline: 01-Oct-2026

The Shevchenko Foundation Visual Arts Grants support Canadian organizations and collectives creating visual art projects connected to Ukrainian Canadian cultural heritage. The program funds exhibitions, commissioned artworks, collaborations, and public art initiatives that strengthen cultural identity and community engagement across Canada.

Funding covers up to 50% of project costs and prioritizes innovation, sustainability, public engagement, and strong financial planning.

Program Overview

The Shevchenko Foundation Visual Arts Sector Grant supports projects that preserve, promote, and develop Ukrainian Canadian visual arts heritage.

It is part of the Foundation’s broader Arts Pillar, which also includes Education, Community Development, and Heritage initiatives.

The program aims to:

• Strengthen Ukrainian Canadian cultural identity
• Enrich Canada’s cultural landscape through visual arts
• Expand public access to Ukrainian Canadian art
• Support sustainable and financially viable art projects
• Encourage innovation in artistic production and presentation

Key Focus Areas

Supported visual arts activities include:

Artistic Creation and Exhibitions

• Commissioned original visual artworks
• Public exhibitions in galleries and cultural spaces
• Community-based and public art displays
• Digital or virtual exhibitions

Visual Art Disciplines Supported

• Painting and drawing
• Sculpture
• Fibre arts and textile-based art
• Printmaking
• Photography
• Digital and multimedia art
• Traditional Ukrainian art forms

Collaboration and Innovation

• Artist collaborations and collectives
• Cross-institutional partnerships
• Use of new technologies in art creation and presentation
• Innovative exhibition formats and engagement models

Funding Details

• Funding level: Up to 50% of total project costs
• Funding type: Project-based support
• Duration: Multi-year projects possible (with phased funding)

Eligible expenses include:

• Artist and curator fees
• Installation and exhibition costs
• Venue rental and space use
• Shipping and insurance of artworks
• Promotion and marketing
• Travel related to the project
• Educational and outreach programming

Not eligible:

• General living allowances
• Ongoing operational costs
• Projects already started before approval

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Canadian not-for-profit organizations
• Artist collectives
• Registered private businesses operating primarily in Canada
• Chartered educational institutions
• Professional, semi-professional, and amateur arts groups with governance structures

Eligibility requirements:

• Projects must relate to Ukrainian Canadian visual arts heritage
• Applications must be submitted before project start
• Organizations must demonstrate capacity and financial responsibility

Assessment Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Artistic quality and originality
• Contribution to Ukrainian Canadian cultural heritage
• Public engagement and audience reach
• Innovation in artistic practice or presentation
• Financial feasibility and budgeting accuracy
• Organizational capacity and experience
• Marketing and dissemination strategy
• Sustainability and long-term impact

Why This Program Matters

This grant strengthens Canada’s cultural ecosystem by:

• Preserving Ukrainian Canadian visual heritage
• Supporting emerging and established artists
• Expanding public access to cultural expression
• Encouraging innovation in visual arts practices
• Building sustainable cultural organizations and partnerships

How It Works / Application Process

1. Develop a visual arts project aligned with Ukrainian Canadian heritage
2. Define artistic goals, format, and audience engagement strategy
3. Prepare detailed budget and financial plan
4. Gather supporting materials and partnership evidence
5. Submit application before project start date
6. Evaluation based on merit, feasibility, and impact
7. Successful applicants receive up to 50% project funding
8. Multi-year projects may be funded in phases

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting applications after project start date
• Weak financial planning or unrealistic budgeting
• Lack of clear connection to Ukrainian Canadian heritage
• Insufficient audience engagement strategy
• Overlooking required governance or eligibility structure
• Missing prior grant reporting requirements

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the funding level?

Up to 50% of total eligible project costs.

2. Who can apply?

Canadian organizations, collectives, businesses, and educational institutions involved in visual arts.

3. What types of projects are supported?

Exhibitions, commissioned artworks, collaborations, and public visual art initiatives.

4. Are digital exhibitions eligible?

Yes, digital and virtual exhibitions are supported.

5. Can individuals apply?

Not directly—applications must come through eligible organizations or collectives.

6. Are multi-year projects allowed?

Yes, but funding is provided in phases based on reporting.

7. When must the application be submitted?

Before the project start date.

Conclusion

The Shevchenko Foundation Visual Arts Sector Grant supports high-quality visual art projects that preserve and promote Ukrainian Canadian cultural heritage. By funding exhibitions, commissioned works, and collaborative initiatives, the program strengthens cultural identity, expands public engagement, and supports sustainable artistic development across Canada.

For more information, visit Shevchenko Foundation.