Deadline: 01-Apr-2026
The Manitoba Arts Council Tour Grant Program supports professional touring activities across Manitoba to increase access to arts and culture. Grants of up to $10,000 (small scale) and $50,000 (large scale) are available for tours involving a majority of Manitoban artists, with priority given to rural, remote, and northern communities. Applications are submitted through the Manipogo online system, with a deadline of April 1.
The Manitoba Arts Council (MAC) has launched its Tour Grant Program to support touring activities that share arts and culture across Manitoba.
The program is designed to increase access to professional artistic work for Manitobans while supporting artists, arts organizations, and cultural professionals in delivering high-quality tours.
Program Purpose and Scope
The Tour Grant Program funds professional tours that benefit communities across Manitoba through meaningful artistic engagement.
The program prioritizes equitable access to arts and culture and encourages touring beyond major urban centres.
Only direct costs related to the current tour are eligible for funding under this program.
Funding Categories and Amounts
Applicants may apply under one of two funding categories, depending on the scale of their tour.
Small Scale Tour Grants
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Maximum request: up to $10,000
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Suitable for shorter or lower-budget touring projects
Large Scale Tour Grants
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Maximum request: up to $50,000
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The requested amount must not exceed 50% of the total tour budget
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Intended for extensive or multi-community tours
Tour Grant funding is excluded from the Manitoba Arts Council’s maximum annual funding limit of $30,000.
Eligible Applicants
This opportunity is open to a wide range of professional and community-based applicants, including:
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Professional artists
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Arts and cultural professionals
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Indigenous Knowledge Keepers
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Professional arts groups
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Professional arts organizations
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Professional arts service organizations
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Community not-for-profit organizations
A key eligibility requirement is that the tour must involve a majority of Manitoban artists.
Eligible Touring Activities
Funded tours must take place within Manitoba and involve confirmed or partially confirmed bookings.
Touring within an applicant’s own community of residence is permitted only when it forms part of a broader provincial tour.
Priority Touring Areas
Priority consideration is given to tours that:
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Travel to rural communities
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Serve remote or northern regions
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Expand access to arts and culture in underserved areas
How Applications Are Assessed
Applications are reviewed by an external peer assessment panel.
Funding decisions are based on three core assessment criteria:
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Artistic merit
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Impact and community engagement
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Feasibility and planning
Applicants are notified of funding decisions within three months after the application deadline.
Application Deadline and Timeline
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Application deadline: April 1
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Results notification: Within three months of the deadline
Applicants should ensure their tour start and end dates align with this timeline.
How to Apply Through Manipogo
All applications must be submitted through Manipogo, the Manitoba Arts Council’s online application system.
Applicants must create a Manipogo profile and complete all required sections before submission.
Required Application Components
Project Information
Applicants must provide:
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Project title
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Artistic discipline
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Tour start and end dates
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Detailed tour itinerary
At least 50% of tour bookings must be confirmed at the time of application.
Applicant Background
This section should outline:
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Artistic or organizational history
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Relevant experience
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Recent professional activity
Project Description
Applicants must clearly explain:
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The purpose and vision of the tour
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The relevance of the tour to the communities being visited
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Artistic choices and rationale
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Capacity to deliver the tour successfully
This section should also address practical considerations such as:
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Climate and seasonal conditions
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Travel logistics and distances
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Community isolation
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Cultural context
Community Impact and Engagement
Applicants must describe how the tour will benefit participating communities, including:
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Enhancing public appreciation of arts and culture
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Supporting relationship-building
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Encouraging active participation and engagement
Collaborator Information
Applicants must provide detailed information about collaborators, including:
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Roles and contributions
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Selection process if collaborators are not yet confirmed
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Individual details such as name, discipline, and place of residence
Biographies for key collaborators must be uploaded as separate files.
Budget Form
A completed budget form is mandatory and must:
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Balance total revenues and total expenses
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Use whole dollar amounts only
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Clearly indicate which expenses will be covered by the Tour Grant
Only direct tour-related expenses are eligible.
Support Material
Support material is a critical component of the application and should demonstrate artistic quality and relevance.
Applicants may submit:
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Between one and three support material items
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Images, text, audio, or video files
Each item must include a written description explaining how it relates to the proposed tour.
Applicants must remain within all specified format and size limits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying without meeting the 50% confirmed booking requirement
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Requesting funds for indirect or non-tour-related costs
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Submitting an unbalanced or unclear budget
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Failing to explain community relevance and engagement
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Uploading support material without clear descriptions
Clear planning and complete documentation improve assessment outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum funding available under the Tour Grant Program?
Applicants can request up to $10,000 for small scale tours and up to $50,000 for large scale tours.
Can large scale projects request more than 50% of their total budget?
No. Large scale grant requests must not exceed 50% of the total tour budget.
Does Tour Grant funding count toward MAC’s annual funding cap?
No. Tour Grants are excluded from the $30,000 maximum annual funding limit.
Can artists tour within their own community?
Yes, but only if it is part of a larger provincial tour.
How many tour bookings must be confirmed at the time of application?
At least 50% of bookings must be confirmed when applying.
Who reviews the applications?
Applications are assessed by an external peer assessment panel.
What types of support material are accepted?
Applicants may submit images, text, audio, or video, with a maximum of three items.
Conclusion
The Manitoba Arts Council Tour Grant Program provides substantial support for professional touring activities that bring arts and culture to communities across Manitoba.
With flexible funding of up to $50,000 and a strong focus on community impact, artistic merit, and feasibility, the program enables artists and organizations to expand their reach and deepen engagement throughout the province.
For eligible applicants with well-planned tours and meaningful community connections, this grant offers a valuable opportunity to share creative work with Manitobans across diverse regions.
For more information, visit Manitoba Arts Council.