Deadline: 01-Aug-2026
The Arts Infrastructure Program provides up to $3,000 in one-time funding to early-career artists and artists newly arrived in Canada to help them acquire equipment or improve creative spaces. The program prioritizes artistic creation, long-term creative capacity, and artist-led projects, with applications due by August 1 at 11:59 pm. Only artists based in New Brunswick who meet strict eligibility and career-stage requirements can apply.
Overview
The Arts Infrastructure Program is designed to strengthen long-term artistic capacity by supporting early-career professional artists and artists who have recently immigrated to Canada.
The funding helps artists invest in essential tools, equipment, software, or creative space improvements that directly support artistic creation, experimentation, and production.
This program is administered by artsnb and is strictly focused on creation-led activities rather than promotion or commercial outcomes.
Key Program Objectives
The program aims to:
- Support artistic creation and experimentation
- Build sustainable creative infrastructure for emerging artists
- Ensure artists maintain full creative control over their work
- Strengthen long-term professional artistic practice
Grant Amount and Funding Limits
- Maximum grant amount: $3,000
- Lifetime limit: One Arts Infrastructure grant per artist
- Application limit: One application per deadline
- Payment structure: Paid in full upon approval
- Possible reduction: Awarded amount may be reduced, but not below 75% of the requested total
What Types of Projects Are Supported?
Eligible projects must clearly prioritize artistic creation and may include:
- Developing new artistic work
- Adapting or refining existing work
- Rehearsing or workshopping creative pieces
- Presenting new artistic work
- Experimenting with new artistic or technical methods
All funded activities must start only after the application has been submitted.
Projects focused primarily on sales, marketing, or promotion are not eligible.
Eligible Expenses
Funding may be used for:
- Artistic or technical equipment
- Software and digital tools
- Peripherals and specialized devices
- Capital improvements to creative spaces
- Materials or professional services directly related to the project
Ineligible Expenses
The program does not support:
- Routine rent or utilities
- Purchase of real estate
- Debt repayment
- Administrative or overhead costs
- Marketing, advertising, or promotional expenses
Who Is Eligible?
To apply, applicants must meet all of the following criteria.
Residency and Legal Status
Applicants must:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have permanent residence in process
- Or have affiliation with a First Nation on Turtle Island
- Have lived in New Brunswick for at least 12 months prior to the deadline
Career Stage Requirements
Applicants must be:
- Early-career professional artists with no more than five years of professional artistic activity, or
- Artists who obtained permanent residence within the last five years or have an application in process
Professional Artist Status
Applicants must:
- Qualify as professional artists
- Have submitted all outstanding final reports for previous artsnb grants
Ineligible Projects
The following projects are not eligible:
- Projects produced for academic credit
- Corporate or non-professional projects
- Projects created as part of paid employment (e.g., education, academia, journalism)
- Projects already funded by another artsnb program
- Activities completed before the application is submitted
Application Deadline and Submission Method
- Deadline: August 1 at 11:59 pm
- Submission method: Online application only
Late or incomplete applications are not accepted.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare Your Project Plan
Clearly outline:
- The equipment purchase or capital improvement
- How it directly supports artistic creation
- The creative outcomes you intend to achieve
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
A complete application must include:
- Description of the proposed equipment or infrastructure improvement
- Detailed project description
- Balanced project budget
- Artist CV
- Work samples
- Collaborator documentation (if applicable)
Step 3: Optional Supporting Materials
You may also include:
- Letters of recommendation
- Critical reviews
These are optional but may strengthen your application.
Step 4: Submit Online Before the Deadline
Ensure all materials are uploaded before August 1 at 11:59 pm.
How Applications Are Assessed
Applications go through a two-stage review process.
Eligibility Screening
Applications are first checked to ensure all eligibility criteria are met.
Peer Jury Assessment
Eligible applications are assessed by a peer jury based on:
- Artistic merit
- Project feasibility
- Quality and clarity of the application
Results and Project Requirements
- Applicants are notified of results within three months of the deadline
- Approved projects must be carried out exactly as proposed
- Any major changes must be discussed and approved by artsnb
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting project activities before submitting the application
- Requesting funding for rent, promotion, or administrative costs
- Submitting incomplete budgets or missing work samples
- Applying despite exceeding the five-year professional activity limit
- Assuming previously funded artsnb projects are eligible again
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I apply if I am still waiting for permanent residence approval?
Yes. Applicants with permanent residence in process are eligible.
2. Can I use the grant for marketing or promotion?
No. Promotional and marketing costs are not eligible under this program.
3. Can I apply if I already received another artsnb grant?
No. Projects already funded by another artsnb program are ineligible.
4. Is this grant available more than once?
No. Each artist can receive only one Arts Infrastructure grant in their lifetime.
5. Can I start buying equipment before applying?
No. Any expenses incurred before submitting the application are not eligible.
6. How long does it take to receive results?
Applicants are informed of results within three months of the deadline.
7. What happens if my project plan changes?
Any major changes must be discussed with and approved by artsnb.
Why This Program Matters
The Arts Infrastructure Program helps emerging artists build the physical and technical foundation needed for long-term creative growth. By investing in tools and spaces rather than short-term promotion, the program supports sustainable, artist-driven practice in New Brunswick.
Conclusion
If you are an early-career artist or a newly arrived artist in New Brunswick, the Arts Infrastructure Program offers a rare opportunity to secure one-time funding for essential creative infrastructure. With clear eligibility rules, a focused creation mandate, and a peer-reviewed process, this program is ideal for artists ready to strengthen their professional practice and creative capacity.
For more information, visit artsnb.
