Deadline: 15-May-2026
The Share – Artists in Communities Grant funds arts projects that expand access and participation for underserved communities. Grants support individual artists, groups, and organizations for creative, performance, exhibition, educational, and community-based arts initiatives, with funding ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 depending on project scale. The program prioritizes inclusive and accessible artistic engagement to strengthen cultural expression and community participation.
About the Grant
The Share – Artists in Communities Grant is designed to increase access to arts opportunities for communities that face barriers and underserved populations. The program supports projects that:
-
Encourage meaningful artistic engagement
-
Promote community participation through the arts
-
Support cultural expression and shared experiences
-
Enhance inclusion and accessibility in the arts
Eligible Arts Activities
The grant funds a wide range of arts-related initiatives, including:
-
Creation and production of artistic works
-
Public presentations such as performances, exhibitions, juried art shows, concerts, and readings
-
Publications and written artistic outputs
-
Community art projects involving collaboration with artists
-
Workshops and classes for skill development
-
Knowledge sharing opportunities for arts practitioners
-
Arts-related gatherings that strengthen community connection
Funding Levels
The grant provides flexible funding to match the scale of the project:
-
Micro-Grants: $1,000 for individual artists or small personal projects
-
Small-Scale Projects: Up to $7,500 for community or group initiatives
-
Large-Scale Projects: Up to $15,000 for extensive programs with broad community impact
Who is Eligible?
Applicants may include:
-
Professional artists
-
Arts and cultural professionals
-
Indigenous Knowledge Keepers
-
Professional arts groups or organizations
-
Professional arts service organizations
-
Community not-for-profit organizations
The program values both individual artistic practice and collaborative, community-focused initiatives, allowing diverse applicants to apply according to their project scale, goals, and capacity.
Project Requirements
Applicants are expected to:
-
Clearly demonstrate community engagement and impact
-
Align projects with inclusive and accessible artistic practices
-
Provide a realistic plan, timeline, and budget
-
Ensure the project strengthens cultural expression and shared artistic experiences
How to Apply
-
Confirm that you meet eligibility criteria
-
Determine the appropriate funding level for your project
-
Prepare a proposal including:
-
Project description and objectives
-
Community engagement strategy
-
Budget and timeline
-
-
Submit your application according to program guidelines
FAQ
1. Who can apply? Professional artists, arts organizations, Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, and community not-for-profit groups.
2. What types of projects are supported? Creation, performance, exhibitions, workshops, publications, community arts, and arts-related gatherings.
3. What are the funding amounts? Micro-Grants: $1,000; Small projects: up to $7,500; Large projects: up to $15,000.
4. Can individual artists apply? Yes, micro-grants are specifically for individual artists.
5. Are collaborative community projects eligible? Yes, projects that involve multiple artists or community participants are encouraged.
6. What is the main objective of the program? To make arts participation more inclusive and accessible while strengthening cultural and community engagement.
7. Is there a preference for project scale? All scales are supported, but funding levels correspond to project complexity and community impact.
Conclusion
The Share – Artists in Communities Grant empowers artists, cultural professionals, and community organizations to deliver creative projects that are inclusive, accessible, and community-focused. By supporting a wide variety of artistic practices and collaborative initiatives, the program strengthens cultural expression and shared experiences, ensuring that the arts are available to all communities, especially those that face barriers to participation.
For more information, visit Manitoba Arts Council.
