Applications open for Chalmers Arts Fellowships for Professional Artists (Canada)

The Chalmers Arts Fellowships support experienced Ontario-based professional artists undertaking long-term research and exploration within their artistic practice. The program provides funding of $30,000 to $50,000 for 6–12 months of focused artistic inquiry rather than production of finished artworks.

Eligible applicants must be individual professional artists living in Ontario with more than 10 years of practice. The fellowship supports research-based projects beginning on or after January 1, 2027.

What Are the Chalmers Arts Fellowships?

The Chalmers Arts Fellowships are artist development grants designed to support deep, sustained research in artistic practice. The program is administered through the Ontario Arts Council and focuses on enabling artists to explore new directions in their work.

The fellowship prioritizes:

• Artistic research and inquiry
• Practice-based exploration
• Long-term professional development
• Reflection and experimentation across disciplines

Purpose of the Fellowship

The program is designed to:

• Support non-production-based artistic research
• Strengthen long-term artistic practice
• Encourage experimentation and reflection
• Provide uninterrupted time for creative investigation
• Advance artistic disciplines across Ontario

The focus is not on producing finished artworks but on developing ideas, methods, and artistic approaches.

Funding Details

Key funding information:

• Funding amount: $30,000 to $50,000
• Duration: 6–12 months of focused research
• Project start date: On or after January 1, 2027
• Completion timeframe: Within 2 years of award notification

Funding may cover:

• Artist time and research activity
• Travel related to research
• Workspace or studio costs
• Other approved research expenses

Funding does NOT cover:

• Artwork production
• Exhibitions or performances
• Commercial activities
• Training or formal education
• Collaborative project production

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be individual professional artists
• Be residents of Ontario, Canada
• Have at least 10 years of professional artistic practice
• Maintain an established artistic career
• Work within disciplines supported by the Ontario Arts Council

Ineligible applicants:

• Groups or collectives
• Organizations or institutions
• Non-resident artists
• Early-career artists with less than 10 years of practice

Project Requirements

Applicants must propose:

• 6–12 months of focused artistic research
• A clear investigation of their artistic practice
• A structured work plan for exploration
• Non-production-based creative inquiry

Projects may:

• Be based in Ontario or internationally
• Include travel for research purposes
• Involve interdisciplinary exploration

What the Fellowship Supports

The fellowship supports:

• Deep artistic reflection
• Experimental practice development
• Research into artistic methods and concepts
• Professional artistic growth

It does NOT support:

• Finished artworks
• Public exhibitions or performances
• Commercial outputs
• Formal training programs

Timeline and Activity Rules

• Projects must begin on or after January 1, 2027
• Activities must be completed within 2 years of award
• Work must include concentrated research phases
• Artists must follow their approved research plan

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility as an Ontario-based professional artist.
2. Develop a research-focused artistic proposal.
3. Prepare a detailed 6–12 month work plan.
4. Outline intended research activities and methods.
5. Submit the application through the Ontario Arts Council system.
6. Await assessment and selection results.

Tips for Applicants

• Focus on research, not production outcomes.
• Clearly define your artistic inquiry and objectives.
• Demonstrate depth in your professional practice.
• Provide a realistic and structured timeline.
• Emphasize long-term artistic growth.

FAQ

Who can apply?

Individual professional artists based in Ontario with more than 10 years of practice.

What is the funding amount?

Between $30,000 and $50,000 per fellowship.

What is the main purpose?

To support research and exploration in artistic practice, not production of finished work.

Can groups apply?

No. Only individual artists are eligible.

When do projects start?

On or after January 1, 2027.

Conclusion

The Chalmers Arts Fellowships provide substantial support for experienced Ontario artists to dedicate time to deep artistic research and exploration. By focusing on practice-based inquiry rather than production, the program strengthens long-term artistic development and supports innovation across creative disciplines.