Deadline: 15-Sep-2026
The Professional Project Grants Program supports individual professional artists, collaborations, professional arts groups, and eligible project-based professional not-for-profit arts organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador. The program funds the creation, production, presentation, administration, travel, and professional development of artistic projects across multiple disciplines.
The program provides annual funding of CAD 1,700,000, with CAD 850,000 available in each grant session across all disciplines. New professional artists, collaborations, or groups may request up to CAD 6,000, while established applicants and eligible project-based professional not-for-profit arts organizations may request up to CAD 15,000.
What is the Professional Project Grants Program?
The Professional Project Grants Program provides funding for professional arts projects in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The program supports artists and arts organizations in creating, developing, producing, presenting, and advancing artistic work.
It is designed for professional artists, collaborations, groups, and project-based professional not-for-profit arts organizations working across a wide range of disciplines.
Main Purpose of the Program
The main purpose of the program is to support professional artistic activity in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The program aims to:
- Support the creation of artistic works
- Support the production and presentation of arts projects
- Strengthen professional arts practice
- Support artistic collaboration
- Encourage professional development
- Assist with project-related travel
- Support project administration
- Fund work across multiple artistic disciplines
Geographic Focus
The program supports eligible applicants connected to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Individual professional artists must have been residents of Newfoundland and Labrador for at least twelve consecutive months before applying.
Professional arts groups must have been active in Newfoundland and Labrador for at least one year.
Annual Funding Available
The Professional Project Grants Program provides annual funding of CAD 1,700,000.
Funding is divided across two grant sessions.
Each grant session has CAD 850,000 available across all artistic disciplines.
Successful applicants receive a minimum of 75% of the amount requested.
Grant Amounts
Funding limits depend on the applicant category.
New Professional Artists, Collaborations, or Groups
New professional artists, collaborations, or groups may request up to CAD 6,000.
Established Professional Applicants
Established professional artists, collaborations, groups, and eligible project-based professional not-for-profit arts organizations may request up to CAD 15,000.
Supported Artistic Disciplines
The program supports projects across several artistic disciplines.
Eligible disciplines include:
- Adaptation
- Dance
- Film
- Music
- Multidisciplinary arts
- Theatre
- Visual arts
- Writing
Projects should clearly fit within one or more of these disciplines.
Eligible Activities
Funding may be used for project-related activities that support artistic creation, development, and presentation.
Eligible activities may include:
- Creation
- Production
- Presentation
- Project administration
- Travel
- Professional development
Applicants should clearly explain how each activity supports the proposed artistic project.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include:
- Individual professional artists
- Collaborations of individual professional artists
- Professional arts groups
- Project-based professional not-for-profit arts organizations not eligible under the Professional Operating Program
Applicants must meet the definition of an artist or professional arts group as established under the Arts Council Act.
Eligibility for Individual Professional Artists
Individual applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements.
They must:
- Be professional artists
- Be residents of Newfoundland and Labrador for at least twelve consecutive months before applying
- Be at least 18 years old, or
- Hold post-secondary standing
- Meet the definition of an artist under the Arts Council Act
Eligibility for Professional Arts Groups
Professional arts groups must meet group eligibility requirements.
They must:
- Have been active in Newfoundland and Labrador for at least one year
- Have engaged in professional arts activities within the previous year
- Ensure at least half of their members are at least 18 years old or hold post-secondary standing
- Meet the definition of a professional arts group under the Arts Council Act
Eligibility for Project-Based Professional Not-for-Profit Arts Organizations
Project-based professional not-for-profit arts organizations may apply if they are not eligible under the Professional Operating Program.
These organizations should demonstrate a clear professional arts mandate and a project-based approach to artistic creation, production, or presentation.
Living Expenses for Individual Artists
Individual professional artists may request living expenses as part of the project budget.
Living expenses may be requested up to a maximum of CAD 3,000 per month.
Applicants should clearly explain how living expenses support the time required to complete the proposed artistic project.
Travel Expenses
Travel expenses may be funded when they are directly related to the project.
Travel costs must be based on the most economical travel option.
Applicants should provide a clear travel rationale and avoid unnecessary or inflated travel expenses.
What is Not Funded?
Certain costs and project types are not eligible.
The program does not support:
- Projects that begin before funding is confirmed by ArtsNL
- Retroactive applications
- Capital expenses
- Equipment purchases
- Manufacturing costs
- Travel costs that are not based on the most economical option
Applicants should wait for funding confirmation before beginning their projects.
Retroactive Funding Restriction
Projects cannot begin before funding has been confirmed by ArtsNL.
Retroactive applications are not eligible.
This means applicants should not start project activities, incur major costs, or complete work before receiving funding confirmation.
Key Concepts Explained
Professional Artist
A professional artist is an individual who meets the definition of an artist under the Arts Council Act and is actively engaged in professional artistic practice.
Professional Arts Group
A professional arts group is a group of artists that meets the program’s eligibility requirements and the definition established under the Arts Council Act.
Project-Based Funding
Project-based funding supports a specific artistic project with defined activities, timelines, outcomes, and costs.
Professional Development
Professional development includes activities that help artists strengthen skills, knowledge, practice, networks, or artistic capacity.
Multidisciplinary Arts
Multidisciplinary arts involve creative projects that combine two or more artistic disciplines, such as theatre, music, visual arts, writing, film, or performance.
How the Program Works
Eligible applicants submit proposals for professional arts projects.
Applications should clearly describe the artistic idea, discipline, project activities, timeline, budget, applicant background, and expected outcomes.
Funding decisions support projects that contribute to artistic creation, professional practice, presentation, and development in Newfoundland and Labrador.
How to Apply
Applicants should prepare a clear and complete proposal before submitting.
Suggested Application Steps
- Confirm the applicant category: individual artist, collaboration, arts group, or project-based not-for-profit arts organization.
- Confirm Newfoundland and Labrador residency or activity requirements.
- Check whether the applicant is new or established.
- Select the relevant artistic discipline.
- Develop a clear project description.
- Prepare a project timeline that begins only after ArtsNL funding confirmation.
- Prepare a budget within the eligible request limit.
- Include eligible costs such as creation, production, presentation, travel, administration, or professional development.
- Exclude capital expenses, equipment purchases, manufacturing costs, and retroactive costs.
- Ensure travel costs use the most economical option.
- Submit the application according to ArtsNL requirements.
Assessment Considerations
Applications may be assessed based on artistic merit, feasibility, eligibility, and project impact.
Review may consider:
- Applicant eligibility
- Artistic quality
- Professional standing
- Project clarity
- Relevance to supported disciplines
- Feasibility of the timeline
- Budget accuracy
- Eligible use of funds
- Contribution to professional arts practice
- Potential benefit to the applicant’s artistic development
- Compliance with ArtsNL requirements
Expected Results
Funded projects should support professional artistic work and strengthen the arts sector in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Expected results may include:
- Creation of new artistic work
- Presentation of artistic projects
- Professional development for artists
- Stronger artistic collaborations
- Expanded public access to art
- Improved project delivery capacity
- Growth in professional arts practice
- Support for artists across multiple disciplines
Why It Matters
Professional artists and arts organizations need project funding to create, produce, present, and develop artistic work.
The Professional Project Grants Program helps artists in Newfoundland and Labrador access financial support for meaningful creative projects.
By funding a wide range of disciplines, the program strengthens artistic practice, supports cultural expression, and contributes to the province’s professional arts sector.
Tips for Strong Applications
A strong application should clearly explain the artistic project, why it matters, and how the funding will be used.
Applicants should focus on:
- Clear artistic vision
- Strong project description
- Realistic timeline
- Accurate budget
- Eligible expenses only
- Clear discipline alignment
- Strong professional background
- Practical production or presentation plan
- Economical travel planning
- No project activity before funding confirmation
Applicants should also clearly explain whether they are applying as a new or established artist, collaboration, group, or organization.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should carefully review eligibility and funding rules before applying.
Common mistakes include:
- Starting the project before ArtsNL confirms funding
- Submitting a retroactive application
- Requesting capital expenses
- Requesting equipment purchases
- Including manufacturing costs
- Requesting more than the eligible funding limit
- Not meeting Newfoundland and Labrador residency requirements
- Not meeting professional arts group activity requirements
- Providing unclear travel costs
- Submitting a weak project timeline
- Not showing how the project fits an eligible discipline
FAQ
What is the Professional Project Grants Program?
It is a funding program that supports professional artists, collaborations, arts groups, and eligible project-based not-for-profit arts organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador.
How much funding is available annually?
The program provides CAD 1,700,000 annually, with CAD 850,000 available during each grant session.
How much can applicants request?
New professional artists, collaborations, or groups may request up to CAD 6,000. Established professional artists, collaborations, groups, and eligible project-based professional not-for-profit arts organizations may request up to CAD 15,000.
What disciplines are supported?
Supported disciplines include adaptation, dance, film, music, multidisciplinary arts, theatre, visual arts, and writing.
Can projects begin before funding is confirmed?
No. Projects cannot begin before funding has been confirmed by ArtsNL, and retroactive applications are not eligible.
Can individual artists request living expenses?
Yes. Individual professional artists may request living expenses up to a maximum of CAD 3,000 per month.
Are equipment purchases eligible?
No. Capital expenses such as purchasing equipment or manufacturing costs are not supported.
Conclusion
The Professional Project Grants Program supports professional artistic creation, production, presentation, travel, administration, and development in Newfoundland and Labrador. With CAD 1,700,000 available annually and funding sessions across all disciplines, the program provides important support for individual artists, collaborations, professional arts groups, and eligible project-based arts organizations.
Strong applications will demonstrate clear eligibility, professional artistic merit, a realistic project plan, eligible expenses, strong discipline alignment, and compliance with ArtsNL rules on timing, travel, living expenses, and funding limits.
For more information, visit ArtsNL.