Deadline: 01-Dec-2026
The Live Performance Program supports artists in Canada with funding for tours and showcase performances tied to a recent or upcoming music release. It provides financial assistance based on artist rating, with up to $32,500 available for higher-rated artists and smaller grants for general artists. The program covers eligible touring and promotional costs while excluding capital purchases and non-allowable expenses.
What is the Live Performance Program?
The Live Performance Program is a funding initiative designed to support musicians and performing artists in developing live tours and showcase performances.
It helps artists:
- Promote a recent or upcoming music release
- Tour nationally and internationally
- Participate in showcase events
- Build professional performance opportunities
The program is structured around eligibility tiers based on artist rating and project type.
Program Components
The program has two main components:
1. Tour Support
Supports artists performing live tours in Canada and internationally.
2. Showcase Support
Supports artists participating in showcase performances and industry events.
- Open to all artists with a rated artist and applicant profile
- Focused on exposure and industry development
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must meet the following conditions:
Release Requirement
Artists must have:
- A current release issued within the last 24 months, OR
- An upcoming release scheduled within 6 months of the tour or showcase date
Profile Requirement
- Must have a rated artist and approved applicant profile
Artist Rating-Based Eligibility
General Artists
- Eligible for Showcase funding
- Eligible for domestic (Canada) tour support only
Artist Level 2 or 3
- Eligible for Tour Support (domestic and international)
- Eligible for Showcase funding
- Must have approved applicant profile
Funding Amounts
General Artists
- Showcase support: Up to $7,500
- Domestic showcase: up to $5,000
- International showcase: up to $7,500
- Domestic tour support: up to $5,000
Artist Level 2
- Combined Tour + Showcase support: up to $32,500
- Tour support maximum: up to $30,000
- Domestic tours: up to $15,000
- International tours: up to full eligible amount
Eligible Costs
Eligible expenses must:
- Be incurred after application submission
- Be paid before final project completion
- Be out-of-pocket costs (not reimbursed or related-party payments)
- Be paid to independent service providers
Additional Eligible Conditions
Costs are eligible if:
- Paid to Canadians or Canadian-owned companies
- Services are delivered in Canada
- Paid to Canadian-owned businesses operating abroad
Ineligible Costs
The program does NOT cover:
- Equipment purchases or capital assets
- Refundable taxes (eligible for rebates)
- Musician union dues
- Fines or penalties
- Pension contributions
- Mandatory union-related payments
- Commercial music manufacturing/duplication (except promotional use)
- Donated musician services or unpaid fees
Application Timing Rules
- General Artist domestic tour applications are accepted only on:
- June 1, 2026
- September 1, 2026
- December 1, 2026
- Showcase applications are open to all eligible rated artists
Why This Program Matters
The Live Performance Program supports the live music ecosystem by:
- Helping artists promote new music releases
- Increasing touring opportunities domestically and internationally
- Supporting career development for emerging and mid-level artists
- Strengthening Canada’s live performance and cultural export sector
- Reducing financial barriers to touring and showcasing
How the Program Works (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Confirm release date (within 24 months or upcoming within 6 months)
- Verify artist rating (General, Level 2, or Level 3)
- Ensure applicant profile is approved
Step 2: Choose Program Stream
- Tour Support (domestic or international)
- Showcase Support
Step 3: Prepare Application
Include:
- Release details
- Tour or showcase plan
- Budget breakdown
- Performance schedule
- Supporting documentation
Step 4: Submit Application
- Submit before relevant deadline
- Ensure alignment with eligible funding category
Step 5: Review Process
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Artistic merit
- Career development potential
- Budget accuracy
- Alignment with program goals
Step 6: Funding & Execution
- Approved applicants receive funding
- Must complete tour or showcase as proposed
- Expenses must follow eligibility rules
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without a qualifying music release
- Using incorrect artist rating category
- Including ineligible costs (equipment, taxes, fines)
- Submitting incomplete budgets
- Missing application deadlines (especially for General Artist tours)
- Paying expenses before application submission
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly link tour/showcase to a specific release
- Provide realistic touring schedules and budgets
- Ensure compliance with eligibility timing rules
- Choose appropriate funding stream based on rating
- Highlight career growth and audience development goals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main purpose of the program?
To support artists with touring and showcase opportunities linked to a music release.
2. Who can apply for Showcase funding?
All artists with a rated artist and approved applicant profile.
3. What is the maximum funding available?
Up to $32,500 for eligible Artist Level 2 applicants.
4. What release requirement is needed?
A release within the past 24 months or an upcoming release within 6 months of the tour/showcase.
5. Are international tours supported?
Yes, depending on artist rating and funding limits.
6. What costs are not allowed?
Equipment, capital assets, fines, union dues, and certain taxes are not eligible.
7. When can General Artist tour applications be submitted?
Only on June 1, September 1, and December 1, 2026.
Conclusion
The Live Performance Program is a structured funding initiative that supports Canadian artists in developing tours and showcase performances tied to music releases. By providing tiered funding based on artist rating, it helps musicians expand their reach, build audiences, and strengthen their professional careers while ensuring eligible touring and production costs are properly supported.
For more information, visit FACTOR.