Call for Applications: Travel Support for Indigenous Arts Professionals (Canada)

Deadline: 31-Dec-2026

The Travel Grant, offered through the Canada Council for the Arts’ Creating, Knowing and Sharing program, provides up to $30,000 per year to support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artists, cultural carriers, arts workers, groups, collectives, and organizations attending significant artistic and cultural events in Canada or internationally. The grant helps Indigenous participants advance professional development, build networks, conduct research, share artistic works and cultural knowledge, and access new regional, national, and international markets.

The program supports invitation-based travel activities located at least 100 kilometres from the applicant’s place of departure and contributes to strengthening Indigenous cultural sovereignty and the Indigenous arts ecosystem.

What is the Travel Grant?

The Travel Grant is a funding opportunity under the Creating, Knowing and Sharing program of the Canada Council for the Arts. It supports Indigenous artists and cultural practitioners by providing financial assistance for travel related to significant artistic, cultural, research, and professional development activities.

The program recognizes the importance of Indigenous cultural expression, knowledge sharing, and artistic leadership while supporting opportunities that strengthen Indigenous presence in regional, national, and international arts communities.

Funding Details

• Funding Program: Travel Grant
• Administered By: Canada Council for the Arts
• Program Stream: Creating, Knowing and Sharing
• Maximum Funding: Up to $30,000 per year
• Geographic Scope: Canada and International
• Eligible Travel Distance: Minimum 100 kilometres from departure location
• Participation Requirement: Activity must be invitation-based

Key Focus Areas

The grant supports activities related to:

• Professional development
• Artistic research
• Cultural research
• Knowledge sharing
• Artistic presentation
• Cultural exchange
• Market development
• International engagement
• Professional networking
• Indigenous arts promotion
• Artistic collaboration
• Cultural leadership
• Creative career advancement

Programme Objectives

The Travel Grant aims to:

• Strengthen Indigenous arts and culture
• Support artistic and cultural mobility
• Increase participation in significant events
• Facilitate artistic research and innovation
• Build professional networks
• Expand access to markets and audiences
• Promote cultural knowledge sharing
• Support Indigenous cultural sovereignty
• Enhance national and international visibility

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Individuals

• First Nations artists
• Inuit artists
• Métis artists
• Emerging artists
• Established artists
• Cultural carriers
• Arts workers
• Cultural workers

Groups and Organizations

• Indigenous collectives
• Indigenous groups
• Not-for-profit organizations
• For-profit organizations
• Indigenous arts organizations
• Cultural organizations

For projects involving multiple travelers, priority is generally given to proposals where the majority of participants are First Nations, Inuit, or Métis.

Eligible Activities

The grant supports a wide range of artistic and cultural activities.

Artistic and Cultural Participation

Applicants may seek funding for:

• Presenting artistic works
• Sharing cultural knowledge
• Performing at cultural events
• Participating in exhibitions
• Attending artistic gatherings
• Representing Indigenous arts internationally

Research Activities

Eligible research activities include:

• Artistic research
• Cultural research
• Community-based knowledge gathering
• Creative development activities
• Research supporting future artistic projects

Professional Development

Funding may support participation in:

• Workshops
• Conferences
• Seminars
• Training programs
• Mentorship opportunities
• Skill development activities

Networking and Market Development

Applicants may attend activities that help:

• Build professional relationships
• Connect with industry professionals
• Access new markets
• Develop partnerships
• Expand audience reach
• Promote artistic work internationally

Significant Cultural Gatherings

Examples include:

• Pow-wows
• Indigenous cultural festivals
• Artistic showcases
• Cultural conferences
• National and international arts events

Travel Requirements

To qualify for support:

• Activities must occur at least 100 kilometres from the place of departure.
• Travel must be related to an invitation-based activity.
• The proposed activity must align with artistic, cultural, professional, or research objectives.
• Applicants must clearly demonstrate the value and relevance of the travel opportunity.

Support for Multiple Travelers

The program allows applicants to include additional travelers when their participation is necessary to complete the proposed activity.

Examples may include:

• Artistic collaborators
• Cultural knowledge holders
• Support personnel
• Project team members

Applicants representing or promoting artists may apply for support covering multiple trips where justified.

Remote Community Allowance

Applicants living in remote communities may be eligible for additional financial assistance through the Remote Community Allowance.

This support recognizes the higher transportation costs often faced by individuals and organizations located in remote or northern regions.

Additional funding may help offset:

• Increased airfare costs
• Additional transportation expenses
• Geographic isolation challenges

Eligible Expenses

The Travel Grant can support a variety of travel-related costs.

Eligible expenses include:

• Registration fees
• Airfare and transportation costs
• Ground transportation
• Accommodation
• Daily allowances
• Shipping expenses
• Additional baggage fees
• Travel-related logistical costs

Funding requests should directly relate to the approved travel activity.

Ineligible Activities

The following activities are not eligible for funding:

• Fashion modelling activities
• Hunting and trapping activities unrelated to artistic practice
• Activities conducted solely for ceremonial purposes
• Certain publisher-hosted book launches receiving core grant support

Ineligible Expenses

The following costs cannot be covered through the grant:

• Travel visas
• Vaccinations
• Materials and supplies
• Equipment purchases
• Equipment rentals
• Promotional materials
• Printing expenses
• Artist fees
• Salaries and wages
• Translator fees
• Accessibility-related expenses

Applicants should ensure that their budgets exclude these costs.

Why This Grant Matters

Indigenous artists and cultural practitioners often face significant financial barriers when accessing professional opportunities outside their communities.

The Travel Grant helps address these challenges by:

• Increasing access to national and international opportunities
• Supporting Indigenous cultural leadership
• Preserving and sharing cultural knowledge
• Strengthening professional careers
• Expanding Indigenous representation in the arts sector
• Supporting sustainable Indigenous arts ecosystems

The program contributes to stronger visibility and recognition of Indigenous artistic and cultural practices across Canada and globally.

Expected Benefits for Recipients

Successful applicants may benefit from:

• Expanded professional networks
• Increased market opportunities
• Greater visibility for artistic work
• Access to international audiences
• Enhanced research opportunities
• Improved professional skills
• Stronger cultural connections
• Increased career development opportunities

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure that you:

• Identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis, or represent an eligible Indigenous group or organization.
• Meet the program requirements.
• Have received an invitation to participate in the proposed activity.

Step 2: Define the Travel Activity

Clearly explain:

• The event or activity you will attend.
• Its significance to your artistic or cultural practice.
• Expected outcomes and benefits.

Step 3: Prepare a Budget

Include eligible travel-related expenses such as:

• Transportation
• Accommodation
• Registration fees
• Shipping costs
• Daily allowances

Step 4: Gather Supporting Documents

Prepare invitation letters and any required supporting materials demonstrating the importance of the activity.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Complete and submit the application through the Canada Council for the Arts funding portal.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without an invitation-based activity
• Including ineligible expenses in the budget
• Failing to explain professional benefits
• Weak descriptions of artistic outcomes
• Incomplete travel plans
• Missing supporting documentation
• Requesting funding for activities under 100 kilometres from departure

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much funding is available?

Applicants may receive up to $30,000 per year through the Travel Grant program.

Who can apply?

First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals, groups, collectives, cultural carriers, arts workers, and organizations are eligible.

Can international travel be funded?

Yes. The grant supports both Canadian and international travel opportunities.

Do I need an invitation to apply?

Yes. Supported travel activities must be invitation-based.

Can multiple people travel under one application?

Yes. Additional travelers may be included if their participation is necessary for the activity.

Are remote communities eligible for extra support?

Yes. Applicants from remote communities may qualify for additional funding through the Remote Community Allowance.

Can the grant cover artist fees or salaries?

No. Artist fees, salaries, translator fees, accessibility costs, visas, and several other expenses are not eligible for funding.

Conclusion

The Canada Council for the Arts Travel Grant provides important financial support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artists, cultural practitioners, and organizations seeking to participate in significant artistic and cultural opportunities. By supporting professional development, research, cultural exchange, networking, and market expansion, the program helps strengthen Indigenous cultural sovereignty, increase visibility for Indigenous arts, and foster a thriving and resilient Indigenous arts ecosystem both in Canada and internationally.

For more information, visit Canada Council for the Arts.