Deadline: 07-Oct-2026
The Circulation and Touring Grant supports Canadian artists, artistic groups, and arts organizations by funding the national and international circulation of artistic works, exhibitions, and performances. The programme helps expand audience access, strengthen artistic exchanges, and increase the global visibility of Canadian creativity.
Eligible applicants can receive up to $200,000 per application, covering up to 50% of eligible project costs. Funding supports touring-related expenses such as artist fees, transportation, accommodation, production costs, promotion, and accessibility-related needs.
Overview
The Circulation and Touring Grant provides financial support for artists and arts organizations to present, exhibit, and share Canadian artistic work across different regions and countries.
The programme is part of the Arts Across Canada and Abroad initiative, which promotes the distribution and presentation of Canadian artistic excellence to diverse audiences.
The grant supports projects that create opportunities for:
- Artistic exchange
- Audience development
- Cultural collaboration
- National and international exposure
- Professional networking
Grant Snapshot
- Programme Name: Circulation and Touring Grant
- Programme Area: Arts Across Canada and Abroad
- Funding Type: Project Grant
- Maximum Funding Amount: $200,000 per application
- Maximum Coverage: 50% of eligible costs
- Maximum Annual Support: $400,000 per applicant
- Eligible Applicants: Artists, arts workers, groups, collectives, and arts organizations
- Geographic Scope: Canada and international destinations
Programme Objectives
The grant aims to strengthen the presence and accessibility of Canadian artistic work.
Key objectives include:
- Connecting Canadian artists with audiences
- Increasing visibility of Canadian creativity
- Supporting artistic mobility
- Encouraging cultural exchange
- Promoting exhibitions and performances
- Strengthening relationships between artists and communities
- Supporting national and international artistic networks
What Does the Grant Support?
The programme supports the circulation and touring of artistic works, including:
Artist Touring
Funding may support artists travelling to present their work.
Examples include:
- Performances
- Artistic presentations
- Public engagements
- Cultural exchanges
- Professional networking activities
Exhibition Circulation
Support may be provided for exhibitions moving between locations.
Eligible activities may include:
- Exhibition transportation
- Installation support
- Public presentation
- Community engagement activities
Artistic Work Presentation
Projects may include:
- Showcasing completed works
- Presenting performances
- Sharing artistic creations with new audiences
Eligible Applicants
The grant is open to various individuals and organizations involved in artistic creation and presentation.
Individual Artists and Arts Workers
Eligible applicants include:
- Canadian artists
- Arts professionals
- Cultural workers
First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Artists and Cultural Workers
Eligible applicants include:
- First Nations artists
- Inuit artists
- Métis artists
- Indigenous arts and cultural workers
Artistic Groups and Collectives
Eligible applicants may include:
- Artistic groups
- Artist collectives
- Indigenous artistic groups
- Cultural collectives
Arts Organizations
Eligible organizations include:
- Non-profit arts organizations
- Artistic institutions
- Presenting organizations
International Arts Presenters
Eligible applicants may also include:
- Foreign arts festivals
- Biennales
- Book fairs
- International presenting organizations
These organizations must support the presentation of Canadian artistic work.
Eligible Activities
Funding may support activities directly connected to circulation or touring.
Examples include:
- Touring artistic productions
- Travelling exhibitions
- Performance presentations
- Cultural exchanges
- Artistic networking activities
- Audience engagement initiatives
Activities must contribute to the presentation and promotion of Canadian artistic work.
Eligible Expenses
The grant can support direct costs related to approved activities.
Artist and Cultural Professional Fees
Eligible expenses may include:
- Artist fees
- Professional fees
- Creative worker payments
- Project management fees
Indigenous Cultural Support Costs
Funding may cover:
- Honoraria for Elders
- Payments for Knowledge Keepers
Touring and Production Costs
Eligible costs may include:
- Exhibition production expenses
- Touring expenses
- Technical requirements
- Installation costs
Travel and Accommodation
Supported costs may include:
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Daily allowances
- Travel-related expenses
International Travel Requirements
Funding may support:
- Visa expenses
- Travel insurance
- International mobility costs
Promotion and Outreach
Eligible expenses include:
- Marketing
- Publicity
- Audience development activities
- Promotional materials
Safety and Accessibility Costs
Funding may cover:
- Safety-related expenses
- Required accessibility support
- Childcare or dependent care expenses connected to participation
Funding Amount
Applicants may receive:
- Up to $200,000 per application
Funding represents:
- Maximum 50% of total eligible project costs
Applicants may receive:
- Up to $400,000 total per year
Applicants must secure additional resources to cover remaining eligible expenses.
Ineligible Activities
Some activities are not supported under this grant.
The programme does not fund:
Unauthorized Artistic Works
Projects cannot involve works that:
- Are not owned by the applicant
- Are not legally authorized for circulation
Applicant’s Own Events
Funding does not support:
- Presentations at the applicant’s own venue
- Events organized entirely by the applicant in Canada
Unsupported International Touring
International touring projects are not eligible if they do not have:
- Financial contribution from a foreign presenter
- Partner organization support
- Host organization involvement
How to Apply
Step 1: Identify the Touring Project
Define:
- Artistic work being presented
- Destination or destinations
- Target audiences
- Project objectives
Step 2: Confirm Eligibility
Applicants should verify:
- Applicant status
- Ownership or authorization of works
- Partner involvement
- Eligible activity requirements
Step 3: Develop a Project Plan
Include:
- Touring schedule
- Presentation details
- Audience engagement plans
- Partnership information
Step 4: Prepare a Budget
Include:
- Artist fees
- Travel expenses
- Production costs
- Promotion expenses
- Accessibility costs
Step 5: Submit Application
Provide all required information and supporting documents according to grant requirements.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly explain the artistic value of the project
- Demonstrate audience benefits
- Include confirmed partners or presenters
- Provide a realistic budget
- Explain national or international impact
- Show professional project management capacity
- Highlight cultural exchange opportunities
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying for unauthorized works
- Missing presenter or partner commitments
- Including ineligible expenses
- Underestimating touring costs
- Failing to explain audience impact
- Submitting incomplete documentation
- Requesting funding for an applicant-controlled event only
Why This Grant Matters
Expands Artistic Reach
The grant helps Canadian artists reach audiences beyond their immediate communities.
Supports Cultural Exchange
Touring creates opportunities for:
- Cross-cultural dialogue
- International collaboration
- Professional relationships
Strengthens Canadian Arts
By supporting circulation, the programme promotes:
- Artistic excellence
- Innovation
- Diversity
- Global recognition
Creates Sustainable Opportunities
Funding helps artists and organizations develop stronger networks and long-term career opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Circulation and Touring Grant?
It is a funding programme supporting the touring and circulation of Canadian artistic works, exhibitions, and performances.
How much funding can applicants receive?
Applicants can receive up to $200,000 per application.
What percentage of costs does the grant cover?
The grant can cover up to 50% of eligible project costs.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include artists, arts workers, artistic groups, collectives, arts organizations, Indigenous cultural groups, presenting organizations, festivals, biennales, and book fairs.
Can international projects receive funding?
Yes, international projects may be supported if they include a financial contribution or partnership from a foreign presenter, host, or partner organization.
Are all touring activities eligible?
No. Projects involving unauthorized works, applicant-only events, or unsupported international touring are not eligible.
What expenses can be funded?
Eligible expenses include artist fees, travel, accommodation, production, promotion, visas, insurance, safety costs, and accessibility-related expenses.
Conclusion
The Circulation and Touring Grant provides important support for Canadian artists and arts organizations seeking to share creative work with audiences across Canada and internationally.
By funding touring, exhibitions, performances, and artistic exchanges, the programme strengthens cultural connections, expands artistic opportunities, and helps showcase Canadian creativity on a wider stage.
For more information, visit Canada Council for the Arts.
