Call for Proposals: Sound Recording Grant Program (Canada)

Deadline: 17-Jun-2026

The Sound Recording Grant is a funding program that supports the production of commercially viable music recordings in Saskatchewan. It is designed to strengthen the province’s music industry by supporting professional recording, production, and release activities with clear market potential.

The program focuses on helping artists and music businesses produce high-quality EPs and LPs intended for commercial distribution.

Purpose of the Program

The grant aims to:

• Support commercially viable music recording projects
• Strengthen Saskatchewan’s music production industry
• Encourage professional music business development
• Increase market-ready music releases from the province
• Support economic growth in the creative sector
• Promote professional recording and production standards

What the Program Supports

The grant funds activities related to:

• EP (Extended Play) and LP (full-length album) production
• Recording, mixing, and mastering
• Professional music production services
• Manufacturing physical music products
• Album artwork and design
• Marketing and release promotion activities
• Music business development and commercialization

Funding Details

• Funding covers up to 50% of eligible project expenses
• EP projects: up to CAD 10,000
• LP projects: up to CAD 15,000
• Administration costs: up to 15% of budget or CAD 5,000 (whichever is lower)
• Funding is provided as a grant

Eligible Expenses

Eligible costs include:

• Studio recording, mixing, and mastering (Saskatchewan-based)
• Producer and engineer fees
• Musician fees (aligned with FACTOR industry rates)
• Album artwork and design
• Manufacturing costs (CDs, vinyl, etc.)
• Limited marketing and promotional expenses
• Travel costs for non-Saskatchewan producers (if recording in Saskatchewan with local crew support)

Ineligible Expenses

The program does not support:

• Out-of-province recording or mixing costs
• Rehearsal costs for regular band members
• Podcasts or non-music audio content
• Alcohol-related expenses
• Childcare costs
• Merchandise production
• Instructional or educational videos
• Student projects
• Political or religious content
• Festival or venue programming of third-party content
• Projects already funded by SK Arts or SaskCulture

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be active participants in Saskatchewan’s music industry
• Demonstrate commercial intent and market viability
• Be in good standing with Creative Saskatchewan

Eligible applicant types include:

• Individual artists
• Corporations
• Non-profit organizations
• Collectives and music groups

Residency and Business Requirements

Individuals:

• Must have filed a Saskatchewan income tax return in the previous year
• Or provide valid Saskatchewan ID if recently returned

Corporations:

• Must be registered or incorporated in Saskatchewan
• Must have a permanent establishment in the province
• Must be majority-owned by Saskatchewan residents

Key Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Commercial viability of the music project
• Clear plan for distribution or release
• Professional production standards
• Alignment with Saskatchewan music industry development goals

Key Features

• Focus on commercially released music projects
• Supports both EP and LP production
• Encourages local recording in Saskatchewan
• Promotes industry-standard music production practices
• Strong emphasis on market readiness and business growth

Common Misunderstandings

• It does not fund non-commercial or hobby recordings
• It does not support podcasts or non-music audio projects
• Out-of-province recording is generally not eligible
• It is not a general arts grant; it is strictly music industry focused
• Applicants must demonstrate commercial intent and industry activity

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Sound Recording Grant?
  • A Saskatchewan funding program supporting commercial music recording and production
  • Focuses on EPs and LPs intended for release
• How much funding is available?
  • Up to CAD 10,000 for EPs
  • Up to CAD 15,000 for LPs
  • Covers up to 50% of eligible costs
• Who can apply?
  • Musicians, bands, collectives, corporations, and non-profits
  • Must be active in Saskatchewan’s music industry
• What types of projects are eligible?
  • EPs and full-length albums
  • Commercial music releases
  • Professional recording and production projects
• What expenses are covered?
  • Recording, mixing, mastering
  • Studio fees and production costs
  • Manufacturing and artwork
  • Limited marketing costs
• What is not eligible?
  • Podcasts and non-music content
  • Out-of-province recording
  • Merchandise or student projects
  • Religious or political content
• What is required for eligibility?
  • Saskatchewan residency or incorporation
  • Commercial intent and market viability
  • Good standing with Creative Saskatchewan

Conclusion

The Sound Recording Grant is a targeted funding program that strengthens Saskatchewan’s music industry by supporting high-quality, commercially viable recordings. By funding professional EP and LP production, it helps artists and music businesses create market-ready releases while contributing to the growth of the province’s creative economy.

For more information, visit Creative Saskatchewan.