Deadline: 01-Oct-2026
The Shevchenko Foundation Arts Pillar – Theatre Sector Grant Program is accepting applications to support theatre artists and professionals in Canada whose work demonstrates a meaningful connection to Ukrainian Canadian heritage and experiences. The program funds creative development, production activities, professional growth opportunities, and collaborative theatre initiatives.
Focus Areas, Objectives, Priorities, and Themes
The program focuses on preserving, promoting, and developing Ukrainian Canadian cultural heritage, strengthening the Ukrainian community in Canada, enriching Canadian cultural diversity, expanding awareness of Ukrainian artistic contributions, supporting financially sustainable projects, encouraging innovative technologies and partnership models, promoting collaborations and co-productions, advancing mentorship opportunities, and building partnerships with experienced arts organizations, festivals, and arts centres.
About the Theatre Sector Grant Program
The Theatre Sector Grant Program supports theatre practitioners and creative professionals whose work reflects a tangible connection to Ukrainian Canadian identity and cultural experiences.
The initiative seeks to encourage artistic innovation while supporting projects that contribute to the cultural landscape of Canada and strengthen the visibility of Ukrainian Canadian artistic expression.
The program also promotes collaborative approaches and audience engagement through theatre and performance-based work.
Types of Activities Supported
Funding support is available for:
• Creation and development of new artistic projects
• Significant expansion or enhancement of existing projects
• Professional development activities
• Workshops and training opportunities
• Mentorship programs
• Master classes
• Theatre production costs
• Touring activities within Canada
Funding Information
Funding support is offered based on project needs and available resources.
Funding details include:
• Up to 50% of total project or program costs may be supported
• Funding depends on available budget resources within the grant cycle
Applicants are expected to secure additional funding sources for remaining project costs.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include Canadian citizens or permanent residents involved in theatre-related professions.
Eligible theatre artists include:
• Actors
• Playwrights
• Directors
• Artistic directors
• Designers
• Rehearsal directors
• Theatre writers
Eligible theatre professionals also include:
• Producers
• Presenters
• Arts administrators
• Technical production specialists
• Dramaturges
• Translators
• Archivists
Applicants must also:
• Demonstrate final creative control over the proposed project
• Submit reference letters supporting experience and ability
• Show capacity to successfully complete the project
For collaborative applications:
• One lead artist must be identified
• The lead artist becomes responsible for reporting requirements
Who is Not Eligible?
The following projects and applicants are excluded:
• Projects intended to fulfill degree or diploma requirements
• Projects primarily benefiting organizations rather than individuals
• Applicants with outstanding final reports from previous grants
• Applications submitted after project activities begin
Multi-Year Project Support
The Foundation may consider multi-year projects.
For approved multi-year initiatives:
• Funding is distributed in phases
• Continued support depends on annual reporting requirements
Priority Considerations
Priority may be given to projects involving:
• Collaborative initiatives
• Co-production arrangements
• Mentorship activities
• Experienced arts organizations
• Festivals and arts centres
• Innovative partnership models
Why This Grant Matters
The initiative supports both cultural preservation and artistic growth while strengthening the visibility of Ukrainian Canadian experiences through theatre.
The program contributes to:
• Preservation of Ukrainian Canadian heritage
• Artistic innovation and creative development
• Professional advancement of theatre practitioners
• Increased cultural participation
• Cross-sector collaboration
• Broader audience engagement
How to Apply
Applicants can follow these steps:
- Confirm eligibility requirements
- Develop a project demonstrating Ukrainian Canadian cultural connection
- Prepare a detailed project description and budget
- Secure additional funding sources if necessary
- Obtain required letters of reference
- Designate a lead applicant for collaborative projects
- Submit the application before project implementation begins
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Submitting applications after the project start date
• Applying with incomplete reference documentation
• Proposing projects designed for academic degree requirements
• Failing to demonstrate Ukrainian Canadian cultural relevance
• Not identifying a lead applicant for collaborative work
• Applying while previous reporting obligations remain incomplete
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the Theatre Sector Grant Program?
The program supports theatre artists and professionals whose work reflects Ukrainian Canadian cultural experiences and heritage.
Who can apply?
Canadian citizens and permanent residents working in theatre and theatre-related professions may apply.
How much funding is available?
The Foundation may provide up to 50% of total project costs, depending on available resources.
Can collaborative theatre projects apply?
Yes. Collaborative projects are eligible if a lead artist is designated.
Are professional development activities eligible?
Yes. Workshops, mentorships, training programs, and master classes are supported.
Can students apply for academic projects?
No. Projects intended to fulfill degree or diploma requirements are not eligible.
Are multi-year projects allowed?
Yes. Multi-year projects may be considered with phased funding and annual reporting requirements.
Conclusion
The Shevchenko Foundation Arts Pillar – Theatre Sector Grant Program provides support for theatre artists and professionals working to preserve and expand Ukrainian Canadian cultural expression through performance and creative practice. Through funding for artistic development, collaboration, and professional growth, the program helps strengthen cultural diversity and theatre innovation across Canada.
For more information, visit Shevchenko Foundation.