Deadline: 24-Jun-2026
The Live Performing Arts Production and Performance Grant Program supports Saskatchewan-based artists, individuals, and companies producing commercial live performances for paying audiences. It is designed to strengthen the live performing arts sector locally, nationally, and internationally.
The program focuses on production, touring, and market expansion of professional live performance projects across multiple performing arts disciplines.
Purpose of the Program
The grant program aims to:
- Support commercial live performing arts productions
- Expand Saskatchewan productions into national and international markets
- Strengthen the business capacity of performing artists and companies
- Support touring and audience development activities
- Encourage professionalization of live performance industries
- Promote revenue-generating creative enterprises
Eligible Performance Types
The program supports a wide range of live performance formats, including:
- Theatre productions
- Dance performances
- Stand-up comedy
- Magic and illusion shows
- Spoken word and poetry
- Mime performances
- Puppetry
- Circus arts
- Audio-based performances such as:
- Radio plays
- Audio dramas
Types of Projects Supported
Eligible projects include:
- Commercial live performance productions
- Touring performances within Canada and internationally
- New productions and reinterpretations of existing works
- Entry into new performance markets
- Live streaming of performances
- Festival participation (including fringe festivals)
- Marketing and audience development activities
- Rehearsal and production-related expenses
Funding Details
- Maximum funding: up to CAD 35,000 per fiscal year
- Funding cap: 50% of total eligible project costs (whichever is lower)
- Funding is provided as a grant
- Expenses must fall within the approved project timeline
Eligible Expenses
The program supports:
- Performer fees (aligned with Canadian Actors’ Equity Association standards)
- Technical crew wages and fees
- Rehearsal space rental
- Touring and travel expenses
- Festival application and fringe site fees
- Marketing and promotion (up to 25% of total project budget)
- Limited communication costs related to touring activities
- Production and streaming of live or audio performances
Ineligible Activities and Costs
The program does not support:
- Community theatre productions
- Theatre festival hosting
- Scriptwriting, development, or workshop activities
- Guided tours or museum/heritage tours
- Sporting events or competitions
- Non-commercial artistic projects
- Projects without clear commercial intent
- Royalty or box office–linked compensation arrangements
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be active practitioners in Creative Saskatchewan–recognized industries under The Creative Saskatchewan Act (2013)
- Demonstrate commercial intent and business growth potential
- Be in good standing with Creative Saskatchewan
Eligible applicant types:
- Individuals
- Corporations
- Non-profit organizations
- Collectives or performing groups
Residency and Business Requirements
Applicants must meet Saskatchewan requirements:
Individuals:
- Must have filed a Saskatchewan income tax return in the previous year
- Or provide valid Saskatchewan ID if recently returned to the province
Organizations and corporations:
- Must have a permanent establishment in Saskatchewan
- Must have majority Saskatchewan ownership
- Must have filed Saskatchewan-related income tax returns
Additional restriction:
- Applicants must comply with Saskatchewan residency and taxation rules
Ineligible Applicants
The following are not eligible:
- Political organizations
- Religious organizations
- Groups engaging in discrimination based on:
Key Program Features
- Focus on commercial live performance production
- Supports touring and market expansion
- Encourages professional creative business development
- Includes both domestic and international performance opportunities
- Strong emphasis on measurable commercial activity
- Supports both traditional and digital performance formats
Common Misunderstandings
- It is not a community arts grant; it requires commercial intent
- It does not fund writing or development-only projects
- It is not for festivals as hosts, only participation
- It does not support non-commercial or purely educational work
- Applicants must meet strict Saskatchewan residency requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this grant program?
- A Saskatchewan funding program supporting commercial live performance production and touring
- Focuses on professional performing arts businesses and individuals
- How much funding is available?
- Up to CAD 35,000 per year
- Or 50% of eligible expenses, whichever is lower
- What types of performances are eligible?
- Theatre, dance, comedy, circus, puppetry, spoken word, magic, and audio drama
- Includes live and streamed performances
- Who can apply?
- Individuals, companies, collectives, and non-profits in Saskatchewan
- Must demonstrate commercial intent and meet tax/residency rules
- What expenses are covered?
- Performer and crew fees
- Touring and travel costs
- Rehearsal space
- Marketing (limited to 25%)
- Festival-related costs
- What is not funded?
- What are the key eligibility requirements?
- Saskatchewan residency or incorporation
- Creative industry alignment under provincial legislation
- Commercial business focus
Conclusion
The Live Performing Arts Production and Performance Grant Program is a targeted funding initiative that strengthens Saskatchewan’s professional performing arts sector. By supporting commercial production, touring, and audience expansion, it helps artists and companies grow sustainable creative businesses while increasing the reach of Saskatchewan-based live performances.
For more information, visit Creative Saskatchewan.