Open Call for Career Development Grant Program (Canada)

The Career Development Grant Program – Arts by Invitation supports professional artists from New Brunswick, Canada, who have been invited to present their work at established national or international arts events. Eligible artists can receive up to CAD 3,000 to cover travel, accommodation, artist fees, and other project-related expenses that help advance their professional careers.

About the Career Development Grant Program

The Career Development Grant Program recognizes and supports professional artists who want to strengthen their careers through professional opportunities and artistic growth.

The program includes three funding components:

• Arts by Invitation
• Professional Development
• Professionalization and Promotion

This article focuses on the Arts by Invitation component, which provides financial support to artists invited to participate in recognized arts festivals, exhibitions, competitions, screenings, performances, and other established cultural events.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

• Support professional artists invited to established arts events.
• Increase the national and international visibility of New Brunswick artists.
• Promote artistic excellence and professional growth.
• Expand opportunities to exhibit, perform, or showcase creative work.
• Strengthen professional networks within the arts sector.
• Encourage long-term career development.

Focus Areas

The Arts by Invitation component supports:

• Professional artistic presentations
• National and international arts festivals
• Exhibitions
• Performances
• Film screenings
• Competitions
• Professional artistic networking
• Career advancement
• Arts promotion and dissemination

Funding Information

Applicants may request funding of:

• Up to CAD 3,000 per project.

Additional funding rules include:

• Applicants may submit one application per deadline for each of the three Career Development Program components.
• Only one grant per component may be awarded during a fiscal year.

Eligible Expenses

Funding may be used for:

• Artist fees.
• Transportation costs.
• Travel expenses.
• Accommodation.
• Daily subsistence or per diem expenses for the applicant and artistic collaborators.
• Other eligible expenses directly related to completing the project.

Eligible Projects

Projects must:

• Be based on an official invitation to present artistic work.
• Involve a performance, exhibition, screening, or similar professional presentation.
• Take place at an established:
  • Arts festival
  • Competition
  • Exhibition
  • Venue
  • Cultural event
• Be located more than 150 km from the applicant’s residence.
• Begin at least one day after the application is submitted.

Collaborative projects involving multiple artists are also eligible when all required supporting documents are included.

Eligible Artistic Disciplines

The program supports projects in:

• Architecture
• Craft
• Dance
• Literary Arts
• Media Arts
• Multidisciplinary Arts
• Music
• Theatre
• Visual Arts

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Be Canadian citizens, or
• Be affiliated with a First Nation on Turtle Island, or
• Be permanent residents of Canada, or
• Have a permanent resident application currently in process.

Applicants must also:

• Have lived in New Brunswick for at least 12 months before the application deadline.
• Meet the program’s definition of a professional artist.
• Have submitted all required final reports for previous funding, if applicable.

Who Can Participate in Collaborative Projects?

Collaborative applications are eligible when:

• Multiple artists are working together as co-creators.
• Supporting documentation is provided for every collaborator.
• Required agreements and CVs are included with the application.

Ineligible Projects

The program does not support:

• Projects previously funded through another artsnb program.
• Academic projects completed for course credit.
• Projects produced in a non-professional context.
• Activities undertaken as part of employment.
• Corporate or industrial projects.

Ineligible Expenses

Funding cannot be used for:

• Capital purchases.
• Business operating expenses.
• Administrative fees unrelated to the project.
• Marketing materials.
• Invitation cards.
• Promotional portfolios.
• Launch-related promotional expenses.

Required Application Documents

A complete application must include:

• Project description (maximum 350 words).
• Balanced project budget.
• Applicant’s curriculum vitae (CV).
• Artistic work samples.
• Official invitation letter from the host organization.
• Collaborator CVs (if applicable).
• Letters of agreement from collaborators (if applicable).

Project Description Requirements

The project description should clearly explain:

• The proposed artistic activities.
• How the project will be carried out.
• The event where the work will be presented.
• Expected outcomes.
• The project’s impact on the applicant’s professional artistic career.

Why This Grant Matters

Professional invitations to respected arts events provide artists with opportunities to expand their careers, build professional networks, and reach new audiences.

This grant helps artists:

• Reduce travel-related financial barriers.
• Increase exposure at prestigious events.
• Strengthen professional reputations.
• Build national and international partnerships.
• Advance long-term artistic careers.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure that you:

• Meet residency requirements.
• Qualify as a professional artist.
• Have received an official invitation.
• Meet all citizenship or residency criteria.

Step 2: Prepare Your Project

Develop a project that:

• Meets the program objectives.
• Takes place at an eligible arts event.
• Begins after the application submission.

Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents

Prepare:

• Project description.
• Budget.
• CV.
• Artistic work samples.
• Invitation letter.
• Collaborator documentation (if applicable).

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Complete the application before the deadline with all required documentation.

Step 5: Complete the Funded Project

If successful:

• Carry out the project as proposed.
• Meet all reporting obligations.
• Submit final reports as required.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying after the project has already started.
• Forgetting to include the official invitation letter.
• Submitting an incomplete budget.
• Exceeding the 350-word project description limit.
• Requesting funding for ineligible promotional or capital expenses.
• Failing to submit collaborator agreements.
• Applying for projects previously funded through another artsnb program.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of success:

• Clearly explain the professional importance of the invitation.
• Demonstrate how the opportunity supports your long-term artistic career.
• Prepare a realistic and balanced budget.
• Include strong artistic work samples.
• Show the reputation and significance of the host event.
• Clearly describe expected artistic outcomes and professional impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Arts by Invitation grant?

Professional artists who meet the residency and citizenship requirements, have lived in New Brunswick for at least 12 months, and have received an official invitation to present their work at an eligible arts event.

How much funding is available?

Applicants may request up to CAD 3,000.

What expenses are eligible?

Eligible expenses include artist fees, travel, transportation, accommodation, per diems, and other direct project costs.

Which artistic disciplines are supported?

Architecture, Craft, Dance, Literary Arts, Media Arts, Multidisciplinary Arts, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts are all eligible.

Can collaborative projects apply?

Yes. Collaborative projects involving multiple artists are eligible when all required supporting documents are submitted.

What projects are not eligible?

Projects already funded by another artsnb program, academic projects, employment-related work, corporate projects, and non-professional activities are not eligible.

What documents must be included with the application?

Applicants must submit a project description, project budget, CV, work samples, official invitation letter, and collaborator documentation where applicable.

Conclusion

The Career Development Grant Program – Arts by Invitation Component provides valuable financial support for professional artists in New Brunswick who have been invited to present their work at recognized arts events. By covering essential travel and project expenses, the program helps artists expand their professional networks, increase national and international visibility, and advance their long-term careers in the arts.