The Documentation Grant Program in New Brunswick provides up to $10,000 for professional artists and arts professionals to research, develop, and execute original documentation of arts activities, products, or art history. Projects can include written, film, video, or multimedia outputs, with priority given to work highlighting New Brunswick artists or art communities.

New Brunswick Documentation Grant Program 2025/26

Overview

The Documentation Grant Program supports professional artists and arts professionals in New Brunswick to research, create, and contextualize arts activities, arts products, or art history. The initiative encourages projects that foster critical discourse and highlight local artistic contributions, ensuring creative control remains with the applicant.

Objectives

Facilitate the research, development, and execution of original arts documentation.
Encourage theoretical and critical discourse in the arts.
Give preference to projects featuring New Brunswick artists or arts communities.

Eligible Projects

Curated exhibitions.
Documentary films or video projects.
Written or multimedia projects, including critical writing collections or literary works.
Projects must begin after the application date and not have received funding from other artsNB programs.
Ineligible: Projects in non-professional, academic, or corporate contexts; equipment purchases, capital costs, administration fees, or promotional expenses.

Funding Details

Maximum grant: $10,000 per project.
Full disbursement or reduced amounts (minimum 75%) may be awarded.
Payments in installments possible for applicants on fixed incomes.

Who Can Apply?

Canadian citizens or equivalent status residing in New Brunswick for at least 12 months.
Professional artists or individuals with equivalent experience.
Previous recipients must have submitted all required final reports.
Applicants may receive one grant per fiscal year and can apply once per deadline.

How to Apply / Required Materials

Project Description: Up to 500 words outlining objectives and methodology.
Budget: Balanced budget detailing expenses such as artist fees, materials, services, production, travel, and accommodation.
CVs: For all participating artists.
Work Samples: Relevant examples of previous work.
Supporting Documents: Texts, letters of agreement, collaborator documentation if applicable. Optional: critical reviews or recommendation letters.
Note: Applications cannot be edited after submission. Translation support may be provided for jury evaluation.

Selection Criteria

Applications are reviewed by a peer jury based on:

Artistic merit.
Feasibility of the project.
Overall application quality.
Results are categorized as recommended, merit, or not recommended, depending on funds and jury assessment.

Tips for Applicants

Highlight connections to New Brunswick arts or artists.
Provide a clear, realistic budget aligned with project goals.
Include strong work samples and CVs to demonstrate capability.
Clearly define the scope, methodology, and expected outcomes of the documentation.

FAQ

1. What is the maximum grant amount?
Up to $10,000 per project.

2. Can equipment or capital costs be funded?
No, these expenses are ineligible.

3. Who is eligible to apply?
Professional artists or arts professionals residing in New Brunswick for at least 12 months.

4. How many times can I apply?
Once per deadline; one grant per fiscal year.

5. What types of projects are eligible?
Written, film, video, or multimedia projects documenting arts activities, products, or history, with preference for New Brunswick focus.

6. Can previous artsNB funding recipients apply?
Yes, but all final reports for previous grants must be submitted.

7. Are optional materials like recommendation letters required?
No, they are optional but may strengthen the application.

Conclusion

The Documentation Grant Program provides New Brunswick artists with the opportunity to research, document, and contextualize arts practices while fostering critical discourse and community recognition. By supporting projects that highlight local artistic contributions, the program helps preserve and promote the province’s rich artistic heritage and encourages professional growth among artists and arts professionals.