Deadline: 01-Oct-2026
The Arts Pillar – Film and Media Arts Sector Program supports artist-led screen-based and digital media projects that explore and promote the Ukrainian Canadian experience. It aims to strengthen cultural identity, expand audience engagement, and preserve Ukrainian Canadian heritage through contemporary media formats.
The program emphasizes storytelling, innovation, and sustainability in cultural production.
Programme Objectives
The program aims to:
- Strengthen Ukrainian Canadian cultural identity through film and media arts
- Support creation and dissemination of Ukrainian Canadian stories
- Share cultural contributions with diverse audiences across Canada
- Encourage sustainable and financially viable creative production
- Promote innovation through new technologies and media formats
- Preserve Ukrainian Canadian heritage through audiovisual media
- Strengthen community engagement and cultural representation
Key Focus Areas
Funded activities include:
- Documentary film production
- Video and multimedia storytelling
- New media and digital art projects
- Adaptations or translations of published works
- Film development and scripting (where applicable for adaptation)
- Production and post-production activities
- Festival participation and public screenings
- Project dissemination and audience engagement
Eligible Applicants
The program supports individuals working in film and media arts, including:
- Filmmakers and documentary creators
- Video artists and new media artists
- Producers and directors
- Multimedia storytellers
Requirements:
- Must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Must retain final creative and editorial control
- Collaborative projects must designate one lead applicant responsible for reporting
Funding Coverage
Grants may support:
- Project development and adaptation costs
- Creation of pitch packages and marketing materials
- Production and post-production expenses
- Travel and subsistence directly linked to project work
- Festival submissions, launches, and dissemination activities
- Workshops, mentorships, and professional development
- Training and master classes in film/media arts
Ineligible Projects and Costs
The program does NOT fund:
- Degree or diploma-related projects
- Projects primarily benefiting organizations instead of individuals
- Original script-writing or independent research development
- Radio broadcasts
- Podcasts
- Print publications (e.g., magazines, newspapers)
- Projects without Ukrainian Canadian cultural connection
Eligibility Conditions
Applicants must:
- Be Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Provide letters of reference from relevant professionals
- Demonstrate ability to complete the proposed project
- Have completed all previous grant reporting requirements
- Ensure strong creative control over the project
Funding Priorities
Priority is given to projects that demonstrate:
- Strong feasibility and realistic planning
- Clear Ukrainian Canadian cultural relevance
- Financial or in-kind support from other sources
- Strong production and delivery strategy
- Innovation in storytelling and media use
- Best-practice implementation across all project stages
How the Programme Works
The process typically includes:
- Development of a Ukrainian Canadian film or media project
- Preparation of application with creative and production plan
- Submission with reference letters and supporting documents
- Evaluation based on artistic merit and feasibility
- Funding decision by Shevchenko Foundation
- Project implementation (development → production → dissemination)
- Reporting and possible phased funding for multi-year projects
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying without Canadian citizenship or permanent residency
- Submitting projects unrelated to Ukrainian Canadian culture
- Including ineligible formats such as podcasts or radio broadcasts
- Missing required reference letters
- Failing to demonstrate financial feasibility
- Applying with incomplete previous grant reporting
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve success chances:
- Clearly connect the project to Ukrainian Canadian identity and culture
- Present a realistic and well-structured production plan
- Include strong distribution and audience engagement strategy
- Demonstrate financial planning and co-funding support
- Highlight innovation in storytelling and media approach
- Provide strong professional references
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Shevchenko Foundation Film & Media Arts Program?
- It supports Ukrainian Canadian film, video, and new media projects.
- It focuses on cultural storytelling and heritage preservation.
- It funds production, development, and dissemination activities.
- Who can apply?
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Film and media artists working on Ukrainian Canadian themes
- Individuals with final creative control over their projects
- What types of projects are funded?
- Documentaries and video works
- New media and multimedia projects
- Film production and post-production
- Festival screenings and dissemination activities
- What costs are covered?
- Production and post-production expenses
- Travel and project-related subsistence
- Marketing and pitch materials
- Workshops and professional development
- What is not funded?
- Podcasts, radio, or print publications
- Degree-related academic projects
- Pure scriptwriting or research-only projects
- Non-Ukrainian Canadian cultural projects
- Are collaborative projects eligible?
- Yes
- One lead applicant must manage reporting responsibilities
Conclusion
The Shevchenko Foundation Film and Media Arts Program supports Ukrainian Canadian storytellers in bringing culturally significant narratives to life through film and digital media. By funding production, development, and dissemination activities, it strengthens cultural preservation, creative innovation, and the visibility of Ukrainian Canadian experiences across Canada.
For more information, visit Shevchenko Foundation.
