Deadline: 15-Sep-2026
The Share – Artists in Communities Grant Program provides funding to support inclusive arts activities that remove barriers to participation in creative and cultural expression.
It focuses on strengthening community engagement through accessible, high-quality artistic projects led by professional artists and organizations.
Key Focus Areas
The program supports:
- Artistic creation and production
- Public presentations (performances, exhibitions, concerts, readings)
- Community-based art projects
- Artist-led workshops and classes
- Arts education and knowledge sharing
- Publication of artistic work
- Cultural and community arts gatherings
- Collaborative arts initiatives with underserved groups
Funding Levels
The program offers three tiers of funding:
Micro-Grant
- Amount: $1,000
- Eligible applicants: Individual artists only
- Purpose: Small-scale creative projects
Small-Scale Grant
- Amount: Up to $7,500
- Purpose: Community or group-based arts projects
Large-Scale Grant
- Amount: Up to $15,000
- Requirement: Must secure matching funds equal to or greater than the requested amount
- Purpose: Larger, multi-activity or high-impact projects
Eligible Expenses
Funding may be used for:
- Artist fees and collaboration costs
- Travel expenses
- Materials and supplies
- Production and event costs
- Publication and documentation costs
- Workshop and facilitation expenses
Project Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Ability to reduce barriers to arts participation
- Artistic quality and creative merit
- Feasibility and clarity of project planning
- Community engagement and cultural relevance
- Overall social and artistic impact
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants include:
- Professional artists
- Arts and cultural professionals
- Indigenous Knowledge Keepers
- Professional arts groups and organizations
- Arts service organizations
- Community-based non-profit organizations
Ineligible Applicants
The following are not eligible:
- Organizations already receiving certain Manitoba Arts Council operating or community impact funding
- Organizations receiving ongoing funding from the Department of Sport, Culture, Heritage, and Tourism (Manitoba)
- Non-professional or non-arts-focused entities (in most cases)
Program Objectives
The program aims to:
- Improve access to arts for underserved communities
- Support inclusive cultural participation
- Strengthen community-based artistic practice
- Promote collaboration between artists and communities
- Enhance cultural expression and representation
- Encourage creative skill development
Community Impact Focus
Projects are expected to:
- Engage communities facing barriers to arts access
- Foster inclusive participation in creative activities
- Reflect cultural diversity and integrity
- Build long-term artistic relationships within communities
- Strengthen local cultural ecosystems
Why This Program Matters
This grant supports equitable access to the arts by enabling artists and organizations to work directly with underserved communities.
It helps:
- Expand participation in cultural activities
- Support emerging and professional artists
- Strengthen community identity and cohesion
- Increase access to creative education and expression
- Promote inclusive cultural development
Conclusion
The Share – Artists in Communities Grant Program provides $1,000 to $15,000 in funding for inclusive, community-focused arts projects. By supporting artistic creation, collaboration, and public engagement, the program helps remove barriers to arts participation and strengthens cultural access for underserved communities.
For more information, visit Manitoba Arts Council.