Share – Artists in Schools Grant Programme (Canada)

Deadline: 05-Oct-2026

The Artists in Schools Grant provides funding to connect K–12 students in Manitoba public schools with professional artists, arts and cultural professionals, and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers. The programme supports meaningful arts education experiences that encourage creativity, cultural learning, collaboration, and direct engagement with professional arts practitioners.

The grant helps schools and arts professionals deliver high-impact learning experiences that strengthen access to quality arts education across Manitoba.

Overview of the Artists in Schools Grant

The Artists in Schools Grant supports projects that bring professional arts and cultural experiences into Manitoba public schools.

The programme focuses on creating opportunities for students to learn through direct interaction with:

• Professional artists.
• Arts and cultural professionals.
• Indigenous Knowledge Keepers.
• Professional arts organisations.
• Community-based cultural practitioners.

The funding supports hands-on learning experiences that complement classroom education and expand students’ understanding of arts and culture.

Purpose of the Artists in Schools Grant

The main purpose of the grant is to strengthen arts education by creating meaningful connections between students and professional creative practitioners.

The programme aims to:

• Increase access to arts education experiences for K–12 students.
• Support collaboration between students and artists.
• Encourage creative exploration and cultural learning.
• Provide opportunities to engage with professional arts practitioners.
• Include Indigenous perspectives through collaboration with Indigenous Knowledge Keepers.
• Build stronger relationships between schools and the arts community.

Key Focus Areas

The Artists in Schools Grant supports projects that align with several key areas.

K–12 Arts Education in Public Schools

The programme supports arts learning opportunities for students in Manitoba public schools from kindergarten through Grade 12.

Projects should:

• Enhance classroom learning through arts experiences.
• Encourage student participation and creativity.
• Support arts education goals within schools.

High-Impact Arts and Cultural Experiences

Funded projects should provide meaningful experiences that go beyond traditional classroom activities.

Examples include:

• Workshops with professional artists.
• Interactive arts activities.
• Cultural learning sessions.
• Creative projects involving student participation.
• Performances combined with educational engagement.

Collaboration Between Students and Artists

The grant encourages direct collaboration between students and creative professionals.

Students may have opportunities to:

• Create artwork with professional guidance.
• Learn artistic techniques.
• Explore creative processes.
• Develop confidence through participation.
• Understand professional arts practices.

Engagement With Arts and Cultural Professionals

Projects should involve qualified professionals who can provide authentic arts learning experiences.

Eligible collaborators may include:

• Visual artists.
• Musicians.
• Performers.
• Writers.
• Cultural practitioners.
• Other professional arts specialists.

Participation of Indigenous Knowledge Keepers

The programme recognises the importance of Indigenous knowledge and cultural learning.

Projects involving Indigenous Knowledge Keepers may support:

• Indigenous cultural education.
• Traditional knowledge sharing.
• Community-based learning.
• Greater understanding of Indigenous arts and perspectives.

Funding Amount Available

Funding levels depend on the number of artists or cultural professionals involved in the project.

Available funding includes:

• Up to $7,500 per application for projects involving one artist.
• Up to $15,000 per application for projects involving two or more artists.

Funding supports approved project activities that improve arts education opportunities for Manitoba students.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Eligible applicants include professional arts and cultural practitioners who can deliver arts learning experiences in Manitoba schools.

Applicants may include:

• Professional artists.
• Arts and cultural professionals.
• Indigenous Knowledge Keepers.
• Professional arts groups.
• Professional arts organisations.
• Professional arts service organisations.

Applicants should have relevant experience and the ability to collaborate effectively with schools and students.

Eligible Project Participants

Projects supported through the grant must involve:

• K–12 students attending public schools in Manitoba.
• Professional artists or cultural practitioners.
• Meaningful arts or cultural learning activities.

Projects should create direct interaction between students and arts professionals.

Types of Projects Supported

Eligible projects may include:

• Artist-led classroom workshops.
• Cultural learning experiences.
• Collaborative creative projects.
• Arts-based education programmes.
• Indigenous cultural learning activities.
• Student projects developed with professional artists.
• Multi-artist collaborations with schools.

Projects should focus on active participation, learning, and engagement rather than only observation.

How the Artists in Schools Grant Works

Applicants should follow these steps when preparing their project proposal:

Step 1: Develop a School Partnership

Applicants should identify opportunities to collaborate with Manitoba public schools.

Partnership planning should include:

• School needs.
• Student age groups.
• Learning objectives.
• Proposed arts activities.
• Project timeline.

Step 2: Design the Arts Education Project

The proposed project should explain:

• The artistic or cultural focus.
• The role of the artist or Knowledge Keeper.
• Student participation activities.
• Expected learning outcomes.
• Benefits for students and schools.

Step 3: Submit the Application

Applicants should provide details about:

• The project plan.
• Participating artists.
• School involvement.
• Budget requirements.
• Expected impact on students.

Step 4: Deliver the Project

Successful applicants must:

• Work collaboratively with schools.
• Provide meaningful student engagement.
• Complete activities according to the approved proposal.
• Support positive arts learning experiences.

Why the Artists in Schools Grant Matters

Arts education plays an important role in student creativity, confidence, cultural understanding, and personal development.

The grant helps:

• Expand access to professional arts experiences.
• Introduce students to creative careers.
• Encourage cultural awareness.
• Support Indigenous knowledge sharing.
• Strengthen connections between schools and the arts community.

By bringing artists into schools, the programme creates opportunities for students to experience creativity in practical and inspiring ways.

Benefits for Students and Schools

Students benefit through:

• Increased creativity and self-expression.
• Exposure to professional artists.
• Opportunities to develop artistic skills.
• Greater cultural awareness.
• Hands-on learning experiences.

Schools benefit through:

• Stronger arts education programming.
• Collaboration with creative professionals.
• Additional learning opportunities for students.
• Connections with Manitoba’s arts community.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their proposals by:

• Clearly explaining the educational value of the project.
• Describing how students will actively participate.
• Demonstrating experience as an arts professional.
• Including clear learning outcomes.
• Building strong partnerships with schools.
• Explaining how the project supports arts and cultural learning.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Designing projects without meaningful student involvement.
• Failing to explain educational outcomes.
• Providing unclear project plans.
• Not demonstrating professional arts experience.
• Focusing only on performances without learning opportunities.
• Submitting incomplete application information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Artists in Schools Grant?

The Artists in Schools Grant provides funding for arts and cultural projects that connect Manitoba K–12 public school students with professional artists, arts professionals, and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers.

Who can apply for the grant?

Eligible applicants include professional artists, arts and cultural professionals, Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, professional arts groups, arts organisations, and arts service organisations.

How much funding is available?

Projects involving one artist may receive up to $7,500, while projects involving two or more artists may receive up to $15,000.

Who benefits from the programme?

The programme benefits K–12 students attending public schools across Manitoba by providing access to professional arts and cultural learning experiences.

Can Indigenous Knowledge Keepers participate in projects?

Yes. The programme supports involvement from Indigenous Knowledge Keepers to strengthen cultural learning and Indigenous perspectives in schools.

What types of activities can funding support?

Funding can support workshops, collaborative arts projects, cultural learning activities, and other experiences involving direct student engagement with arts professionals.

Where can educators find more information and artist connections?

Educators and applicants can refer to the Artists in Schools website for additional programme details and artist listings to help develop partnerships.

Conclusion

The Artists in Schools Grant provides valuable support for expanding arts education opportunities for K–12 students across Manitoba. By connecting schools with professional artists, arts and cultural professionals, and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, the programme helps students develop creativity, cultural understanding, and meaningful connections with the arts community.

Applicants should focus on creating engaging, collaborative projects that provide students with direct arts experiences and strengthen access to professional arts education in Manitoba schools.

For more information, visit Manitoba Arts Council.