Deadline: 01-Oct-2026
The Dance Sector of the Arts Pillar Program by the Shevchenko Foundation supports individuals involved in Ukrainian Canadian dance. It focuses on strengthening cultural identity, artistic innovation, and community engagement through dance-based artistic work in Canada.
The program prioritizes projects that preserve Ukrainian heritage while expanding its relevance within the broader Canadian cultural landscape.
Programme Objectives
The program aims to:
- Preserve and promote Ukrainian Canadian cultural heritage through dance
- Support the development of Ukrainian Canadian dance artists and professionals
- Strengthen community identity and cultural connections in Canada
- Share Ukrainian Canadian arts with diverse audiences
- Encourage innovation in dance and performance practices
- Support sustainable cultural development and artistic collaboration
- Promote partnerships and co-production in the arts sector
Key Focus Areas
Funded activities include:
- Ukrainian Canadian folk dance and folk ballet
- Ballet and contemporary Ukrainian-inspired dance
- Dance production and performance creation
- Touring and live performance across Canada
- Professional development in dance and choreography
- Artistic collaboration and mentorship
- Audience development and cultural outreach
Eligible Applicants
The program supports individuals working in Ukrainian Canadian dance and related fields, including:
- Dancers and choreographers
- Dance teachers and artistic directors
- Rehearsal directors and producers
- Designers and curators
- Dance writers and arts administrators
- Archivists and dance therapists
- Presenters and festival contributors
Requirements:
- Must have final creative control over the project
- For collaborative projects, one lead applicant must be designated
- Must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents
Funding Coverage
Funding may be used for:
- Performance production costs
- Touring within Canada
- Professional development (workshops, training, mentorship, masterclasses)
- Marketing and audience development
- Promotion of Ukrainian heritage-based dance works
- Engagement with new audiences and communities
- Collaboration and partnership development
Ineligible Costs and Activities
The program does NOT fund:
- Projects required for completing academic degrees or diplomas
- Projects primarily benefiting organizations instead of individuals
- General living expenses
- Non-project-related personal costs
- Applications without completed previous grant reporting
Funding Conditions
Applicants must:
- Provide letters of reference from professionals familiar with their work
- Demonstrate capacity to complete the proposed project
- Submit final reports for any previous grants before reapplying
- Ensure compliance with reporting requirements
- Acknowledge that multi-year projects may be funded in phases
Key Program Priorities
The foundation prioritizes:
- Strengthening Ukrainian Canadian cultural identity
- Artistic innovation in dance and performance
- Collaboration with arts organizations and festivals
- Use of new technologies and creative production models
- Community engagement and cultural outreach
- Sustainable growth of Ukrainian Canadian dance sector
How the Programme Works
The process generally includes:
- Development of a dance-based artistic or cultural project
- Identification of eligible applicant with creative control
- Submission of application with supporting references
- Review of artistic merit, cultural impact, and feasibility
- Funding decision by Shevchenko Foundation
- Project implementation in Canada
- Reporting and evaluation upon completion
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying without Canadian citizenship or permanent residency
- Submitting academic degree-related projects
- Failing to designate a lead applicant in collaborations
- Requesting funding for non-project personal expenses
- Missing required reference letters
- Not completing prior grant reporting obligations
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve success chances:
- Clearly emphasize Ukrainian cultural heritage elements
- Demonstrate strong artistic vision and originality
- Include detailed production and touring plans
- Highlight audience engagement and outreach strategy
- Show collaboration with arts institutions or festivals
- Provide strong professional references
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Shevchenko Foundation Dance Program?
- It supports Ukrainian Canadian dance artists and professionals.
- It focuses on cultural preservation and artistic development.
- It funds performance, touring, and professional growth projects.
- Who can apply?
- Ukrainian Canadian dance professionals and artists
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Individuals with creative control over their projects
- What types of projects are funded?
- Dance performances and productions
- Touring and live shows in Canada
- Professional development and training
- Cultural promotion and outreach activities
- What costs are covered?
- Production and performance expenses
- Travel and touring within Canada
- Workshops, mentorships, and training
- Marketing and promotion costs
- What is not funded?
- Academic degree-related projects
- General living expenses
- Organizational benefit-focused projects
- Applications without prior reporting compliance
- Can collaborative projects apply?
- Yes
- One lead applicant must be designated for reporting responsibility
Conclusion
The Shevchenko Foundation Dance Sector Program is a cultural funding initiative that strengthens Ukrainian Canadian identity through dance. By supporting performances, professional development, and artistic collaboration, it helps preserve heritage while promoting innovation and expanding the reach of Ukrainian Canadian arts across Canada.
For more information, visit Shevchenko Foundation.