Deadline: 15-Jan-2026
The Manitoba Arts Council (MAC) Residencies Grant provides professional artists, arts professionals, and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers with funding and support to pursue dedicated residencies. With up to $2,500 in funding, applicants can develop new work, build skills, or engage in cultural exchange in Manitoba or internationally, gaining focused time and resources for creative growth.
What is the MAC Residencies Grant?
The MAC Residencies Grant is designed to give artists and cultural professionals the time, space, and financial support to focus on creative research, project development, skill-building, or cultural exchange. The program supports residencies in established MAC locations or self-determined spaces, allowing flexibility for different artistic and research needs.
Key Features
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Funding Amount: Up to $2,500 per residency
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Residency Options:
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Riding Mountain Artists’ Residency
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Churchill Artists’ Residency
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Self-determined residencies in Manitoba or internationally
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Support Provided: Travel, accommodation, residency fees, living expenses, materials, equipment, or shipping
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Purpose: Develop new works, nurture creative growth, facilitate cross-disciplinary or cultural exchange
Who is Eligible?
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Professionals: Professional artists and arts professionals
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Cultural Experts: Indigenous Knowledge Keepers
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Disciplines: Open to individuals in any artistic or cultural discipline
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Focus: Applicants with clear goals for creative research, new work, skill-building, or cultural exchange
Why the Grant Matters
The program enables artists to:
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Dedicate time to creative practice without daily distractions
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Develop new works or progress ongoing projects
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Expand skills through experimentation, research, or collaboration
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Engage in cultural exchange and cross-disciplinary projects
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Access financial support to reduce barriers associated with residencies
How the Grant Works
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Application Submission: Applicants provide details about residency plan, objectives, and anticipated outcomes
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Residency Selection: Choose MAC-provided residencies or propose a self-determined residency
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Funding Allocation: Grants of up to $2,500 awarded to cover travel, living costs, materials, or residency fees
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Residency Period: Artists complete the residency, focusing on research, creation, or skill-building
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Post-Residency Reporting: Recipients may provide updates or summaries of work developed during the residency
Tips for Applicants
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Clearly outline goals, expected outcomes, and creative process
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Choose a residency that aligns with project scope and ambition
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Include a budget plan detailing how funds will be used
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Emphasize opportunities for innovation, skill development, or cultural exchange
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Highlight any collaborative or cross-disciplinary elements if applicable
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply? Professional artists, arts professionals, and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers.
2. Which disciplines are eligible? All artistic and cultural disciplines.
3. What residency options are available? Riding Mountain, Churchill, or self-determined residencies in Manitoba or abroad.
4. How much funding is provided? Up to $2,500 per residency.
5. What expenses can be covered? Travel, accommodation, residency fees, living costs, materials, equipment, and shipping.
6. Can the residency be outside Manitoba? Yes, self-determined international residencies are eligible.
7. Is prior experience required? Professional status in the artistic or cultural field is expected; prior residency experience is not mandatory.
Conclusion
The MAC Residencies Grant provides artists, cultural professionals, and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers with the resources, time, and space needed to focus on creative development. By supporting residencies locally or internationally, the program nurtures innovation, skill-building, and cultural exchange, empowering participants to develop meaningful, high-quality work while advancing their professional practice.
For more information, visit Manitoba Arts Council.