Deadline: 01-Oct-2026
The Film and Media Arts Sector Grant supports the creation and development of screen-based and digital media projects that promote Ukrainian Canadian heritage. It aims to strengthen cultural identity, encourage innovation, and expand public engagement through contemporary media storytelling.
The program emphasizes artistic quality, sustainability, collaboration, and audience development within Canada’s cultural ecosystem.
Programme Objectives
The program aims to:
- Preserve and promote Ukrainian Canadian cultural heritage through media arts
- Strengthen Ukrainian Canadian identity and community engagement in Canada
- Support innovative film, video, animation, and new media projects
- Encourage inclusive and sustainable cultural production practices
- Expand audience engagement through modern media platforms
- Foster collaboration, partnerships, and co-production models
- Integrate new technologies into cultural storytelling
- Enhance Canada’s broader cultural and artistic landscape
Key Focus Areas
Funded activities include:
- Film and video production (fiction, documentary, experimental)
- Animation and digital storytelling projects
- New media and multimedia cultural works
- Development of adaptations or translations of published works
- Creation of pitch packages and pre-production materials
- Production and post-production activities
- Film festivals, screenings, and public dissemination
- Digital marketing and audience engagement strategies
- Workshops, mentorships, and professional development programs
- Master classes and industry training initiatives
Eligible Applicants
Eligible organizations include:
- Canadian not-for-profit organizations
- Artist collectives and cultural groups
- Registered private businesses operating primarily in Canada
- Canadian chartered educational institutions
- Professionally governed arts organizations (board-led or equivalent structures)
Requirements:
- Projects must be based in Canada
- Applications must be submitted before project start date
- Organizations must have completed prior grant reporting to be eligible
- Projects must reflect Ukrainian Canadian cultural relevance
Funding Details
- Funding coverage: Up to 50% of total project or program costs
- Funding type: Project-based support
- Dependent on: Available Foundation budget
- Cost-sharing: External funding or in-kind contributions encouraged
Eligible Projects
The program supports:
- Film and media project development (including adaptations/translations)
- Production and post-production work
- Animation and digital media creation
- Pitch development and pre-visualization materials
- Festival participation and public screenings
- Community engagement and dissemination activities
- Digital marketing and promotional campaigns
- Training, mentorships, and workshops for artists and creators
Ineligible Projects and Costs
The program does NOT fund:
- Original script-writing research and development
- Standard biographical works without strong public engagement focus
- Ongoing operational programming or annual overhead costs
- Routine educational program operating expenses
- Radio broadcasts
- Podcasts
- Print publications
Application Requirements
Applicants must:
- Submit applications before project commencement
- Demonstrate clear artistic and production objectives
- Provide detailed budgets and financial planning
- Show organizational and production capacity
- Include external funding or in-kind support where possible
- Maintain compliance with prior reporting obligations
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Artistic merit and project quality
- Relevance to Ukrainian Canadian cultural heritage
- Organizational and production capacity
- Innovation in storytelling and media use
- Public engagement and audience reach strategy
- Financial viability and budget realism
- Marketing, distribution, and dissemination planning
- Overall cultural contribution to Canada
Programme Priorities
The program prioritizes:
- Strong Ukrainian Canadian cultural storytelling
- Innovative film and digital media projects
- Community engagement and cultural outreach
- Sustainable and financially viable production models
- Collaboration and partnership-based approaches
- Use of new technologies in media creation
- High-impact dissemination strategies
How the Programme Works
The process typically includes:
- Development of a film or media project proposal
- Submission before project start date
- Evaluation of artistic, technical, and organizational capacity
- Review of cultural relevance and budget feasibility
- Funding decision by Shevchenko Foundation
- Project execution (development → production → dissemination)
- Final reporting and compliance review
- Eligibility for future funding upon successful completion
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting applications after project start date
- Missing or incomplete previous grant reporting
- Applying for ineligible formats (podcasts, radio, print)
- Weak connection to Ukrainian Canadian cultural themes
- Lack of production or dissemination planning
- Overreliance on unsupported budgets without external funding
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve success chances:
- Clearly define Ukrainian Canadian cultural relevance
- Present a strong production and distribution strategy
- Include detailed budgeting and financial planning
- Demonstrate audience engagement and outreach potential
- Show innovation in storytelling and media use
- Provide evidence of partnerships or co-funding
- Emphasize sustainability and long-term impact
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Shevchenko Foundation Film & Media Arts Grant?
- It supports Canadian film, video, animation, and media projects.
- It focuses on Ukrainian Canadian cultural storytelling.
- It funds production, development, and dissemination activities.
- Who can apply?
- Canadian not-for-profits, collectives, businesses, and institutions
- Organizations based primarily in Canada
- Groups with strong governance and production capacity
- How much funding is available?
- Up to 50% of total eligible project costs
- Subject to Foundation budget availability
- What types of projects are supported?
- Film and video production
- Animation and new media projects
- Festival screenings and dissemination activities
- Training and professional development programs
- What is not funded?
- Podcasts, radio broadcasts, and print publications
- Scriptwriting research-only projects
- Operational or overhead expenses
- Routine educational program costs
- What are the key eligibility rules?
- Applications must be submitted before project start
- Prior grant reporting must be completed
- Projects must clearly reflect Ukrainian Canadian culture
Conclusion
The Shevchenko Foundation Film and Media Arts Sector Grant supports Canada-based organizations in creating culturally significant film and media projects that reflect Ukrainian Canadian identity. By funding production, development, and dissemination activities, it strengthens cultural preservation, innovation, and public engagement across Canada’s evolving media landscape.
For more information, visit Shevchenko Foundation.
