Deadline: 03-Feb-2026
The Winnipeg Arts Council is inviting applications for its Project Grant Program for Arts Organizations and Collectives, an initiative designed to strengthen the city’s creative landscape by supporting arts-based projects with strong artistic merit and community impact.
The program offers up to $10,000 in funding for projects that advance artistic innovation, foster collaboration, and engage the public across Winnipeg.
Eligible applicants must demonstrate a clear focus on the creation, production, or presentation of artistic work within the performing, visual, literary, film, video, or media arts. They must be based and active in Winnipeg, offering programs or services that are open to the public and accessible city-wide. Applicants must also be registered as not-for-profit corporations in Manitoba, governed by volunteer boards of directors, and have operated as such for at least six months. Artist collectives that meet additional special criteria are also eligible to apply.
The program emphasizes professional standards, requiring applicants to employ qualified artistic and administrative leadership and ensure that principal artistic contributors are fairly compensated. Organisations must show a diverse funding base by generating revenue from sources beyond the Winnipeg Arts Council, such as ticket sales, memberships, sponsorships, donations, in-kind contributions, or support from foundations and other government levels. Arts service organisations that provide development services or networking opportunities for artists and arts groups may also apply but must confirm eligibility with the program manager beforehand.
Certain applicants, however, are not eligible for this grant. Exclusions include individual artists, for-profit entities, government departments, health, religious, social service, and sports organisations, as well as educational institutions and private clubs. Trade unions, professional associations, and organisations already receiving multi-year operating or program support from the Winnipeg Arts Council are also excluded. Additionally, those that have received funding from the City of Winnipeg or its agencies or have outstanding final reports from previous grants are ineligible to apply until all reporting obligations are fulfilled.
Through this program, the Winnipeg Arts Council continues to empower local arts organisations and collectives to bring their creative visions to life. By supporting a wide range of artistic disciplines, the grant encourages innovation, diversity, and meaningful cultural engagement that strengthens Winnipeg’s identity as a vibrant and inclusive city for the arts.
For more information, visit Winnipeg Arts Council.