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Apply for Music Individual Project Funding – Canada

Deadline: 02-Mar-2026

The Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) Music Individual Project provides funding of up to $18,000 to support individual Alberta musicians, arts administrators, or ensembles in developing specific music projects. Eligible expenses include production, marketing, research, training, and limited living costs. Applications are assessed on artistic merit, community impact, feasibility, and applicant capacity, with submissions made through the AFA GATE Front Office system.

Alberta Foundation for the Arts: Music Individual Project

The Music Individual Project is designed to support the creative, professional, and promotional development of Alberta-based musicians, arts administrators, or ensembles. The program provides funding for clearly defined music projects, including artistic production, marketing, research, and training or career development.

Objectives of the Program

  • Enable artists to produce and develop music projects such as compositions, demos, or commercial recordings.

  • Fund marketing and promotional activities including tours, events, and media dissemination.

  • Support research activities that inform or enhance music projects.

  • Offer training and career development through workshops, mentorships, retreats, and specialized courses.

Grant Details

  • Maximum Funding: $18,000

  • Eligible Expenses Include:

    • Musician or commission fees

    • Production and recording costs

    • Promotion, marketing, and tours

    • Tuition and specialized study

    • Travel and accommodation

    • Administration and limited living expenses

  • Ineligible Expenses:

    • Capital purchases or studio rentals owned by ensemble members

    • Recreational training or courses for academic credit

    • Fees for principal ensemble members in collaborative projects

    • Manufacturing expenses

    • Pre-application project costs

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must:

  • Be Alberta residents for at least one year and live in the province for six months annually (except during formal study programs).

  • Hold Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or Protected Person status with an open work or study permit.

  • Be in good standing with the AFA, with no outstanding reporting from previous projects.

  • Ensembles and Collectives: Eligible if not incorporated under federal or provincial legislation, with all co-owners meeting the same requirements. A lead applicant must submit the application and manage reporting.

What Projects Are Supported?

  • Artistic Production: Composition, demo recording, commercial recording, and song development (preferably using Alberta-based facilities).

  • Marketing & Promotion: Tours, performances, promotional events, and project dissemination.

  • Research: Activities directly related to project development or music exploration.

  • Training & Career Development: Workshops, retreats, mentorship programs, and specialized music courses.

How to Apply

  1. Obtain access to the GATE Front Office system.

  2. Complete the online application form including personal and project details.

  3. Attach required materials:

    • Artist resume and co-owner resumes

    • Detailed project description

    • Two musical selections in approved formats

  4. Submit additional materials depending on project type, such as marketing plans, invitations, course acceptances, commission agreements, or music scores. Video submissions may be sent via email or mail if required.

  5. Submit only one application per deadline.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are reviewed by expert panels based on:

  • Artistic Impact and Merit: Quality, creativity, and innovation in music.

  • Project Feasibility: Realistic planning, timeline, and budget.

  • Applicant Capacity: Experience, training, and accomplishments.

  • Budget Appropriateness: Clarity and relevance of financial planning.

  • Community & Cultural Relevance: Contribution to Alberta’s music ecosystem.

Tips for Applicants

  • Clearly define project goals, phases, and expected outcomes.

  • Provide complete and organized budgets, justifying all requested funding.

  • Ensure co-owners meet eligibility requirements and designate a lead applicant.

  • Include high-quality musical selections and any supplementary materials to strengthen the application.

  • Submit before the deadline to allow time for troubleshooting technical issues in GATE.

FAQ

1. Who can apply for the Music Individual Project?

Alberta-based individual musicians, arts administrators, or non-incorporated ensembles residing in Alberta for at least one year.

2. What is the maximum funding amount?

Up to $18,000 per project.

3. What types of projects are eligible?

Projects involving music production, recording, marketing, research, workshops, mentorships, or specialized training.

4. Can incorporated ensembles apply?

No. Only non-incorporated groups or collectives are eligible.

5. How should musical work be submitted?

Submit two musical selections in approved digital formats. Video files may be sent separately if relevant.

6. How are applications evaluated?

By an expert panel considering artistic merit, feasibility, budget, applicant capacity, and community relevance.

7. When are decisions announced?

Typically four to six months after the application deadline.

Conclusion

The Music Individual Project by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts empowers Alberta musicians and ensembles to develop high-quality, innovative music projects. With support for production, promotion, research, and professional development, the program strengthens the province’s music ecosystem while fostering creative excellence and audience engagement.

For more information, visit Alberta Foundation for the Arts.