Apply now for Original Peoples Investment Program (Canada)

The Original Peoples Investment Program provides one-time project funding to support First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists, artist collectives, Indigenous-led arts organizations, cultural workers, arts administrators, and curators working in the Treaty 7 region. The program supports Indigenous artistic practices through research, creation, production, professional development, promotion, and public presentation of artistic work.

Eligible applicants can receive up to $20,000 for individual artists, $25,000 for artist collectives, and $30,000 for Indigenous-led and Indigenous-centred arts organizations to strengthen Indigenous arts and cultural expression.

Original Peoples Investment Program Overview

The Original Peoples Investment Program is a one-time funding opportunity designed to support Indigenous artists and arts communities in the Treaty 7 region.

The program supports First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artistic practices across multiple disciplines by providing financial assistance for projects focused on:

• Artistic research and experimentation
• Creation and development of original artwork
• Production and presentation of artistic projects
• Professional development and learning
• Marketing and promotion
• Public sharing of artistic work

The program recognizes the importance of Indigenous knowledge, cultural traditions, and contemporary artistic practices.

Purpose of the Original Peoples Investment Program

The program aims to strengthen Indigenous arts communities by helping artists and organizations develop sustainable creative practices.

Funding supports activities that:

• Encourage artistic innovation
• Support Indigenous storytelling and cultural expression
• Create opportunities for professional growth
• Increase public engagement with Indigenous arts
• Strengthen Indigenous artistic networks
• Promote diverse artistic practices

The program is supported and validated by:

• First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists
• Elders
• Knowledge Keepers
• Indigenous Advisory Committee

Funding Amount Available

The program provides one-time project grants based on applicant type.

Funding support includes:

• Individual artists can apply for up to $20,000.
• Artist collectives can request up to $25,000.
• Indigenous-led and Indigenous-centred arts organizations can receive up to $30,000.

The total funding available through the program is $750,000.

Who Is Eligible?

The program is open to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists, collectives, cultural workers, and organizations practising or operating in the Treaty 7 region.

Eligible applicants include:

• Professional individual artists
• Artist collectives
• Indigenous-led arts organizations
• Indigenous-centred arts organizations
• Cultural workers
• Arts administrators
• Curators

Eligibility Requirements for Individual Artists

Individual artists are eligible if they:

• Are First Nations, Métis, or Inuit artists
• Are at least 18 years old
• Live and practise in the Treaty 7 region
• Are actively developing their artistic practice

Artists do not need to work full-time in the arts.

Applicants must demonstrate ongoing commitment through:

• Professional training
• Public presentation of original work
• Artistic growth
• Community involvement
• Continued creative development

Eligibility Requirements for Artist Collectives

Artist collectives must meet the following requirements:

• Include two or more artists
• Have a majority of members who are First Nations, Métis, or Inuit artists
• Have members living and practising in the Treaty 7 region
• Ensure members meet the definition of professional artists

Collectives may apply for:

• A single collaborative project
• A continuing shared artistic practice

Eligibility for Cultural Workers, Arts Administrators, and Curators

The program also supports First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultural workers, arts administrators, and curators.

Eligible independent projects may focus on:

• Research activities
• Professional development
• Creative leadership
• Artistic practice development
• Knowledge-sharing initiatives

Applicants must lead their own projects outside the regular activities of an arts organization.

Eligibility for Indigenous-Led and Indigenous-Centred Arts Organizations

Registered nonprofit Indigenous-led and Indigenous-centred arts organizations may apply.

Organizations must:

• Be legally registered nonprofit entities
• Serve Indigenous arts communities
• Have a clear Indigenous arts mandate
• Demonstrate that arts programming is central to their work

Supported Artistic Disciplines

The program supports artists working across a wide range of creative fields, including:

• Indigenous Arts
• Visual Arts
• Music
• Theatre
• Dance
• Film
• Literary Arts
• Digital Arts
• Media Arts
• Craft
• Performance Arts
• Public Art
• Community Art
• Curatorial Practice
• Interdisciplinary Arts
• Multidisciplinary Arts
• Social Practice
• Sound Art
• Arts Education
• Art for Social Change
• Circus Arts
• Opera and Orchestra
• D/deaf Arts
• Disability and/or Mad Arts
• Transdisciplinary Arts

Why This Program Matters

The Original Peoples Investment Program plays an important role in supporting Indigenous cultural development and artistic expression.

The program helps:

• Strengthen Indigenous voices in the arts sector
• Support emerging and established Indigenous artists
• Encourage creative experimentation
• Preserve and share Indigenous knowledge
• Create professional development opportunities
• Increase visibility of Indigenous artistic work

By providing dedicated funding, the program supports both traditional Indigenous knowledge and contemporary artistic innovation.

Types of Projects Supported

The program supports projects that contribute to the development and presentation of Indigenous artistic practices.

Supported activities may include:

Artistic Creation and Production

Projects may involve:

• Creating new artworks
• Producing performances
• Developing exhibitions
• Creating literary works
• Producing digital and multimedia projects

Research and Experimentation

Funding may support:

• Artistic research
• Exploration of creative ideas
• Testing new methods
• Development of innovative approaches

Professional Development and Learning

Eligible activities may include:

• Workshops
• Training programs
• Mentorship opportunities
• Skill development
• Knowledge-sharing activities

Marketing and Promotion

Funding may support:

• Promotional materials
• Audience engagement activities
• Marketing strategies
• Public outreach

Public Presentation and Sharing

Projects may include:

• Performances
• Exhibitions
• Cultural presentations
• Community events
• Public art activities

How to Apply for the Original Peoples Investment Program

Applicants should follow these steps when preparing their application.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Determine your applicant category:

• Individual artist
• Artist collective
• Cultural worker
• Arts administrator
• Curator
• Indigenous arts organization

Confirm that you meet Treaty 7 region requirements.

Step 2: Develop a Project Proposal

Clearly explain:

• Your artistic goals
• Project activities
• Creative process
• Cultural significance
• Expected outcomes

Step 3: Prepare a Project Budget

Include expenses such as:

• Artist fees
• Materials
• Production costs
• Training expenses
• Promotion costs
• Presentation expenses

Ensure that all expenses directly support the project.

Step 4: Submit a Complete Application

A strong application should demonstrate:

• Artistic vision
• Indigenous cultural connection
• Professional commitment
• Project feasibility
• Community impact

Common Mistakes and Tips for Applicants

Mistake 1: Not Clearly Explaining Artistic Practice

Applicants should provide details about their artistic background.

Tip: Include previous artistic work, training, performances, exhibitions, and community involvement.

Mistake 2: Weak Project Description

A general idea may not clearly demonstrate project value.

Tip: Explain what you want to create, why it matters, and how funding will support your artistic development.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet requirements related to location, professional practice, and applicant type.

Tip: Carefully review eligibility conditions before applying.

Mistake 4: Poor Budget Planning

An unclear budget can weaken an application.

Tip: Connect every expense with a specific project activity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Original Peoples Investment Program?

The program provides one-time project funding to support First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists, collectives, cultural workers, and Indigenous arts organizations in the Treaty 7 region.

2. How much funding can individual artists receive?

Individual artists can apply for up to $20,000 in project funding.

3. Can artist collectives apply for funding?

Yes. Eligible artist collectives can request up to $25,000.

4. Can Indigenous arts organizations apply?

Yes. Registered nonprofit Indigenous-led and Indigenous-centred arts organizations can receive up to $30,000.

5. Do artists need to work full-time in the arts?

No. Artists do not need full-time employment in the arts but must demonstrate ongoing commitment to their artistic practice.

6. What artistic disciplines are supported?

The program supports disciplines including visual arts, music, theatre, dance, film, literary arts, digital arts, Indigenous arts, and interdisciplinary practices.

7. Can cultural workers and curators apply?

Yes. Eligible cultural workers, arts administrators, and curators can apply for independent projects involving research, professional development, or artistic practice.

Conclusion

The Original Peoples Investment Program provides valuable funding support for Indigenous artists, cultural workers, collectives, and arts organizations in the Treaty 7 region.

Through support for artistic creation, research, professional learning, production, and public presentation, the program strengthens Indigenous arts practices and encourages cultural expression.

Eligible applicants should prepare a clear project proposal, demonstrate their artistic commitment, and explain how their work contributes to the growth and visibility of Indigenous arts communities.