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CFPs: Visual Arts and New Media Individual Project Funding (Canada)

Deadline: 02-Mar-2026

The Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) provides grants of up to $18,000 to individual Alberta artists, arts administrators, or ensembles for visual arts or new media projects. Funding supports project development, marketing, research, training, and career development, with an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Program Overview

The AFA supports Alberta-based artists and arts administrators in creating and promoting visual arts and new media projects. Grants aim to develop individual artistic practice, strengthen the arts ecosystem, and enhance public engagement while promoting equitable and inclusive participation.

Eligible Projects

Funding is available for projects in:

  • Art Production: Creation, development, exhibition, curation, residencies, crating, and shipping.

  • Marketing: Promotion, advertising, audience development, and dissemination of artistic work.

  • Research: Preparation and development of a visual arts or new media project.

  • Training and Career Development: Courses, workshops, masterclasses, retreats, mentorship programs, and arts administration skill-building.

Eligible artistic forms include:

  • Drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, fibre art, ceramics

  • Photography, fine craft, mixed media, installation art, public art

  • Media and computer-assisted art

Funding Details

  • Grant Amount: Up to $18,000 per project

  • Eligible Expenses:

    • Artist and technician fees, commissions, production materials

    • Promotion, publicity, transportation, accommodation

    • Tuition/training fees, royalties, administration, contract fees

    • Basic living/subsistence costs up to $3,000/month

    • Other reasonable expenses as determined by AFA

  • Ineligible Expenses:

    • Capital purchases and long-term equipment

    • Recreational training or thesis exhibitions

    • Applied arts such as gaming, architecture, interior design, commercial photography, graphic design, fashion design

    • Ongoing activities similar to usual commissioned work

    • Expenses incurred prior to application submission

Eligibility Criteria

  • Residency: Alberta residents (Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or Protected Persons with open work/study permits) for at least one year prior to application and living in Alberta at least six months per year.

  • Good Standing: No outstanding AFA projects or reporting requirements.

  • Individual Status: Applicants, ensembles, or collectives must not be incorporated federally or provincially.

  • Collaborative Projects: All co-owners must meet eligibility; lead applicant manages application, funds, and reporting.

Application and Assessment Process

  • Submission: Applications are assessed on a project-by-project basis.

  • Expert Panel Review: Evaluates project merit, impact, artistic and educational value, budget appropriateness, and applicant’s ability to execute the project.

  • Evaluation Criteria:

    • Artistic and technical ability

    • Training, experience, achievements

    • Personal objectives and potential impact

  • AFA Board Review: Panel recommendations are reviewed by the board; funding is not guaranteed.

  • Notification: Successful applicants are typically informed four to six months after the deadline.

Why This Grant Matters

  • Supports individual artistic development and career advancement.

  • Encourages diverse and inclusive participation, including Indigenous, racialized, women, 2SLGBTQIA+, and disabled artists.

  • Strengthens Alberta’s arts ecosystem through high-quality, publicly impactful visual arts projects.

  • Provides financial and technical support to realize creative projects and engage audiences.

Common Tips for Applicants

  • Ensure the project aligns with visual arts or new media.

  • Include a clear, reasonable budget and timeline.

  • Demonstrate impact on the artist and the artistic community.

  • Highlight training, experience, and past achievements.

  • Ensure all co-owners meet eligibility criteria for collaborative projects.

  • Submit complete applications to maximize assessment success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is eligible to apply? Alberta residents (Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or Protected Persons) who meet residency and eligibility criteria.
2. What is the maximum grant amount? $18,000 per project.
3. What types of projects are eligible? Visual arts and new media projects in production, marketing, research, training, or career development.
4. What expenses are covered? Artist fees, production materials, marketing, travel, training, basic living expenses (up to $3,000/month), and other reasonable costs.
5. Are incorporated collectives eligible? No, applicants and collectives must not be incorporated.
6. How are applications evaluated? By an expert panel considering artistic merit, budget, feasibility, and potential impact, followed by AFA board review.
7. When are results announced? Typically four to six months after the application deadline.

Conclusion

The AFA Individual Visual Arts and New Media Project Grant empowers Alberta artists to develop and promote impactful projects while fostering diversity, inclusion, and community engagement. Through financial support, mentorship, and evaluation by experts, applicants can advance their artistic practice and contribute meaningfully to Alberta’s cultural landscape.

For more information, visit AFA.