Open Call for Dance Individual Project Funding

The Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) offers Dance Individual Project Funding to support Alberta artists, ensembles, or arts administrators in developing specific dance projects. Applicants may request up to $18,000 CAD for eligible project expenses, including production, marketing, research, training, and basic living costs. The program emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, with applications assessed on artistic merit, project impact, and applicant capacity.

Overview of the Program

The Dance Individual Project Funding supports the development of individual Alberta artists, arts administrators, or ensembles by providing resources for a specific dance project. The AFA promotes equitable, inclusive, and accessible programs, encouraging participation from Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, women, people with disabilities, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Why It Matters

This funding enables artists to:

Develop, produce, and showcase dance works.
Expand audiences and promote dance in Alberta.
Advance research, training, and career development.
Strengthen diverse artistic contributions to Alberta’s cultural landscape.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must:

Be residents of Alberta (Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or Protected Persons with an open work/study permit from inside Canada).
Have primary residence in Alberta for at least one year and live there at least six months per year (exceptions for formal study).
Be in good standing with the AFA, with no outstanding projects or reporting obligations.
Not be incorporated under provincial or federal legislation.

For ensembles or collectives, all co-owners must meet eligibility criteria. A lead applicant must be designated to manage the application, funds, and reporting. Contributors such as dancers, designers, or videographers are generally not considered co-owners unless specified.

Eligible Projects and Expenses

Eligible project types include:

Art Production: Development, creation, or production of dance works, including commissioned works.
Marketing: Promoting or advertising dance works and developing audiences.
Research: Activities that support or result in the development of a dance project.
Training & Career Development: Courses or programs enhancing artistic training in dance or related performing arts.

Eligible expenses include:

Artist or technician fees, commissions, production costs
Promotion, transportation, accommodation
Tuition, royalties, administration fees
Basic living expenses up to $3,000 per month

Ineligible expenses: capital purchases, studio construction/renovations, recreational training projects, specific course components, ongoing contracts, or costs incurred before application submission.

Application Process

Submit applications via the Grant Administration Tracking and Evaluation (GATE) Front Office online system.
Include detailed information: legal name, contact details, project description, co-owner listing, expenses and revenue, and relevant attachments.
Support materials may include artistic resumes, project descriptions, visual documentation, contracts, marketing plans, or course acceptance documentation. Files over 4 MB may be submitted via email or physical media.
Each applicant may submit only one application per deadline across all disciplines. Projects involving multiple artists must be submitted by a single lead applicant.

Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed by an expert panel on:

Impact on the applicant and Alberta’s dance community
Artistic, educational, or promotional merit
Appropriateness of budget
Applicant’s capacity to carry out the proposed project, including artistic and technical ability, training, experience, achievements, and objectives

Funding decisions are made by the AFA board on a project-by-project basis, and approval is not guaranteed. Successful applicants are typically notified within four to six months of the application deadline.

Tips for Applicants

Ensure all required documents and attachments are included in a single submission.
Clearly outline project objectives, outcomes, and budget allocation.
Highlight diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations in your project.
Designate a lead applicant if applying as an ensemble or collective.
Use visual documentation or previous work examples to strengthen the application.

FAQ

1. Who can apply for this funding?
Individual Alberta artists, arts administrators, or ensembles meeting residency and AFA eligibility requirements.

2. How much funding is available?
Up to $18,000 CAD, including eligible project expenses and up to $3,000/month for basic living costs.

3. What types of projects are eligible?
Art production, marketing, research, and training or career development related to dance.

4. Can ensembles apply?
Yes, provided all co-owners meet eligibility criteria and a lead applicant is designated.

5. What expenses are ineligible?
Capital purchases, studio construction, recreational training projects, ongoing contracts, and costs incurred prior to application submission.

6. How are applications assessed?
By an expert panel, based on project impact, artistic merit, budget appropriateness, and applicant capacity.

7. When are funding decisions announced?
Successful applicants are typically notified four to six months after the application deadline.

Conclusion

The AFA Dance Individual Project Funding empowers Alberta artists and ensembles to advance their creative practice, produce impactful dance projects, and strengthen the province’s cultural landscape. With clear eligibility criteria, structured support, and emphasis on diversity, this funding opportunity enables artists to develop work that resonates with communities and fosters growth in Alberta’s dance sector.