Deadline: 02-Mar-2026

The Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) Literary Individual Project offers funding of up to $18,000 to support Alberta-based writers, arts administrators, or non-incorporated ensembles in developing literary arts projects. Eligible expenses include artistic production, marketing, research, training, and limited living costs. Applications are assessed on artistic merit, project impact, feasibility, and applicant capacity, with submissions made via the GATE Front Office system.

Alberta Foundation for the Arts: Literary Individual Project

The Literary Individual Project provides financial support to individual Alberta writers, arts administrators, or ensembles to develop specific literary arts projects. The program emphasizes artistic development, professional growth, and equitable access, encouraging applications from underrepresented and diverse communities.

Objectives of the Program

Support the creation and development of high-quality literary works.
Fund professional development, marketing, and research activities related to literary projects.
Promote equitable, inclusive, and barrier-free access for diverse artists.
Encourage engagement with Alberta’s literary community and broader audiences.

Grant Details

Maximum Funding: $18,000
Eligible Expenses Include:
- Artist fees and royalties
- Project-related promotion and marketing (e.g., reading tours, online campaigns)
- Travel directly related to the project
- Training and professional development (workshops, retreats, masterclasses)
- Research activities including experimentation and exploration
- Administration and limited basic living costs
Ineligible Expenses:
- Publication or production costs for books or periodicals
- Capital purchases
- Recreational training or academic course components
- Costs incurred prior to application submission

Eligible Literary Genres

Novels, short fiction, poetry, graphic novels, plays
Young adult fiction, picture books
Literary non-fiction (biography, cultural, political, or social commentary, history, literary journalism, memoir, personal essays, travel writing)
Ineligible Genres: Bibliographies, cookbooks, directories, journalism, manuals, textbooks, promotional publications, and self-published works

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must:

Be Alberta residents for at least one year and ordinarily reside in the province for six months annually.
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 reports or open projects.
Not be incorporated under federal or provincial legislation.
Ensembles and Collectives: Eligible if all project co-owners meet the above criteria, with a lead applicant designated to manage the application and funds.
Ownership: Applicants must own the copyright to the proposed work, and any publication must be publicly accessible.

What Projects Are Supported?

Artistic Production: Drafting, writing, and development of literary works.
Marketing & Promotion: Reading tours, digital campaigns, or other promotional initiatives.
Research: Exploration and experimentation to support literary creation.
Training & Career Development: Workshops, mentorships, masterclasses, and retreats.

How to Apply

Obtain a GATE Front Office account if you do not already have one.
Complete the electronic application form including personal details, project information, co-owners (if applicable), and budget.
Attach all required documents:
- Artist and co-owner resumes
- Detailed project description
- Writing samples relevant to the project
- Marketing plans, confirmations, or training documentation, depending on project type
Submit your application before the stated deadline. Only one submission per deadline is allowed.
If files exceed system limits, supplemental materials can be submitted via email or mail.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed by an expert panel based on:

Artistic Merit: Quality, creativity, and originality of the literary work.
Project Impact: Potential for audience engagement and community relevance.
Feasibility and Budget Appropriateness: Realistic planning and financial clarity.
Applicant Capacity: Experience, achievements, and ability to execute the project.

The AFA board reviews recommendations and makes final funding decisions.

Tips for Applicants

Ensure co-owners meet eligibility requirements and designate a lead applicant.
Clearly define project goals, phases, and expected outcomes.
Provide strong writing samples to demonstrate artistic merit.
Submit complete budgets and required documents to avoid delays.
Highlight connections to Alberta’s literary community and the diversity of the project.

FAQ

1. Who can apply for the Literary Individual Project?

Alberta-based individual writers, arts administrators, or non-incorporated ensembles meeting residency and citizenship requirements.

2. What is the maximum funding available?

Up to $18,000 per project.

3. What types of literary work are eligible?

Novels, short fiction, poetry, graphic novels, plays, YA fiction, picture books, and literary non-fiction.

4. Can previously published works be funded?

No. All submissions must be original, unpublished, and owned by the applicant.

5. How are applications submitted?

Through the GATE Front Office system electronically before the deadline.

6. Are collaborative projects eligible?

Yes, if all co-owners meet eligibility requirements and a lead applicant is designated.

7. When are decisions announced?

Typically four to six months after the application deadline.

Conclusion

The Literary Individual Project by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts empowers Alberta writers and literary ensembles to pursue high-quality, impactful projects. By supporting artistic creation, marketing, research, and professional development, the program strengthens Alberta’s literary community while fostering diversity, equity, and creative excellence.

For more information, visit Alberta Foundation for the Arts.