Deadline: 01-Sep-2026
The Dance Individual Project Funding program from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts provides grants of up to $18,000 to support dance artists, arts administrators, and ensembles in Alberta. Funding supports projects related to dance production, marketing, research, and professional development. Eligible applicants must be Alberta residents who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or Protected Persons.
What is the Dance Individual Project Funding Program?
The Dance Individual Project Funding program supports the creative and professional development of Alberta-based dance artists and arts professionals. The program provides financial assistance for specific dance projects that contribute to the creation, presentation, promotion, or study of dance works.
The funding is designed to strengthen Alberta’s dance sector by helping artists develop new choreography, expand audiences, conduct research, and enhance their professional skills.
Both individual artists and collaborative dance groups can apply if they meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
Funding Amount
Eligible applicants can receive up to $18,000 per project.
The funding is intended to support expenses that are directly related to completing the proposed dance project.
Applicants may also use a portion of the grant for basic living or subsistence costs, including:
Living expenses are capped at $3,000 per month during the project period.
Types of Activities Supported
The program funds projects across four main activity areas within the dance sector.
1. Art Production
Art production funding supports the development, creation, and production of dance works.
Examples include:
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Development of choreography
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Creation of new dance performances
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Production of commissioned dance works
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Rehearsal and staging of new productions
2. Marketing Activities
Marketing activities focus on promoting the work of Alberta dance artists and expanding audiences.
Examples include:
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Promotional campaigns
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Advertising and publicity initiatives
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Audience development strategies
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Promotion of performances or productions
3. Research Activities
Research funding supports exploratory or preparatory work that contributes to a future dance project.
Examples include:
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Research on choreography or dance techniques
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Development periods for new artistic concepts
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Investigation of cultural or thematic elements related to a dance project
4. Training and Career Development
Training activities help artists improve technical, creative, or administrative skills in the dance field.
Examples include:
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Dance training courses
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Professional workshops and masterclasses
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Mentorship programs
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Programs related to performing arts administration
Eligible Project Expenses
Funding may be used to cover necessary costs related to the project.
Eligible expenses may include:
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Fees for contracted artists or technicians
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Commission fees
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Production and staging costs
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Promotion and publicity expenses
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Transportation and accommodation
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Tuition or training fees
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Royalties
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Administration and contract fees
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Project-related supplies
These expenses must be essential for completing the proposed project.
Ineligible Expenses
Some costs and activities are not eligible for support.
Examples include:
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Capital purchases such as buildings or property
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Capital development projects
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Studio construction or renovation
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Recreational training activities
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Components that form part of a course of study
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Contracts related to ongoing activities
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Projects similar to usual commissioned work
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Expenses incurred before the application submission
Applicants should ensure that the project budget includes only eligible costs.
Who is Eligible?
The program is open to dance professionals who meet residency and legal status requirements.
Individual Eligibility
Applicants must:
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Be residents of Alberta
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Be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or Protected Persons
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Hold an open work or study permit from within Canada if applicable
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Have maintained their primary residence in Alberta for at least one year before applying
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Ordinarily live in Alberta for at least six months each year
An exception may apply to applicants temporarily living elsewhere while attending a formal program of study.
Applicants must also be in good standing with the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, meaning they have no outstanding grants or reporting obligations.
Collaborative Projects
Collaborating artists, ensembles, and collectives may apply if all project co-owners meet the individual eligibility requirements.
Project Co-Owners
Project co-owners are individuals who:
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Share ownership or copyright of the work
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Have a significant financial stake in the project
Examples include:
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Choreographers
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Producers
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Creative partners involved in ownership of the work
Contributors (Non Co-Owners)
Some collaborators are not considered co-owners unless they retain ownership rights.
These may include:
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Dancers and performers
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Designers
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Stage managers
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Videographers
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Mentors
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Elders or Knowledge Keepers
These contributors participate in the project but typically do not hold ownership or copyright.
Why This Funding Matters
Dance projects often require significant financial resources for rehearsals, production, promotion, and professional development.
This funding program helps address these challenges by:
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Supporting the creation of new dance works
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Helping artists develop their careers
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Encouraging innovation and experimentation in dance
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Expanding audience engagement for Alberta dance artists
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Strengthening the regional dance ecosystem
By supporting artistic development, the program contributes to the growth and sustainability of Alberta’s performing arts sector.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit a detailed proposal describing their dance project and how the funding will be used.
Step-by-Step Application Process
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Develop a project concept
Define the goals, artistic vision, and outcomes of your dance project. -
Prepare a detailed project plan
Include timelines, collaborators, and production stages. -
Create a realistic budget
Ensure all expenses are eligible and directly related to the project. -
Confirm eligibility requirements
Verify residency status and ensure you are in good standing with the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. -
Identify collaborators and project co-owners
Clearly define ownership roles and responsibilities. -
Submit the application before the deadline
Ensure all required documentation and information are included.
Applications are evaluated based on artistic merit, feasibility, and the potential impact of the project.
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve your chances of receiving funding:
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Clearly describe the artistic concept and creative process
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Provide a realistic timeline and production plan
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Demonstrate how the project contributes to professional development
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Include a clear audience or presentation strategy
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Present a well-structured and justified budget
Strong applications show both creative vision and strong project planning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid the following issues:
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Including ineligible expenses in the project budget
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Submitting incomplete applications
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Failing to demonstrate clear artistic outcomes
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Proposing projects unrelated to the dance sector
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Requesting reimbursement for expenses incurred before submission
Carefully reviewing program guidelines helps reduce the risk of rejection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the maximum funding amount available?
Applicants can receive up to $18,000 per project.
2. Can the funding cover living expenses?
Yes. Basic living or subsistence expenses such as housing, food, childcare, and transportation may be covered up to $3,000 per month.
3. Who can apply for this funding?
Eligible applicants include Alberta-based dance artists, arts administrators, and ensembles who meet residency and citizenship requirements.
4. Are collaborative projects allowed?
Yes. Collaborating artists, ensembles, and collectives may apply if all project co-owners meet eligibility requirements.
5. Are training programs eligible for funding?
Yes. The program supports training, mentorship, workshops, and professional courses related to dance and performing arts.
6. Can academic coursework be funded?
No. Specific components that form part of a formal course of study are not eligible for funding.
7. Can previously incurred expenses be reimbursed?
No. The program does not cover expenses incurred before submitting the application.
Conclusion
The Dance Individual Project Funding program from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts provides critical support for Alberta’s dance professionals by offering grants of up to $18,000. The program enables artists to develop new dance works, expand audiences, conduct research, and pursue professional training.
By supporting creative development and professional growth, this funding initiative helps strengthen Alberta’s dance community and the broader performing arts sector, ensuring that innovative dance projects can be created, produced, and shared with audiences.
For more information, visit Alberta Foundation for the Arts.
