Open Call for Travel/Professional Development Grant Program (Canada)

The Travel/Professional Development Grant Program supports professional artists, arts and cultural professionals, and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers with funding of up to $1,000 for career and practice development activities. The grant covers direct project-related costs for activities such as workshops, training, mentorships, and public readings. Applications are submitted through the Manitoba Arts Council’s Manipogo system, with a deadline of 1 March 2026.

The Travel/Professional Development Grant Program provides targeted financial support to professional artists and arts and cultural professionals across all artistic disciplines.

The program is designed to strengthen artistic practice, professional skills, and career development through travel-based learning, training opportunities, mentorships, and public-facing activities.

Program Purpose and Scope

This grant supports short-term, focused activities that contribute directly to an applicant’s professional growth or artistic development.

It enables artists and cultural professionals to access learning opportunities, share work publicly, and build skills that enhance long-term sustainability in their field.

The program also recognizes the importance of cultural integrity and ethical engagement, particularly when working with communities, traditions, and shared knowledge.

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to the following eligible applicants:

• Professional artists in any artistic discipline

• Arts and cultural professionals

• Indigenous Knowledge Keepers

Applicants must demonstrate an active professional practice and a clear connection between the proposed activity and their artistic or career development.

What the Grant Supports

Funding is available for activities that support professional development or the delivery of public artistic work.

Eligible Activities

The grant may be used to support:

• Workshops and short-term training programs

• Specialized or skills-based professional development

• Mentorships with experienced professionals

• Public readings or presentations

• Travel related to professional development activities

• Delivery of public-facing artistic activities connected to career growth

All supported activities must clearly relate to the applicant’s current practice or professional goals.

Funding Amount and Eligible Expenses

• Maximum grant amount: up to $1,000

Funding may only be used for direct costs related to the approved project.

Eligible Expenses Include

• Travel costs related to the activity

• Registration or participation fees

• Training or workshop fees

• Costs directly associated with delivering a public reading or presentation

Indirect or unrelated expenses are not eligible.

Why This Grant Matters

Access to professional development opportunities is essential for maintaining a sustainable and evolving artistic practice.

This grant helps remove financial barriers that often prevent artists and cultural professionals from accessing training, mentorship, or platforms for public engagement.

The program supports:

• Skill development and artistic growth

• Career advancement and professional visibility

• Knowledge exchange and cultural contribution

• Ethical and respectful engagement with communities and traditions

How to Apply Through Manipogo

All applications must be submitted through Manipogo, the Manitoba Arts Council’s online application system.

Applicants must create a Manipogo profile before starting an application.

Required Application Components

Project Information

Applicants must provide:

• Type of grant

• Project title

• Relevant artistic discipline

• Project start and end dates

Applicant Background

A background statement outlining:

• Artistic or professional history

• Relevant experience

• Recent artistic or professional activity

Project Description

Applicants must clearly explain:

• The planned activities

• Project goals and objectives

• Why the project is important

• How it supports professional or career development

• Location of the activity

• Collaborators, if applicable

• Practical considerations such as logistics and context

Supporting Documentation

Where relevant, applicants must upload confirmation documents, such as:

• Acceptance or invitation letters

• Confirmation of participation from workshops, events, or host organizations

These documents help demonstrate feasibility.

Cultural Integrity Statement

Applicants must describe:

• Their relationship to the cultures or communities represented

• How ownership of materials, traditions, and knowledge will be respected

• The approach taken to honour cultural protocols and responsibilities

This section is mandatory for all applicants.

Collaborator Information (If Applicable)

For projects involving collaborators, applicants must provide:

• A description of each collaborator’s role and contribution

• Individual details such as discipline and place of residence

• Uploaded biographies for collaborators

Budget Form

A completed budget form is required and must:

• Use whole dollar amounts

• Clearly indicate how grant funds will be spent

• Match project activities and scope

Total expenses should align with the funding request.

Additional Information

Applicants may include any essential information not covered elsewhere in the application.

How Applications Are Assessed

Applications are evaluated by an internal panel of Manitoba Arts Council staff.

Assessment is based on the following criteria:

• Artistic merit and quality

• Impact and significance of the proposed activity

• Contribution to artistic and cultural development

• Clarity of the project vision

• Applicant’s technical and professional capacity

• Strength of planning and research

• Accuracy and clarity of the budget

• Overall feasibility and readiness to carry out the project

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying for expenses not directly related to the project

• Submitting incomplete project descriptions

• Failing to upload required confirmation documents

• Providing vague budgets without clear explanations

• Overlooking the cultural integrity section

Clear, well-documented applications are more competitive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the maximum amount I can apply for?

Applicants may request up to $1,000.

Who is eligible to apply?

Professional artists, arts and cultural professionals, and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers are eligible.

Can the grant be used for travel?

Yes. Travel directly related to professional development or public readings is eligible.

Are collaborators allowed?

Yes. Collaborators are permitted, but their roles and biographies must be clearly documented.

Is cultural integrity required for all applications?

Yes. All applicants must complete the cultural integrity section.

How are applications assessed?

Applications are reviewed internally by Manitoba Arts Council staff based on merit, impact, and feasibility.

When is the application deadline?

The application deadline is 1 March 2026.

Conclusion

The Travel/Professional Development Grant Program provides flexible, targeted support to help artists and cultural professionals strengthen their practice and advance their careers.

With funding of up to $1,000, the program enables access to training, mentorship, travel, and public engagement opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

For professionals seeking focused growth and meaningful development, this grant offers practical support at a critical stage of artistic and career progression.