Deadline: 20-Mar-2026
The Manitoba Arts Council Create Grant Program provides funding of up to $15,000 to support professional artists and arts groups in the creation and development of original artistic work. The program supports new work, works in progress, research, and creation-based residencies, with funding levels based on career stage. It is designed to strengthen professional artistic practice, innovation, and long-term career development.
The Manitoba Arts Council (MAC) is inviting applications for its Create Grant Program to support professional artists and professional arts groups engaged in the creation and development of artistic work.
This program provides flexible funding to help artists dedicate time, resources, and focus to research, experimentation, and the creation of original work, including participation in creation-based residencies.
Program Overview
The Create Grant Program is a core funding stream of the Manitoba Arts Council focused on artistic creation rather than presentation or touring.
It supports artists at different career stages as they develop new ideas, refine works in progress, or deepen their practice through research and residency-based creation.
The program is open to professional artists, professional arts groups, and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers working across artistic disciplines.
Key Focus Areas
The Create Grant Program prioritizes activities that contribute directly to artistic development and professional growth.
Supported activities include:
-
Research and exploration for new artistic work
-
Creation of original artistic works
-
Development and refinement of works in progress
-
Participation in creation-based residencies
-
Collaborative artistic development with other professionals
The emphasis is on process, experimentation, and artistic quality rather than finished public outcomes.
Funding Levels by Career Stage
Grant amounts are determined by the applicant’s career stage.
Emerging Artists
-
Maximum funding: up to $7,500
-
Intended for artists at the early stages of their professional careers
Mid-Career Artists
-
Maximum funding: up to $10,000
-
For artists with an established professional practice seeking to expand or deepen their work
Established Artists
-
Maximum funding: up to $15,000
-
For artists with a sustained, recognized professional career and significant body of work
Career stage is assessed based on professional experience rather than age.
What the Grant Can Be Used For
Create Grant funding may be used to cover direct costs related to artistic creation and development.
Eligible expenses include:
-
Materials and supplies
-
Artist and collaborator fees
-
Equipment rental or studio rental
-
Residency fees and associated costs
-
Travel for research or residency participation
-
Research-related expenses
-
Living expenses during the creation period
All expenses must be clearly linked to the proposed artistic activities.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must fall into one of the following categories:
-
Professional individual artists
-
Professional arts groups
-
Indigenous Knowledge Keepers engaged in artistic creation
Applicants must demonstrate a professional level of practice and commitment to ongoing artistic development.
Ineligible Activities
The Create Grant Program does not support:
-
Presentation, exhibition, or touring costs
-
Marketing or promotional activities
-
Non-artistic professional development
-
Projects without a clear creation or research focus
Applicants should ensure their proposal clearly centers on artistic creation.
Why This Program Matters
Creating new work requires time, space, and financial stability, which are often difficult to secure through earned income alone.
The Create Grant Program addresses this gap by allowing artists to focus on creative exploration without immediate commercial or presentation pressures.
The program helps:
-
Foster artistic innovation and experimentation
-
Support sustainable professional artistic careers
-
Strengthen Manitoba’s arts ecosystem
-
Encourage artistic risk-taking and long-term growth
How the Create Grant Works
-
Artists or groups propose a creation-focused project or residency.
-
Applicants identify their career stage and appropriate funding tier.
-
Applications are assessed by peer reviewers based on artistic merit and feasibility.
-
Successful applicants receive funding to support focused creative work.
Recipients are expected to use the grant during the approved creation period.
Tips for a Strong Application
-
Clearly explain the creative idea and its significance to your practice
-
Describe the research or creation process in concrete terms
-
Demonstrate readiness to carry out the project within the proposed timeline
-
Align the budget closely with the creative activities
-
Clearly identify collaborators and their roles, if applicable
Strong applications show both artistic vision and practical planning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Submitting vague or underdeveloped project descriptions
-
Applying for costs unrelated to creation or research
-
Misidentifying career stage
-
Providing an unclear or unbalanced budget
-
Failing to explain how the project advances artistic practice
Clarity and focus are key to successful proposals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum funding available?
Funding ranges from $7,500 to $15,000, depending on career stage.
Can I apply as part of an arts group?
Yes. Professional arts groups are eligible to apply.
Are creation-based residencies supported?
Yes. Participation in residencies focused on artistic creation is a core focus of the program.
Can the grant cover living expenses?
Yes. Living expenses directly related to the creation period are eligible.
Does the project need to result in a finished artwork?
No. The program supports research, experimentation, and works in progress.
Are Indigenous Knowledge Keepers eligible?
Yes. Indigenous Knowledge Keepers engaged in artistic creation are explicitly eligible.
Can the grant be used for travel?
Yes. Travel related to research or residencies is an eligible expense.
Conclusion
The Manitoba Arts Council Create Grant Program provides essential support for professional artists and arts groups to develop original artistic work at every career stage.
By funding research, creation, and residency-based practice, the program enables artists to invest deeply in their creative process and long-term professional growth.
For artists seeking time, space, and resources to create meaningful new work, the Create Grant Program represents a vital opportunity within Manitoba’s arts funding landscape.
For more information, visit Manitoba Arts Council.
