RFAs: Exploration and Experimentation Grant Program (Canada)

The Edmonton Arts Council is accepting applications for the Exploration and Experimentation Grant under Stream 1 of its Individuals & Collectives program. This $5,000 fixed grant supports individual artists in Edmonton to focus on artistic creation, research, and development without requiring a final production or presentation. Eligible artists must be 18+, reside in Edmonton/amiskwaciy-waskâhikan, and demonstrate an established artistic practice.

Program Overview

The Exploration and Experimentation Grant is designed to support:

• Artistic creation

• Research and development

• Exploration of new ideas

• Revision or expansion of existing work

This grant prioritizes artistic process over final output.

Stream 1 provides subsistence funding so artists can dedicate time and focus to their artistic practice without committing to a public presentation, exhibition, or production outcome.

Funding Details

Grant Amount

• Fixed funding request: $5,000

Applicants must request the full fixed amount. Partial requests are not permitted.

Nature of Funding

The grant provides subsistence support, allowing artists to:

• Concentrate on creative exploration

• Develop artistic direction

• Expand conceptual or technical approaches

• Strengthen long-term artistic practice

Funding is considered taxable income. Applicants must hold a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).

Program Objectives (Stream 1)

Stream 1 supports individual artists who:

• Have an established and committed artistic practice

• Seek time and space for experimentation

• Want to explore ideas without production pressure

Applicants must clearly outline:

• Their overall artistic direction

• The goals they intend to pursue

• How the proposed activities expand or meaningfully evolve existing work

Proposals may relate to prior projects, but they must significantly advance the process or objectives of that work.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be 18 years of age or older

• Be an individual artist (not an organization)

• Have an existing and committed artistic practice

• Be a resident of Edmonton/amiskwaciy-waskâhikan

  • Includes the City of Edmonton

  • Includes specified surrounding Indigenous communities

• Reside in the region for the full duration of the project

• Hold a valid Social Insurance Number

Additional eligibility conditions:

• Only one grant from this program may be held per year

• Applicants must complete and report on any previously funded projects before reapplying

Required Application Components

1. Project Title and Short Description

Applicants must provide:

• A project title

• A project description (maximum 30 words)

The description must clearly summarize the artistic focus and intent.

2. Artist Profile Information (via SmartSimple)

All background information is drawn from the applicant’s SmartSimple profile and must be current at the time of application.

This includes:

• Primary and secondary artistic disciplines

• Artist statement

• Biography

• CV or résumé

• Online presence

Outdated profiles may weaken the application.

3. Project Details

Applicants must identify:

• Primary discipline

• Any secondary disciplines

• Project category

They must also provide detailed written responses explaining:

• Project goals

• Activities to be undertaken

• Anticipated impact on artistic practice

• Any additional relevant context

Clarity and feasibility are key evaluation factors.

4. Supporting Material (Mandatory)

Supporting materials are critical to assessment.

Applicants may submit:

• Up to 10 files

• Up to 5 direct public links

These materials should:

• Demonstrate artistic merit

• Support feasibility of the proposed activities

• Be accessible and functional

• Respect duration and size limits

Assessors rely heavily on this material to evaluate the quality and readiness of the artist’s practice.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are evaluated by the Edmonton Arts Council based on:

1. Artistic merit

2. Feasibility

3. Impact on artistic practice

4. Alignment with Stream 1 objectives

Artistic merit refers to the quality, originality, and strength of the applicant’s work.

Feasibility refers to whether the proposed activities are realistic and achievable.

Impact focuses on how the project advances the artist’s long-term development.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Update Your SmartSimple Profile

Ensure the following sections are current:

• Artist statement

• Biography

• CV

• Artistic disciplines

• Online links

Step 2: Define Your Artistic Direction

Clarify:

• What you want to explore

• Why it matters to your practice

• How it expands your work

Step 3: Write the 30-Word Project Description

Keep it precise.

It should clearly state:

• Core artistic focus

• Type of exploration

• Intended growth or development

Step 4: Prepare Detailed Written Responses

Address:

• Goals

• Activities

• Timeline logic

• Impact on your practice

Avoid vague statements. Be specific and reflective.

Step 5: Upload Strong Supporting Material

Select work that:

• Reflects your current artistic level

• Connects logically to your proposed exploration

• Demonstrates both skill and creative direction

Step 6: Submit the Fixed $5,000 Request

Do not alter the funding amount.

Why This Grant Matters

Many funding programs require a finished performance, exhibition, or publication.

Stream 1 differs because it:

• Prioritizes process over product

• Encourages artistic risk-taking

• Supports experimentation without production pressure

• Strengthens long-term artistic development

This structure enables artists to deepen their creative practice and refine their direction without external output expectations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting a vague or generic 30-word description

• Failing to clearly connect activities to artistic growth

• Uploading weak or unrelated supporting materials

• Not updating the SmartSimple profile

• Proposing a production-focused project rather than exploratory work

• Reapplying without completing prior grant reporting

Precision and alignment with Stream 1 objectives are critical.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much funding is available?

Each eligible artist receives a fixed grant of $5,000.

2. Can I apply as a collective?

No. This specific stream supports individual artists only.

3. Do I need to present or produce a final work?

No. Stream 1 does not require a production, presentation, or dissemination outcome.

4. Can I expand on an existing project?

Yes, but the proposal must meaningfully expand or evolve the process or objectives of that work.

5. Is the grant taxable?

Yes. The funding is considered taxable income, and applicants must provide a valid Social Insurance Number.

6. How many supporting files can I upload?

You may upload up to 10 files and 5 public links.

7. Can I receive this grant more than once per year?

No. Only one grant from this program may be held per year, and previous projects must be fully reported before reapplying.

Conclusion

The Edmonton Arts Council Exploration and Experimentation Grant provides $5,000 in subsistence funding to help individual artists in Edmonton focus on creative research, development, and experimentation.

By prioritizing artistic process, feasibility, and long-term impact rather than final output, Stream 1 offers meaningful support for artists committed to deepening and expanding their practice.

Artists who clearly articulate their direction, demonstrate artistic merit, and align with Stream 1’s exploratory objectives will be best positioned for success.