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RFAs: Visual Arts and New Media Individual Project Funding (Canada)

Deadline: 01-Sep-2026

The Visual Arts and New Media Individual Project Funding supports Alberta-based artists, arts administrators, and ensembles in developing specific visual arts or new media projects. Grants of up to $18,000 cover project expenses, training, marketing, and basic living costs, with an emphasis on equitable access for diverse communities.

Overview

This funding opportunity aims to strengthen artistic practice and audience engagement by supporting projects in a wide range of visual arts and new media disciplines, including:

  • Drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, fibre art, ceramics

  • Photography, fine craft, mixed media, installation, and public art

  • Media or computer-assisted art

  • Related activities such as production, marketing, research, and career development

Applicants may receive up to $18,000, covering 100% of eligible project costs.

Eligible Expenses

Funding may support:

  • Artist and technician fees

  • Commission fees

  • Production costs (materials and supplies)

  • Promotion and publicity

  • Transportation and accommodation

  • Tuition or training fees

  • Royalties, administration, or contract fees

  • Basic living costs (housing, local transport, food, childcare, dependent care) up to $3,000 per month

  • Other reasonable and necessary project-related expenses approved by AFA

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants must:

  • Be residents of Alberta

  • Be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or Protected Persons with an open work or study permit

  • Have lived in Alberta for at least one full year before applying and ordinarily reside in Alberta at least six months per year

  • Be in good standing with the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA)

  • Not have open or outstanding projects or reporting requirements

  • Individuals, ensembles, or collectives must not be incorporated under federal or provincial legislation

Collaborating artists or collectives may apply if all co-owners meet eligibility criteria. Contributors without ownership rights (e.g., assistants, technicians, mentors, Elders) are generally not considered co-owners.

Focus Areas

The program encourages projects that:

  • Promote equitable access and diversity, including Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, women, people with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ artists

  • Develop new works or exhibitions

  • Support audience engagement through marketing, workshops, festivals, or award presentations

  • Strengthen the artist’s practice, research, or career development

How to Apply / What to Do

  1. Confirm eligibility as an Alberta-based artist, ensemble, or arts administrator

  2. Define your project scope clearly, including medium, activities, and objectives

  3. Prepare a budget covering eligible expenses up to $18,000

  4. Include co-owners if collaborating, ensuring all meet eligibility criteria

  5. Provide supporting documentation of past work and impact

  6. Submit your application through the AFA portal, ensuring all reporting and prior projects are closed

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Emphasize originality and artistic vision

  • Include clear budgets and project timelines

  • Demonstrate audience engagement and marketing plans

  • Highlight equitable access and diversity practices

  • Show evidence of past experience and impact

FAQs

1. What is the maximum grant amount?
Up to $18,000 per project.

2. Who is eligible?
Alberta residents who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or Protected Persons with a valid work or study permit.

3. Can collectives or ensembles apply?
Yes, if all project co-owners meet individual eligibility criteria.

4. What types of projects are supported?
Projects in visual arts or new media, including creation, production, marketing, research, training, and audience engagement activities.

5. Are basic living costs covered?
Yes, up to $3,000 per month for housing, food, transportation, childcare, or dependent care.

6. Are there diversity and equity requirements?
The program encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, women, people with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ artists.

7. Can previously funded applicants apply?
Applicants must be in good standing with AFA and not have any open or outstanding project reporting requirements.

Conclusion

The Visual Arts and New Media Individual Project Funding provides Alberta artists with vital support to create, produce, and promote innovative projects. With grants of up to $18,000, the program strengthens artistic practice, career development, and audience engagement while promoting diversity, equity, and accessibility in the arts.

For more information, visit Alberta Foundation for the Arts.