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The Canada Council for the Arts offers programs to support artists and arts organizations in creating and presenting their work. A priority is the development of programs that meet the particular needs of Aboriginal artists.

Many Aboriginal artists have received Canada Council grants over the years. For example, Inuit filmmaker Zacharias Kunuk received help to produce his award-winning film Atanarjuat. A Council grant made it possible for Winnipeg playwright Ian Ross to present fareWel at the Edinburgh Festival. The Council also supported a showcase of Aboriginal music, Native to Canada, at the 2000 Worldwide Music Expo (WOMEX) in Berlin, Germany, which led to several international festival engagements.

All Canada Council programs - in dance, music, theatre, writing and publishing, media arts, visual arts and inter-arts (interdisciplinary work and performance art) - are open to Aboriginal artists and arts organizations.

The Council also has seven programs designed specifically for Aboriginal artists and arts organizations. They are:

• Annual Support to Aboriginal Peoples Dance Companies, Organizations and Collectives
• Aboriginal Peoples Production Project Grants in Dance
• Aboriginal Peoples Music Program
• Developmental Support to Aboriginal Theatre Organizations
• Aboriginal Media Arts Program
• Assistance to Aboriginal Curators for Residencies in Visual Arts
• Assistance to Aboriginal Traditional Visual Art Forms
• Grants to Aboriginal Writers, Storytellers and Publishers
• Aboriginal Peoples Collaborative Exchange: National and International Project Grants
• Aboriginal Peoples Collaborative Exchange: National and International Travel Grants
• Elder/Youth Legacy Program: Support for Aboriginal Artistic Practices (Pilot Program)
• Inter-Arts
• Artists and Community Collaboration Fund
• Audience and Market Development Travel

Dance

Support to Aboriginal Peoples Dance Organizations and Collectives: For the creation and presentation of traditional and contemporary dance or movement, and the development of artistic, professional and administrative skills. The program offers Annual Support Grants and Project Grants. Native Women in the Arts received a grant to host "From Seed 2 Stage", a performance and panel discussion exploring sources of inspiration for Aboriginal dance (Zapotec, Mexican, Ojibway, Greenlandic Inuit).

Deadlines: 1 November

Aboriginal Peoples Production Project Grants in Dance: The Aboriginal Peoples Production Project Grants in Dance program aims to respond to the natural creative cycles of dance artists and to bring high quality dance works to audiences. This program provides project support to Canadian Aboriginal dance professionals (individuals), companies, collectives and organizations. The activities supported through this program lead to the creation, production and presentation of traditional dance forms and contemporary dance or movement, as well as the development of artistic and professional skills in the field of dance.

The program has two components:

Short-Term Production Grants provide support for one project that will be fully developed and presented to a paying audience within one year.

Long-Term Production Grants provide support for one major project, which is defined as a full program of work or works that will require between two and four years to be fully developed and presented to a paying audience.

Short-Term Production Grants: 15 March only

Long-Term Production Grants: 1 November only

Other programs in dance include support for dance professionals, creation/production projects, travel, touring, international co-productions and audience development.

For information: Jerry Longboat, ext. 5501

Music

Aboriginal Peoples Music Program: For research and preservation projects on traditional Aboriginal music, workshops on traditional music, or performances at single events (such as celebrations and powwows). The group Tiyoweh received a grant to perform at the Discovery Coast Music Festival in Bella Coola, B.C. The Edmonton Metis Cultural Dance Society received a grant for workshops on traditional Metis fiddling.

The Aboriginal Peoples Music Program supports activities that contribute to the career and artistic development of Aboriginal musicians, and to the continued vitality of Aboriginal music. Activities funded through this program develop professional skills of Aboriginal music artists; strengthen organizations dedicated to Aboriginal music; and support other activities that restore, preserve, invigorate and raise the profile of Aboriginal music and musicians. This program has three components:

Professional Development Project Grants: support activities for the professional career and artistic development of Aboriginal musicians and music groups, bands or ensembles, such as workshops or one-on-one mentorships that increase an artist’s ability to manage and direct his or her career, develop marketing skills or improve performance skills; and activities that contribute to the health and vitality of Aboriginal music organizations, such as strategic planning and other short-term projects that increase the organization’s capacity to meet its mandate, or workshops and courses that ensure that key staff and volunteers have the necessary administrative and management skills.

Community Presence and Preservation Project Grants: support activities that ensure the presence of Aboriginal music in communities, such as workshops to transfer music knowledge, or individual or community-based research projects that increase learning, appreciation and understanding of Aboriginal music.

Single-Event Performance Travel Grants: support travel by Aboriginal musicians and music groups to give a performance at an important engagement that will have a significant impact on the artist’s career or raise the profile of the artist or music group, or where key industry personnel are in attendance.  This event must be at least 800 kilometers away from the artist’s place of residence, and the artist must receive a professional fee for performing.

Deadline: 1 March

Other programs in music include support for specialized music sound recording, career development, travel, residencies, commissioning of Canadian compositions, professional choir programs, new music, professional orchestra programs, opera/music theatre, touring, international performance and festivals.

For information: Gerri Trimble, ext. 4103

Theatre

Developmental Support to Aboriginal Theatre Organizations: For assistance with the production costs of new theatre works and with the training of administrative staff, artists, technicians and board members. The Montreal theatre group Ondinnok received a grant to present "Copper Thunderbird"- written by Marie Clements and inspired by the life of Ojibway painter Norval Morrisseau-at the National Gathering of Aboriginal Theatres at the 2001 Theatre Festival of the Americas.

Deadline: 15 September

Other programs in theatre include support for professional development, travel, creation/development (for emerging and established artists), annual operating grants, touring, audience development and international collaboration.

For information: Bruce Sinclair, ext. 5022

Media Arts

Aboriginal Media Arts Program: For new and established Aboriginal media artists to develop their careers and produce independent media work including film, video, audio (not including music) and new media (multimedia, computers or information technologies). A 1999 grant supported Mary Kunuk’s creation of "Anana", an intimate film about her mother, and stories of traditional life on Baffin Island.

Deadline: 1 April

Other programs in media arts include support for film and video research/creation, new media research and residencies, production, dissemination, travel, programming, festivals and cinemathèques.

For information: Ian Reid, ext. 5203

Visual Arts

Assistance to Aboriginal Curators for Residencies in the Visual Arts: For training and development of Aboriginal curators, and residency support at a Canadian public gallery, museum or artist-run or cultural centre. Artist-curator Steve Loft received support for a residency at the Art Gallery of Hamilton.

Deadline: 1 February

Assistance to Aboriginal Traditional Visual Art Forms: Grants support Aboriginal artists, groups and collectives in activities that contribute to the knowledge, sharing, understanding and evolving of Aboriginal traditional visual art forms. Such activities include research, preservation, creation, production and dissemination of Aboriginal peoples’ traditional visual art forms.

Deadline: 15 September

Other programs in visual arts: The Visual Arts Section offers a variety of grants and services to professional visual artists (including architecture, fine craft and photography) and visual arts organizations. Grants are available for creative projects, international residencies, travel, art purchases, marketing and international exhibitions.

For information: Jim Logan, ext. 5266

Writing and Publishing

Grants to Aboriginal Writers, Storytellers
and Publishers

 

Aboriginal Emerging Writers Residencies: The goals of the Aboriginal Emerging Writers Residencies are to encourage the artistic development of emerging Aboriginal writers and storytellers, to encourage the development of Aboriginal publishing, and to enhance Aboriginal literary creation in Aboriginal languages in Canada. Aboriginal peoples include Status, Non-Status, Métis and Inuit people.

This program is an initiative of the Writing and Publishing Section of the Canada Council for the Arts, the Aboriginal Arts Program of the Banff Centre, and the En’owkin Centre. The purpose of the program is to encourage the artistic development of emerging Aboriginal writers and storytellers in a supportive, professional, artistic and cultural environment.

Successful applicants will participate in a two-week intensive writing program at the Banff Centre, in Alberta. Under the leadership of an established Aboriginal writer, accepted writers will undertake a specific writing project while participating in a program designed to refresh and refine their own writing skills. Successful applicants will learn about writing techniques, methodologies, genres, and cultural and storytelling protocols and traditions. They will also learn methodology to increase the relevance of their writing to their communities as well as innovative strategies for getting their work published.

The program incorporates instructional workshops, individual studio writing time, guest speakers, Internet and archival research, and a cultural component.

Deadline: 1 June

Storytelling and Creative Writing in Aboriginal Languages Grants: For Aboriginal writers, storytellers and collectives to work on oral or written literary projects that are in an Aboriginal language or are bilingual. Louis Bird received a grant to collect and transcribe traditional Omushkegowak stories of spiritual beliefs and practices of the last century, interviewing Cree elders in the James Bay communities of Moosonee, Moose Factor, Fort Albany, Kashedchewan and Attawapiska.

Creative Writing: For Aboriginal writers and storytellers to work on new projects in fiction, poetry or creative non-fiction. Metis writer Deborah L. Delaronde received a grant to write and illustrate the children’s book Flour Sack Flora.

Publishing: For Aboriginal publishers and collectives to publish Aboriginal literature in various forms-print, audio book, magazines, periodicals-in French, English or Aboriginal languages, and operational assistance. Kegedonce Press received a grant for a publishing assistant and for its website. In 2001, they were honoured as Outside U.S. Publisher of the Year at the 10^th Returning the Gift Festival of Native Writers and Storytellers in Norman, Oklahoma.

Deadline for all three components: 1 June

Other programs in writing and publishing include travel, author residencies, spoken and electronic words (dub and rap poetry, etc.), international translation, literary magazines, literary readings and festivals.

For information: Paul Seesequasis, ext. 5482

All Artistic Disciplines

Aboriginal Peoples Collaborative ExchangeNational and International Travel Grants & National and International Project Grants: To encourage artistic exchanges in traditional or contemporary knowledge among Aboriginal artists. Grants are for travel within Canada, as well as to and from other countries, for study or work with respected Aboriginal artists or groups. The Ivartaq Cultural Institute of Montréal organized "Kattajjatiit Katimanirjuangat - Throatsingers’ Gathering", a festival of Canadian Inuit music. Tom Poulsen of Fort Macleod, Alberta traveled to northern Georgia to learn the legendary techniques of the Fire Bringer, a threatened tradition of basketry, from Cherokee tribal elders.

This program has two components: National and International Travel Grants, and National and International Project Grants. (There are separate guidelines and form for the Project Grants component.)

National and International Travel grants: anytime

National and International Project grants: 15 November and 15 May

For information: Louise Profeit-LeBlanc, ext. 4222

Elder/Youth Legacy Program (Pilot Program): The Elder/Youth Legacy pilot program offers program funding to Aboriginal arts organizations that wish to work with these two groups on a project basis. This program is not limited to traditional art forms—it encompasses all forms of the arts.

First, the organization will choose the Elder who will work with their youth. That Elder will then help to decide the number of young people he or she will work with, and will help to select them.

Through this program, Aboriginal arts organizations can help Elders pass on the many art forms being practiced, to the next generation.

The program will also increase the Canada Council’s capacity to serve Aboriginal Elders of this country, giving them opportunities to work with youth and pass on their legacy of artistic practice.

Deadlines: 15 May

Louise Profeit-LeBlanc, ext. 4222

Inter-Arts (Interdisciplinary Work and Performance Art): The Inter-Arts Program provides support for the research, creation, production and dissemination of non-traditional creative works. Projects can be performance art (the artist performs as part of the artistic expression, including ritual-based practices) or interdiciplinary work (combining theatre, media arts, music, etc., and including artists in the community).

Creation Grants: For research and creation projects (for a few months, up to a year) that may not result in a recognizable art product, including residencies and apprenticeship/mentorship projects for emerging artists and art collectives. Cheli Nighttraveller (Saskatoon) received a grant to explore Western and Aboriginal clowning traditions.

Dissemination Grants: For presentation, circulation, audience development and publication projects. Full Circle: First Nations Performance (Vancouver) received a grant to present Talking Stick Cabaret.

Annual Funding Grants: For ongoing activities of professional, non-profit organizations that create and/ or present performance art and interdisciplinary work (must have received two previous project grants to be eligible).

Deadline for the following three components: 15 November

For information: Claude Schryer, ext. 4204

Multidisciplinary Festivals Project Grants Program: Supports Canadian non-profit organizations in producing and presenting new programming initiatives, enhancing existing programs, and introducing Canadian artists from diverse regions and cultural backgrounds to new audiences (project support is for a specific element of the festival’s overall programming in all art forms). The Land InSights Aboriginal Arts Festival (Montreal) received a grant for an outdoor performing arts program.

Deadline for Multidisciplinary Festivals Project Grants Program: 1 December

For information: Claude Schryer, ext. 4204

Outreach Program

Artists and Community Collaboration Fund: The Artists and Community Collaboration Fund (ACCF) increases the Canada Council for the Arts’ commitment to the diverse artistic activities that bring together professional artists and the broader community. Through this, it gives the arts a stronger presence in everyday life. The fund offers opportunities for communities to express themselves through creative collaborations with leading professional artists.

This fund offers financial support to projects that connect professional artists and communities. The ACCF is delivered through participating programs in all sections of the Canada Council.

Artists and community collaboration is an arts process that actively involves the work of professional artists and non-arts community members in creative and collaborative relationships. The collaborative process may include projects that involve youth and arts education.

Participating programs:

• Aboriginal Peoples Collaborative Exchange – National and International Project Grants: 15 November and 15 May
• Grants to Dance Professionals (Aboriginal artists): 15 March
• Developmental Support to Aboriginal Theatre Organizations: 15 September
• Grants to Aboriginal Writers, Storytellers and Publishers: 1 June

Contact the program officer listed for each of the participating programs.

Audience and Market Development Travel Assistance:For Canadian professional artists and their managers in all artistic disciplines to reach new audiences and markets, and for presenters and curators of professional Canadian artists to increase and enhance their programming. Grants are for Audience and Market Development within Canada and for International Marketing and Promotions. The Native to Canada showcase was presented at the Worldwide Music Expo (WOMEX) before 1,300 delegates - broadcasters, managers, event programmers, presenters, agents and record company representatives.

Deadline: any time

For information: Sandra Bender, ext. 5272

Who can apply?

Individuals: professional Aboriginal artists who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. A professional artist as someone who has specialized training (not necessarily at a college or university), and whose work is recognized by artists working in the same field and has been published, presented or performed for the public

Non-profit arts organizations: Aboriginal theatre companies, art museums, public galleries, artist-run centres, dance companies, film co-operatives and publishing houses staffed by professional Aboriginal artists.

For more information

Application forms are available on-line or by request (the Council does not send or accept application forms by fax or e-mail).
Telephone: Toll-free at 1-800-263-5588 or (613) 566-4414, plus above extensions. For general information on all Canada Council programs, contact an Information Officer at ext. 5060. Hearing-impaired callers with a TTY machine can call the Canada Council at (613) 565-5194.
Fax: (613) 566-4390
E-mail: info@canadacouncil.ca
Address: Canada Council for the Arts
350 Albert Street
P.O. Box 1047
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5V8

June 2006