Funding

Funding for the Arts in Canada

The promotion, protection and support for the artistic community are an important matter for Canadians who recognize that the arts are one of the key instruments to affirm their cultural identity.

Canada has and continues to overcome important challenges in this regard. An immense territory with a relatively small market, coupled with global influences and rapid technological advances, make artistic production and dissemination not always economically viable. Promotion of the arts is about our cultural sovereignty and the protection of our national expression.

Funding of the arts in Canada comes from a number of sources, both public and private.

The Department of Canadian Heritage and several arms-length agencies among them the Canada Council for the Arts and Telefilm Canada, are responsible for the implementation of Canada’s policies pertaining to the arts, and provide financial support to the arts community. Other federal government Departments such as Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and Human Resources and Social Development Canada, also provide, within their respective mandates, financial and fiscal support for artists.

Provincial and municipal governments offer programmes to promote the arts within their jurisdictions by providing services, resources and financial support.

Private firms, arts foundations and other cultural organizations throughout Canada are also involved in supporting the arts with awards, grants and scholarships.

Funding for the arts in Canada is helping to implement favourable conditions for creators to practice their arts and ensure that their work is produced, distributed and enjoyed.