Grant program for artists

If your application has been submitted in the wrong section, the program officer responsible for your file will contact you to inform you of this fact and tell you how to proceed. You will have to cancel your application and submit a new application in the correct section. Applications cannot be transferred from one section to another, as the requirements are specific to each section.

Yes, it is possible to submit applications in several sections at the same time, but keep in mind that the CALQ cannot support the same expenses twice and that you cannot have more than three supported or in progress projects under analysis at the same time. The same project can be supported at different stages. The CALQ gives the artist the latitude to submit his or her applications when he or she deems it appropriate, within the following rules :

- You may submit up to five separate applications and receive a maximum of five grants per CALQ fiscal year (April 1 to March 31).

- All applications submitted, including those found to be ineligible, are counted towards the annual maximum.

An artist can submit up to three applications at the same time and be granted funding for all three. However, the same expense cannot be funded twice. You cannot have more than three projects under evaluation, funded and/or in progress at the same time.

No, you can be a collaborator or participant in a number of projects. The person who submits the application counts as the applicant. In the case of a collective, the artist who files the application on behalf of the group is the applicant. The others are considered collaborators or participants. Only the applicant needs to satisfy the eligibility criteria.

You can apply in either English or French, there is no advantage to applying in either languages. The CALQ ensures that applications in English are assessed by people who are comfortable with that language.

No. The application may be submitted in either English or French. English-language projects can be funded.

You will receive a response to your application within four months of the application date.

Only the applicant’s eligibility will be evaluated based on the program criteria.

No. To be eligible, candidates must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents according to the meaning of article 2 (1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, normally reside in Québec, and have resided in the province for the past 12 months.

You may not submit the same project during the same year in which it was evaluated. However, if significant changes are made to the project, you may submit a new application.

A single grant application can include several elements, but there must be a clear connection between them. If they are two separate projects produced at the same time, you need to submit two applications.

Absolutely, the Council has been committed for several years to inclusion and accessibility to its services, both in terms of representativeness and aid designed specifically to support disabled artists.

Discover the resources available This link will open in a new window

At the moment, only a video in French This link will open in a new window presenting the nine components of the general scholarship program and produced in Quebec sign language is available.

You can apply at any time.

Yes, when you complete your grant application, you specify the artistic discipline for the project. If you want your project to be evaluated by a multidisciplinary jury, you should check the corresponding box on the application form.

Yes, depending on the discipline of applications evaluated at that time.

Yes, it is indicated under project status.

At least 4 weeks before activities begin. Because of COVID-19, some rules have been suspended.

As of September 1, 2023, students in the process of graduating in institutions of higher learning specializing in the arts are no longer eligible for the CALQ grant programs. Their exceptional eligibility had been put in place to facilitate their integration into professional milieus in the difficult context of cultural recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Professional associations may issue scales that can be a useful reference. You can adjust them based on your estimates and individual needs.

Yes. The grant recipient receives the amount in a lump sum at the start of the project. An accountant or professional association can help you divide your income over more than one year if your project takes place over more than one year.

In general, it means a commission for the creation of a work by an institution according to specific parameters for the purpose of producing it.

The plan is to make written feedback available on any application submitted to the General Grant Program for artists and curators. However, the system is being phased in.
The first components concerned are: CreationThis link will open in a new window, Exploration and researchThis link will open in a new window, Professional DevelopmentThis link will open in a new window and Public Presentation. This link will open in a new window Feedback will be available only for applications submitted on or after August 27, 2022. Subsequently, feedback will gradually be expanded to other grants. We will keep you informed of our progress through our usual communication channels.

As soon as the response is available in your online accountThis link will open in a new window, you can click on the status of your request to access the link to retrieve your feedback. Note that the link will be available only for files for which feedback is offered, i.e. for applications to the CreationThis link will open in a new window, Exploration and researchThis link will open in a new window, Professional DevelopmentThis link will open in a new window and Public Presentation. This link will open in a new windowsections of the general grant program submitted on or after August 27, 2022.

When the explanatory document is available, it will be posted to the Inbox of your online file and you will receive an email informing you that you have a new message.

Unfortunately we won't be able to provide any more information specifically about your application. However, you can contact us if you have any general questions about CALQ programs and we will be happy to answer them.

To help you prepare and draft your next application, we have created the CALQ primer This link will open in a new window, a series of information videos that provide useful advice from CALQ staff on what to include in your application and pitfalls to avoid. The videos also include personal accounts from jury members about their experiences. In addition, you can contact professional arts and literary associations, regional cultural councils and/or the CALQ before submitting your next grant application if you have other questions.

The CALQ lists the members of juries and committees in the appendices to its Annual Management Report This link will open in a new window.

Feedback is provided in the language used in your application. So if your application was submitted in English, you will receive written feedback in English.

Yes, podcasts with artistic content are eligible under the various components of the general artists' grant program. Projects must be submitted in the discipline that comes closest to the content of the project (eg: documentary podcast in documentary cinema, audio book in literature, radio drama in theatre). Note that the general list of ineligible projects This link will open in a new window also applies to podcasts. For co-production projects, the agreement specifying the obligations of each of the parties must be attached to the application and the artist-author must have full control over the content and production of his work as well as the all production and broadcast agreements. He owns all the rights of reproduction and public performance of his work or may, by granting a licence, entrust them to a delegated producer or an independent distributor.

The CALQ has received an increase in its budget to assist the arts community in dealing with the COVID-19 crisis. An amount is specifically earmarked for the new grant program, which will allow the CALQ to fund a greater number of projects.

It is up to the applicant to explain on what basis(s) he or she has established his or her own remuneration and that of participating artists.

The CALQ makes it a priority to improve artists' remuneration and conditions of practice. As such, it is important that the remuneration provided in the context of the project be fair and equitable, reflecting the talent, skills and number of hours worked by the participating artists, including the applicant.

Eligible expenses are presented in each of the program sections and are the same for all disciplines.

The program does not operate with discipline-specific envelopes, but with an overall envelope. Financial resources are allocated equitably based on the needs expressed by applicants, taking into account disciplines, socio-demographic factors, experience and territory (regions).

Yes.

The categories of artists based on experience were abolished to be fairer to all applicants. Under the old grant program, emerging artists were only allowed to apply to one section per fiscal year and the maximum amount was limited to $15,000. From now on, emerging artists will benefit from the same maximum amounts and the same conditions as other artists, i.e., the possibility of submitting up to five applications per year.

No. The application is evaluated based on the total number of years of artistic and literary experience and the jury’s assessment.

Yes, once you qualify in a discipline, you can apply in any of the disciplines supported by the CALQ.

The project will be evaluated among the applications of the discipline in which you are submitting your project.

For this type of project, as for all applications, it is now possible to request an evaluation by a multidisciplinary jury. To do so, you must check the corresponding box in the application form.

If your artistic or literary project is not part of your training, there’s no problem as long as you meet the eligibility criteria for our programs without counting your current studies. You can have an artistic practice alongside your studies.

They will be evaluated by juries made of their peers in humour.

Yes. Although commissioned work projects are no longer the subject of a section per se, they are eligible for the Creation section in all disciplines. Commissioned work projects must include a letter from the partner committing to participate financially in the creation and dissemination of the work.

The nature of your project will determine the section in which you can submit your application. If you are working on a research project that includes a public experimentation workshop, your application should be submitted under the Research and Exploration section. If your project involves the pre-production of a performance, for instance, your application should be submitted under the Creation section, where you will have the opportunity to present excerpts from the work before a test audience. The Public Presentation section is intended for works that are ready for public presentation.

Yes, the project is eligible. On the application form you can specify the co-producer's contribution. More specifically, in the fields of popular song and music, the CALQ intends to complement SODEC's activities. Thus, assistance for the production of a show is aimed more specifically at entrepreneurial artists, whether they act independently or in co-production.

The CALQ believes that reaching the public is facilitated when artists work in collaboration with an organization or individual with experience in the dissemination of works in his or her disciplinary sector, who contributes money or services to the project, thereby increasing its impact.

No, but showcase projects at markets, fairs or exhibitions are generally eligible for the Circulation of Works (within or outside Québec) sections.

No. At least one presentation needs to be guaranteed.

The CALQ does not fund educational or pedagogical projects. Therefore, a project whose sole purpose is cultural mediation would not be eligible. However, for a Public Presentation grant, the budget could include expenses for cultural mediation activities conducted alongside the presentation of the work.

You cannot submit an application for a grant for website design as such; it must be related to an artistic project. However, in every section of the grant program where promotional expenses are eligible, a website can be included in the budget.

A website can also be funded under the Publication and Critical Documentation section if, for example, you are producing an online publication that deals critically with your work.

The jury evaluates the coherence and clarity of your project or the theme you would like to develop as part of your project. Refer to the criteria under the “Evaluation of applications” tab on the program page to find out about the factors assessed by the jury.

The Exploration and Research section is a first step in exploration, which does not necessarily involve the creation of a work. Maximum amount: $25,000.

A Creation application can include research, but it must lead to an advanced stage in the creation of a work. Maximum amount: $50,000.

Not necessarily. You can also apply under the Creation section. It is recommended, but not required, to obtain a presentation commitment.

Yes.

It is important to notify us.

All applications from individuals, artists or curators must be forwarded to the new program. With its nine sections, this program covers all the activities previously covered in various programs and offers even more opportunities.

*This question also applies to the following programs: Diffusion d’œuvres au Québec et à l’extérieur du Québec, Accueil d’œuvres de l’extérieur du Québec, Prospection et Publication.

From now on, all applications from individuals must be submitted under the grant program for artists, including those for a group project.

Whether it is a collective or an individual project, a single person must assume responsibility for the management of the project and the grant, if applicable. The other persons involved in the project are considered either as participating artists or as collaborators, if they are not artists.

In general, this type of video is eligible in these sections as a testimonial video or as an artistic work, but not as a promotional item.

One application.

The difference concerns text, which is required to be considered a publication. An exhibition catalogue project includes producing one or more texts that present the artist’s work and the exhibition.

If you are running a non-profit organization, you must apply to the Organizations grant programs. Only applications from individuals (acting in their capacity as individuals, not legal entities) are eligible for the Artists’ grant program.

No. The presentation of works on tour is no longer eligible for the Travel section. All applications must be submitted under Circulation of Works Within Québec or Circulation of Works Outside Québec, depending on the venue.

No, artists' grant applications will be evaluated together, separately from those of organizations.

No. Under the new grant program, this project, like all residency projects, must be submitted to the Research and Exploration or Creation sections, depending on its nature.

Yes, you are eligible for financial assistance for expenses not covered by the partner. Eligible expenses are as follows:

- Transportation costs.

- Expenses related to travel such as vaccination, visa, insurance, etc.

- Costs related to the translation of excerpts from works.

- Transportation costs for supplies needed for the project.

Yes, if the group is not legally incorporated as a for-profit or non-profit organization, including a general partnership. The application must be submitted by only one artist who will assume responsibility for managing the project and the grant, if applicable.

No, but you can submit an application under the Circulation of Works Within Québec section if your project requires a minimum of five nights or three performances outside your place of residence.

No, it is up to the presenter to cover the artists' fees. Eligible costs for the Circulation of Works sections essentially cover transportation and accommodation.

No, but the project is eligible under Circulation of Works Outside Québec. You may then apply for assistance from the CALQ for the following expenses:

- Travel and related expenses such as vaccination or visa fees;

- Living expenses (maximum of $140 per day);

- Transportation costs for equipment or works, including insurance and customs;

- Equipment rental fees;

- Promotional and advertising costs not covered by the host organization;

- Agency fees;

- Administrative costs up to 10% of the total project cost.

No, the project must be submitted to the Research and Exploration or Creation section, depending on the nature of the project.

Yes, you must submit a schedule and confirmation of the planned meetings.

Yes, if the materials are necessary for the project. Examples of such costs include excess baggage when an artist is transporting material for a conference, or the cost of transporting the instrument of a musician participating in an international competition. These cannot be costs related to the transportation of works, sets, costumes, etc.; those may be included in the Circulation of Works sections.

It’s possible in some cases – for example, if you are organizing an event and inviting other artists to attend as panelists or as resource persons, without presenting their own work. If the application is for a tour, travel expenses for the group are eligible under the Circulation of Works section.

Yes. These types of expenses can be included in your application.

• Does the CALQ have a program equivalent to the Community Cares This link will open in a new window program offered by the Canada Council for the Arts (CCA)?

  The Arts et lettres de Montréal territorial partnership program is similar. The general grant program can also finance projects with a social component.

Yes, you can submit a grant application to this program solely for marketing. The types of projects that are eligible concern the development of promotional tools. Examples include creating or redesigning a website, producing a print or electronic promotional publication, and producing a video that presents the artist’s work.

This program is not open to all disciplines; it is only for artists in the visual arts who have more than three years of professional practice.

Yes, you can apply for a grant to acquire equipment even though the artist does not have a clearly defined artistic project. We can fund the purchase of equipment that will be useful to their practice in general.

To be eligible, in addition to being an artist or a writer, you must be an immigrant or a member of a visible minority.

Maximum amount: $50,000

To be eligible for the program, the artist must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident according to the meaning of article 2 (1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, normally reside in Québec, and have resided in the province for the past 12 months. The artist must also meet one of the following criteria: be a professional artist or writer who is an immigrant, born outside of Québec and Canada and/or be member of a visible minority, i.e., of African, Asian, Middle Eastern, or Latin American descent or of mixed origins, indicating that their origins include at least one of the abovementioned groups.

In all sections of the general grant program, there is a “digital arts” discipline you can apply to. A temporary measure occurs every year, Exploration and Digital Deployment, which is available for artists in all disciplines, including digital arts.

Digital arts are defined as artistic explorations and practices, the processes and works of which use primarily digital technology for creation and dissemination. They include practices based on the use of information and communication technologies, whether computer-based, electronic, digital, sound, interactive or web, and include audio art and augmented and virtual reality.

Since 1994, the CALQ has been managing a large network of Québec Studios, exchanges and studio-apartments on four continents. The grants awarded for residencies support research and artistic development, as well as networking activities for the artist when overseas. Calls for applications for residencies are issued throughout the year. 

To select participants, the CALQ relies on juries of artists who consider the quality of the artistic work in the projects submitted, the candidate’s case and the value of their project for their artistic process in their evaluation.

Some residencies are for emerging or mid-career artists. Québec Studios are open only to artists with over ten years of practice and offer a longer-term stay.

According to the type of residency, you can submit a residency project in the Travel component if it is subject to a selection process, and accommodations and production costs are fully funded by the host organization.  The results of any residencies are presented publicly through the artist’s dissemination and promotional activities.  

Other types of residency projects can be submitted via the Research and Exploration or Creation components. As part of these components, travel and accommodation expenses are eligible.