Music Grants in Canada

Supports the creation, development, and production of new works across all artistic disciplines. Covers research, creation, production, and presentation of original work by professional artists.

Supports artistic practices that engage people and communities. Funds ongoing activities of arts organizations and long-term projects that contribute to the vitality of the arts sector.

Project funding for professional artists to create, produce, and present new artistic work. Supports individual artists working in all disciplines with Ontario residency.

Supports individual Alberta artists undertaking specific arts projects in all disciplines. Funds creation, production, and presentation of new works.

Provides funding to Canadian musicians and bands for recording, marketing, touring, and showcasing. Supports sound recording, music video production, and international touring.

Supports Manitoba artists working in all disciplines for significant projects. Funds creation, research, production, and professional development.

Project grants for Saskatchewan artists in all disciplines to support creation, production, and presentation of artistic work. Includes mentorship and professional development.

Supports Nova Scotia artists to create new works of art. Covers living costs and production expenses during dedicated creation time.

Supports New Brunswick artists to undertake the creation of new works. Available to individual professional artists in all disciplines.

Supports Newfoundland and Labrador artists to create, produce, and present new artistic works. Individual artists in all disciplines may apply.

World-renowned artist residency programs across visual arts, music, dance, theatre, literary arts, and Indigenous arts. Provides studio space, accommodation, and mentorship.

Supports Toronto-based individual artists and arts organizations with project-specific funding. Covers all disciplines and project types.

Corporate arts program — RBC funds partner organizations (galleries, residency programs, music programs), which run their own selection processes for emerging artists. Artists do not apply to RBC directly.

Major federal program supporting professional arts festivals and performing arts series across Canada. Administered by Canadian Heritage, not CAPACOA.

Supports Indigenous artists in British Columbia to create, produce, and present works rooted in Indigenous knowledge and artistic practice.

Multi-year grants for Ontario arts and culture organizations to implement a growth strategy. Supports capacity building and audience development.

Supports emerging Canadian Francophone musicians with production and promotion of first recordings. One-time per artist. 75% of eligible costs.

Supports Canadian artists, groups and arts organizations to develop, create and share artistic works at any or all stages of the creative process, from initial idea to public presentation. Replaces the former Research and Creation and Concept to Realization grants.

Multi-year funding for incorporated not-for-profit arts organizations that create, produce, present or exhibit artistic activities and are driven by the vision of artistic leaders.

Multi-year funding for artistic organizations that facilitate connections between artists and communities, spark creative collaborations and build public relationships with the arts.

Multi-year funding for leading Canadian arts organizations that promote the work of creators, build public outreach and support the Canadian arts sector as a whole.

Supports projects by artists, arts professionals, cultural connectors, groups and organizations that contribute to the ongoing growth, strengthening and development of the Canadian arts sector.

Multi-year activity support for Canadian artists, arts and cultural workers, groups and organizations to carry out multiple, large or complex projects over up to 3 years. Supports a wide range of activities.

Small grants for professional development activities that support the advancement of artistic careers. Covers travel, workshops, conferences, and other activities that support artistic growth. Previously covered by Professional Development for Artists and similar programs.

Funds travel activities linked to the promotion and development of markets for Canadian artists and artistic works. Supports attending international markets, meetings with presenters, and other promotional trips abroad.

Supports Canadian artists, groups and arts organizations to circulate and tour their work nationally and internationally. Covers costs for touring exhibitions, performances and artistic works.

Supports Canadian artists, arts workers, groups and organizations attending residencies abroad, covering travel and residency costs to develop international artistic networks.

Development support for Canadian artistic groups and arts organizations creating new works or exhibitions in partnership with foreign arts organizations.

Supports activities that build connections between artists and diverse audiences, contributing to public appreciation and enjoyment of the arts in Canada. Covers community engagement projects, public programming and outreach activities.

Supplementary accessibility support — NOT a standalone grant. Provides additional funding to cover accessibility costs for Deaf/disabled artists who already have a successful Canada Council grant. Non-competitive staff assessment.

Aims to increase access of Francophone artists outside Quebec and Anglophone artists in Quebec to a diversity of markets and publics. Supports distribution, promotion and career development activities.

Provides funding toward the costs of producing a full-length original Canadian album, plus components for marketing, tour support, music videos, showcasing, and radio marketing.

Offers a $2,000 subsidy for a year of songwriting initiatives, including domestic and international travel for co-writing sessions, songwriting camps and workshops, and eligible showcases.

Subsidizes the cost of domestic and international performances including showcases and tours for Canadian recording artists.

Contributes to the cost of producing music videos for eligible Canadian sound recordings. Available to artists rated 2 and 3 by FACTOR.

Supports Canada's most successful recording artists (rated 3 or Platinum Album Certified) who are investing in their own masters, copyrights and live performance businesses.

Supports Canadian arts training organizations at the highest professional levels, contributing to the development of future artists and cultural leaders. Priorities include Indigenous and equity arts training.

Provides up to $7M/year to support Canadian creative industries in carrying out export projects expected to generate revenues abroad. Covers books, music, games, film and other creative content.

Provides $4M/year supporting new and early-stage exporters entering international markets and experienced exporters expanding their global networks. Supports Canadian creative sector export development.

Provides funding to local groups for recurring community festivals that present the work of local artists, artisans, heritage performers and cultural carriers.

Encourages Canadians to support arts organizations by matching private donations to professional arts organization endowment funds. Government provides matching grants for qualified donations.

Supports research excellence in social sciences and humanities. Relevant for academic artists and researchers doing research-creation, arts-based research, or arts and cultural policy research.

Provides financial support for the recording and production of francophone Canadian music albums. Supports independent labels and artists in the creation and production of full-length or EP recordings of original francophone music.

Tour support for francophone Canadian artists from Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs) — exclusively for francophones OUTSIDE Quebec. Dual application required (artist + venue network).

Federal funding for Canadian music industry delivered through FACTOR (English) and Musicaction (French). Formerly the Music Entrepreneur Component (retired 2020). Applications go through FACTOR or Musicaction, not Canadian Heritage directly.

Provides financial support for Canadian recording artists to fund domestic marketing and promotional activities in support of music releases, including radio promotion, press campaigns, digital marketing, and retail initiatives in the Canadian market.

Supports Canadian music creators through grants for composition, songwriting projects, music research, and music education initiatives. Funds Canadian musicians, composers, and music educators working on artistic development and creation projects.

Supports postsecondary-based research-creation projects that integrate artistic and/or humanistic inquiry and creation. Enables university-affiliated artists, writers, composers, and designers to undertake significant research-based creative projects with academic partners.

Supports Indigenous organizations in preparing First Nations, Inuit or Métis participants for careers in the arts through training activities. Distinct from the general CATF stream with specific eligibility for Indigenous-led training programs.

Supports professional Ontario-based composers and songwriters to create new musical works through self-directed composition or commissioned projects.

Supports professional Ontario musicians and music groups to record demo/EP recordings or full-length albums for public release.

Supports professional Indigenous artists (First Nations, Inuit, Métis), groups, and organizations in Ontario to research, develop, and create new work across all arts disciplines.

Supports professional Deaf artists and artists with disabilities in Ontario to create new work, produce art, and access professional development opportunities across all disciplines.

Supports Ontario-based professional artists and arts organizations to tour or circulate their work regionally, nationally, or internationally. Two tiers cover standard tours (up to $30,000) and large-scale tours for organizations.

Provides flat-rate travel grants for Ontario professional artists and arts organizations to attend international markets, fairs, festivals, and professional development events that support career and market development.

Funds not-for-profit organizations (including arts and culture groups) to build organizational capacity, pilot new programs, or plan for the future. Grants of $10,000–$100,000 for 6 or 12-month projects.

Funds not-for-profit arts and cultural organizations to purchase equipment, renovate facilities, or improve outdoor spaces. Grants from $10,000 to $200,000 for one-time capital projects.

Supports Quebec professional artists and independent curators to present their work to audiences through exhibitions, performances, or shows. Covers up to 75% of project costs with at least one confirmed presentation date required.

Supports Quebec professional artists and curators to circulate their works, shows, or exhibitions across Quebec, extending their reach into different regions of the province.

Provides travel funding for Quebec professional artists and curators to attend conferences, auditions, prospecting meetings, or public presentations that support their career development.

First-grant program offering $5,000 to Quebec Indigenous artists, writers, or artist collectives to launch their artistic career. Designed for first-time applicants to CALQ with a simplified entry point.

Provides additional flat-rate funding to eligible Quebec music and comedy companies to support touring of their shows across Quebec. Requires a minimum of 10 performances including 8 more than 30 km from departure point.

Supports Quebec music management companies and music publishers to develop artists and promote Quebec musical works. Requires $50,000 minimum autonomous revenues and active management of Quebec artists.

Refundable tax credit for Quebec music companies to offset production costs for sound recordings, supporting capitalization and enabling investment in creation, pre-production, marketing, and promotion.

Supports BC-based professional performing artists (dance, music, theatre, circus arts, comedy, multidisciplinary) through creation, development, and production phases. Grants up to $25,000 for specific artistic projects.

Provides immersive residency or mentorship opportunities for emerging BC arts practitioners to develop their artistic or administrative practice, gain knowledge transfer, expand professional networks, and build community capacity.

Provides scholarships up to $6,000 to BC residents enrolled in full-time post-secondary arts training programs or high school half-day pre-professional dance programs, supporting the next generation of professional artists.

Supports BC-based individual artists to circulate and tour their work regionally, nationally, or internationally, enhancing the exposure of BC artists and artworks and providing access to arts experiences.

Supports emerging and established BC music artists to record songs, film music videos, and market their music and intellectual property. Part of the broader $22.5 million Amplify BC music initiative (2025–2027).

Supports BC-based live music events to strengthen the province's live music ecosystem. Part of the broader Amplify BC program funded at $22.5 million over three years (2025–2027).

Supports individual Alberta music artists, arts administrators, and ensembles to develop specific music projects through composition, production, marketing, research, or career development activities.

Supports individual Alberta Indigenous artists, arts administrators, and ensembles to develop specific cultural or artistic projects in any discipline, recognizing the distinct needs and practices of Indigenous artistic traditions.

Subsidizes fees paid by Alberta organizations to present professional artists in public performances or events. Covers 65% of fees for Alberta artists, 50% for other Canadian artists, and up to 50% for international artists (capped at one-third of Canadian/Alberta subsidy).

Supports artistic and cultural activities led by Indigenous artists, knowledge keepers, and Indigenous-led organizations in Manitoba across all artistic disciplines and project scales.

Supports touring activities across Manitoba to share arts and culture with communities throughout the province. Prioritizes collaborative and community-engaged tours in all artistic disciplines.

Provides annual operating support to professional arts organizations, arts service organizations, community organizations, and book and periodical publishers to sustain their arts mandate and long-term operations.

Annual grant supporting smaller arts and cultural organizations in delivering impactful programming in their communities, with funding capped at 50% of annual revenues or $15,000, whichever is less.

Supports Manitoba recording artists in producing commercially viable music recordings across three levels: demo recordings, EPs/singles, and full-length albums intended for commercial release.

Encourages Manitoba recording artists to develop new markets by supporting national and international touring activities that help artists reach audiences and promote their recorded music.

Supports Indigenous Manitoba artists in developing their music careers through two tiers: a foundational Level 1 for new applicants and Level 2 for artists who have previously received MFM funding.

Provides multi-year core support and project-based funding to professional arts organizations in Saskatchewan to sustain their programs, governance, management, and operational functions.

Supports Indigenous artists and Traditional Knowledge Keepers in Saskatchewan to develop and continue Indigenous art forms, with funding at Basic, Intermediate, and Major levels for both individual and community/collective projects.

Increases access to arts and cultural resources for BPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) artists in Saskatchewan, supporting creation, development, mentorship, performance, exhibition, and cultural connections.

Supports Saskatchewan musicians in producing commercially viable sound recordings, with two streams: one for singles/EPs (up to 6 songs, under 40 minutes) and one for full-length albums (6+ songs, 30+ minutes).

Funds the public presentation of a Nova Scotia professional artist's own completed work to audiences, supporting dissemination activities such as exhibitions, performances, and readings.

Strengthens the artistic practice and career capacity of Nova Scotia professional artists, curators, and independent arts administrators through workshops, mentorships, residencies, and other professional development activities.

Supports Nova Scotia professional arts organizations in creating, producing, and presenting artistic work through one-time special projects or recurring series in any artistic discipline.

Enables Nova Scotia arts organizations to commission professional artists outside of their organization to create new works, covering artist fees and materials for original commissions.

Supports New Brunswick professional artists in advancing their careers through arts by invitation opportunities, professional development activities, and professionalization and promotion, with grants up to $3,000 per component.

Helps early-career New Brunswick artists and artists newly arrived to Canada acquire essential tools, equipment, or improve their facilities to strengthen their long-term capacity to create.

Provides annual operating support to professional not-for-profit arts organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador covering administration, operating costs, and production/presentation activities across all artistic disciplines.

Supports Indigenous artists, artistic groups, and culture carriers in Newfoundland and Labrador to create, develop, exhibit, and transfer knowledge of their art forms. Open to Indigenous artists at any career stage and in all disciplines.

Supports Prince Edward Island professional artists in the research, development, and production of new artistic projects across all disciplines. Two funding levels reflect emerging and established career stages.

Assists PEI professional artists with the public presentation of their completed artistic works in a critical or curatorial context, supporting dissemination to audiences beyond the studio.

Supports the professional development of PEI artists' careers through mentorships, training programs, workshops, and residencies that strengthen artistic practice and long-term capacity.

Funds group arts projects that foster arts development and engage the public in Yukon, with $500,000 available annually to non-profit societies, First Nations, artist collectives, and community organizations.

Provides quick and accessible funding for short-term, emergent creative and cultural industry opportunities in Yukon. Assessed on potential impacts and benefits, not artistic excellence, making it accessible to all.

Provides accessible and timely funding to Indigenous Yukon artists and cultural carriers for a variety of creative and cultural projects and activities, with rolling intake and no requirement to demonstrate artistic excellence.

Supports emerging to mid-career NWT artists and craftspeople with small-scale arts projects, covering costs such as artist fees, materials, studio fees, and development activities.

Supports mid-career and established NWT artists, craftspeople, and arts organizations with medium-scale arts projects and events such as completing and exhibiting collections, studio development, and larger artistic productions.

Supports arts and cultural projects delivered by registered non-profit organizations in Vancouver. Individual artists and collectives from equity-denied communities may apply via a sponsor registered organization. Advances representation of equity-deserving artists in civic cultural funding.

Provides core multi-year operating support to established Vancouver professional non-profit arts organizations to develop, create, produce, present, and disseminate artistic work in any discipline. New recipients typically start at $15,000–$20,000 with potential for multi-year funding commitments.

Supports Montreal-based artists' collectives in carrying out specific artistic projects related to their mandate. Three intake deadlines per year allow for flexible project timing across all artistic disciplines.

One-time project funding for professional Calgary-based individual artists and artist collectives in any artistic discipline. Supports research, creation, development, production, presentation, or dissemination of artistic work. Projects must be complete by December 31, 2026.

Provides one-time funding to professional Calgary-based individual artists, collectives, and cultural workers to support professional and artistic skill development or business and career development activities. Uses a lottery process for selection, reducing barriers for first-time applicants.

Three-stream grant program supporting Edmonton-based individual artists and collectives across all disciplines. Stream 1 funds creation and research time; Stream 2 supports professional development, mentorship, and residencies; Stream 3 funds projects ready for production or presentation.

Supports Edmonton arts organizations in planning and implementing thoughtful organizational change. Funds strategic planning, capacity-building, and structural adaptations to ensure the long-term sustainability of established arts and culture organizations.

Advances artistic expression within Indigenous and equity-seeking communities in Ottawa. The Seed award provides micro-grants to individual artists; the Grow grant funds projects and operating activities for individuals and organizations. Promotes diversity and representation in Ottawa's arts sector.

Supports Winnipeg professional artists in the creation of new work, development, production, curation, or exhibition of works of art in any art form. Grants are tiered by career stage: $3,000 for emerging artists and $7,000 for mid-career and established professionals.

Funds arts organizations and collectives in Winnipeg for specific one-time artistic projects with artistic merit and civic impact. Open to new and developing organizations, established organizations working on a project basis, and those undertaking special one-time initiatives.

Annual funding supporting distinct artistic projects by professional producing and presenting arts organizations in the Halifax region. Supports organizations that advance the profile of the local arts sector and foster broad public access to professional art.

Supports new and established arts organizations in the Capital Region of BC to produce one-time projects, a short series of events, or extended programming. Grants are typically between $1,000–$10,000 and must support activities within participating CRD jurisdictions.

Dedicated funding stream for arts organizations and groups led by or serving Indigenous, racialized, or equity-deserving communities in the Capital Regional District. Supports projects that advance equity, diversity, and inclusion in the regional arts sector.

Project grants to professional artists and artist collectives in any arts discipline for the creation of new artistic work and its public presentation in Hamilton and further afield. Supports the full arc from creative development through public presentation.

One-time project grants for Toronto-based professional artists, artist collectives, and non-profit organizations pursuing time-limited arts projects that enable public participation and engagement in arts and culture. Supports collaborative work between professional artists and community members.

Targeted funding for Toronto non-profit organizations and artist collectives to support professional development and integration for newcomer and refugee artists. Provides a set grant of $20,000 per project to support arts mentorship, programming, and sector integration for recently arrived artists.

Supports individual artists and arts collectives in Waterloo Region through project grants. Microgrants of $1,000 are available for one-week individual artist projects. Larger individual and collective grants are also available for projects occurring within the following 12 months.

Provides project-based grants to professional arts organizations in Montréal to carry out specific artistic projects aligned with their mandate. Three intake deadlines per year allow organizations to plan projects flexibly. Funding cannot exceed 75% of total project cost.

Significant fellowships providing Ontario artists with 6–12 months of unstructured time to investigate and examine their artistic practice rather than produce new work. Open to professional artists in all disciplines with more than 10 years of practice.

Grants supporting Ontario artists and arts administrators in gaining new skills or improving existing skills through study, training, mentorship, internship, or apprenticeship with a qualified specialist.

Rolling grants for SOCAN member composers, songwriters, and music publishers to assist with travel costs for career-building activities including award presentations, performances, residencies, collaborations, showcases, and workshops in Canada or abroad.

Matching grants of up to $3,000 to individuals, corporations, performers, ensembles, and presenters commissioning SOCAN members to create new concert or classical music works.

Self-directed residencies of 2–6 weeks in private, purpose-built studios in the forested surroundings of Banff Centre for creative professionals in any discipline. Standard scholarship covers 100% of tuition and 50% of accommodation and meals; Indigenous scholarship covers 100% of all costs.

Provides funding for theatre, dance, music, interdisciplinary artists in British Columbia. Supports creation, production, and professional development activities.

Creation grants for professional Quebec artists in all disciplines. Supports the creation and development of new artistic works.

Research and exploration grants for professional Quebec artists. Supports artistic research, experimentation, and concept development.

Supports Canadian music companies with funding for artist development, marketing, touring, and recording. Replacement for the former Comprehensive Music Company Program. Available to companies with FACTOR rating.