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Quebec Arts Grants

Find funding for artists based in Quebec. Browse grants, fellowships, and awards from CALQ, SODEC, the Conseil des arts de Montreal, and other provincial and municipal programs supporting Quebec's thriving creative community.

92 programs available

92 grants found

Explore and Create Program

Canada Council for the Arts

Up to $100,000

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.

Grant Federal

Engage and Sustain Program

Canada Council for the Arts

Percentage of revenue (no fixed maximum)

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.

Grant Federal

FACTOR - Artist Development Program

FACTOR

Up to $5,000

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

Grant Federal

Telefilm Canada - Talent to Watch Program

Telefilm Canada

Up to $250,000 (fiction); up to $150,000 (documentary)

Supports emerging Canadian filmmakers with their first feature film. Provides production funding for debut feature-length fiction, documentary, or animation projects.

Grant Federal

Telefilm Canada - Production Program

Telefilm Canada

Up to $1,000,000

Production financing for Canadian feature films with theatrical release. Supports fiction, documentary, and animation feature-length projects by established filmmakers.

Grant Federal

Governor General's Awards in Visual and Media Arts

Canada Council for the Arts

$25,000

Canada's foremost awards for visual and media artists, recognizing outstanding career achievement. Includes a $25,000 prize for each recipient.

Award Federal

Sobey Art Award

Sobey Art Foundation / National Gallery of Canada

$100,000

One of the most prestigious prizes for contemporary Canadian art, recognizing artists 40 years or younger. Includes a $100,000 grand prize.

Award Private

RBC Emerging Artists Project

Royal Bank of Canada

Varies

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.

Program Private

Canada Arts Presentation Fund (CAPF)

Canadian Heritage

Varies (total program: $39.8M to 781 organizations)

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

Grant Federal

Musicaction - Emerging Artist Production Support

Musicaction

Up to $5,000

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

Grant Federal

Canada Media Fund - Innovation & Experimentation Program

Canada Media Fund

Up to $1,500,000 (75% of admissible expenses)

Supports interactive digital media projects (video games, apps, immersive experiences, AI applications). For-profit and non-profit eligible. Not a traditional arts grant.

Grant Federal

Artistic Creation (Explore and Create)

Canada Council for the Arts

Varies

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.

Grant Federal

Artist-driven Organizations (Explore and Create)

Canada Council for the Arts

Up to 60% of average annual revenues (3-year average); min $75,000/yr revenues required

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.

Grant Federal

Artistic Catalysts (Engage and Sustain)

Canada Council for the Arts

Up to 50% of average annual revenues (3-year average)

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

Grant Federal

Artistic Institutions (Engage and Sustain)

Canada Council for the Arts

Up to 25% of average annual revenues (3-year average); min $2M/yr revenues required

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.

Grant Federal

Sector Support, Innovation and Development

Canada Council for the Arts

Up to $50,000

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.

Grant Federal

Composite Activities

Canada Council for the Arts

Up to $100,000/year for up to 3 years ($300,000 max)

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.

Grant Federal

Literary Publishing Projects

Canada Council for the Arts

Up to $30,000

Supports Canadian publishers to fund the publication of literary books and magazines written by Canadian authors, including fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, literary criticism and drama.

Grant Federal

Arts Across Canada — Micro-grants

Canada Council for the Arts

Up to $10,000 per application ($30,000/year max, 3 apps/year)

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.

Grant Federal

Arts Across Canada — Representation and Promotion

Canada Council for the Arts

Up to $30,000 per application ($30,000/year max, 4 apps/year)

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.

Grant Federal

Arts Across Canada — Translation

Canada Council for the Arts

Up to $25,000 per translation

Funds the translation of Canadian literary or dramatic works into French, English, Indigenous languages, or sign languages for publication or presentation in Canada.

Grant Federal

Arts Across Canada — Circulation and Touring

Canada Council for the Arts

Up to $200,000 (max 50% of eligible costs)

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.

Grant Federal

Arts Across Canada — International Residencies

Canada Council for the Arts

Up to $20,000

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

Grant Federal

Arts Across Canada — International Co-productions

Canada Council for the Arts

Up to $50,000 (max 50% of eligible costs)

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

Grant Federal

Arts Across Canada — Public Outreach

Canada Council for the Arts

Up to $100,000 project; up to $300,000 composite (3 years)

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.

Grant Federal

Access Support Fund

Canada Council for the Arts

Varies (contribution toward accessibility costs)

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.

Program Federal

Market Access Strategy for Official Language Minority Communities (OLMC) Fund

Canada Council for the Arts

Up to $60,000 per application

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.

Grant Federal

Telefilm Canada — Development Program

Telefilm Canada

Up to $125,000 (Prequalified Tier 3); up to $37,500 (General/Indigenous/Black+POC). All funding is REPAYABLE.

Script and project development financing for Canadian feature films. All funding is a repayable advance. Four streams: Prequalified (tiered by track record), General, Indigenous, Black+POC.

Loan Federal

Telefilm Canada — Theatrical Documentary Program

Telefilm Canada

Varies (full financing plan required; no published maximum)

Provides financial assistance to Canadian production companies for the production and post-production stages of feature-length documentary films intended for theatrical release.

Grant Federal

FACTOR — Juried Sound Recording: Album

FACTOR (Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings)

Up to $10,000 (50% of eligible production costs)

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.

Grant Federal

FACTOR — Songwriter Development

FACTOR (Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings)

$2,000

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.

Grant Federal

FACTOR — Live Performance Program

FACTOR (Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings)

Up to $37,500/year (Artist 3); $32,500 (Artist 2); $12,500 (General)

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

Grant Federal

FACTOR — Video Program

FACTOR (Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings)

Artist 2: up to $20,000/yr; Artist 3: up to $30,000/yr (50% of eligible costs)

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

Grant Federal

FACTOR — Artist Entrepreneur Program

FACTOR (Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings)

Up to $75,000/year ($50,000 minimum self-investment required)

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.

Grant Federal

Canada Arts Training Fund (CATF)

Canadian Heritage

Up to 70% of eligible expenses (100% for Indigenous/equity orgs). Program total: ~$25.3M/year.

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.

Grant Federal

Canada Book Fund — Publishing Support

Canadian Heritage

Up to $850,000 (base) + up to $70,000 (export supplement); formula-driven

Provides financial assistance to Canadian book publishers for the ongoing production, marketing and distribution of Canadian-authored books. Supports the viability of the Canadian publishing industry.

Grant Federal

Creative Export Canada — Export-Ready Stream

Canadian Heritage

Up to $2,500,000 (75% of eligible costs); minimum project cost $150,000

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.

Grant Federal

Creative Export Canada — Export Development Stream

Canadian Heritage

Up to $90,000 (75% of eligible costs); minimum project cost $15,000

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.

Grant Federal

Building Communities through Arts and Heritage — Local Festivals

Canadian Heritage

Up to $200,000 (contributions) or $100,000 (grants); up to 100% of eligible costs

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

Grant Federal

Canada Cultural Investment Fund — Endowment Incentives

Canadian Heritage

Matching grants (pro-rated); max $1.5M/yr (endowments <$10M), $500K ($10-18M), $250K (>$18M)

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

Grant Federal

SSHRC Insight Grants

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)

Stream A: $10,000-$125,000; Stream B: $125,001-$500,000 (over 2-5 years; max $125K/year)

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.

Grant Federal

Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit (CPTC)

Canada Revenue Agency / Canadian Heritage

25% of qualified labour (capped at 60% of total cost = effective max 15% of production cost)

Refundable tax credit for Canadian production companies producing certified Canadian content film or video productions. Provides 25% of qualified Canadian labour expenditures.

Tax-credit Federal

Film or Video Production Services Tax Credit (PSTC)

Canada Revenue Agency / Canadian Heritage

16% of qualified Canadian labour (refundable)

Refundable tax credit promoting Canada as a filming location. Awards 16% of qualified Canadian labour expenditures to non-Canadian and Canadian production companies filming in Canada.

Tax-credit Federal

NFB Filmmaker Assistance Program (FAP) — Local

National Film Board of Canada (NFB)

Up to $15,000

Provides cash reimbursement of up to $7,500 (short films) or $15,000 (features) for post-production costs to independent anglophone Canadian filmmakers. Covers online editing, colour correction, sound design, sound mixing, DCP authoring and related services with approved local suppliers.

Grant Federal

NFB Filmmaker Assistance Program (FAP) — In-House at Balmoral

National Film Board of Canada (NFB)

In-kind services (value varies; typically $10,000–$50,000+)

Provides free in-kind post-production services at the NFB's Balmoral studios in Montreal to independent anglophone Canadian filmmakers, covering picture and sound editing suites, online editing, colour correction, sound mixing, DCP authoring, and access to NFB archives. Filmmakers within 150km of Montreal cover 10% of costs; those farther away receive 100% of costs covered.

Grant Federal

Canada Media Fund — Broadcaster Envelope Program (English and French)

Canada Media Fund (CMF)

Varies by broadcaster envelope (typically $100K-$5M+)

Provides production and development funding for Canadian television and digital media content through broadcaster performance envelopes. Supports scripted drama, documentaries, children's/youth content, and variety/performing arts productions for broadcast on Canadian TV.

Grant Federal

Canada Media Fund — POV Documentary Program

Canada Media Fund (CMF)

Up to $400,000 (lesser of 49% of eligible costs or $400,000)

Supports the production of one-off point-of-view (POV) documentary films in English and French. Designed to encourage distinct filmmaker voice in documentary production for broadcast.

Grant Federal

Canada Media Fund — Digital Creators Pilot Program

Canada Media Fund (CMF)

Up to $20,000 per creator

Supports mid-career Canadian digital content creators making short-form video content for social media platforms (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook) over a 6-month period, with goals of growing audience and monetization.

Grant Federal

Canada Media Fund — Indigenous Program

Indigenous Screen Office (ISO) / Canada Media Fund

Production: up to $750,000 (Drama/Animation) or $550,000 (Documentary/Children); Development: up to $100,000; Predevelopment: up to $35,000

Dedicated funding stream for the production of Canadian Indigenous-language and Indigenous-content screen-based media content, supporting First Nations, Inuit and Métis storytellers in film and television production.

Grant Federal

Canada Media Fund — Innovation & Experimentation Program

Canada Media Fund (CMF)

Varies

Supports the creation of innovative and experimental interactive digital media projects, encouraging risk-taking and new approaches to storytelling through digital technologies including interactive experiences, games, and immersive media.

Grant Federal

Musicaction — Album Production (Aide à la production d'un album)

Musicaction

Up to $25,000 (50% of eligible costs)

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.

Grant Federal

Canada Music Fund — Individual Initiatives (via FACTOR/Musicaction)

Canadian Heritage / FACTOR / Musicaction

Varies

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.

Grant Federal

Canadian Starmaker Fund — Domestic Marketing Initiatives

Canadian Starmaker Fund

Up to $30,000 per artist per calendar year

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.

Grant Federal

Telefilm Canada — Marketing Program

Telefilm Canada

Up to $75,000 (75% of eligible Canadian marketing costs). REPAYABLE advance.

Provides funding contributions to support the marketing and theatrical distribution of Canadian feature films, including promotional campaigns, press and publicity, poster and trailer production, and digital marketing to build Canadian audiences.

Forgivable-loan Federal

SOCAN Foundation — Music Creation Grants

SOCAN Foundation

Work Commissioning: $1,000-$3,000 (matching); Travel: $400-$1,000; Professional Development: up to $1,500

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.

Grant Private

Canada Book Fund — Support for Publishers (Publishing Support)

Canadian Heritage

Varies (publisher-administered)

Formula-based federal funding for Canadian book publishers. Funds production, marketing, and distribution of Canadian-authored books. Publishers only — does NOT fund individual authors directly.

Grant Federal

Canada Periodical Fund — Magazines and Online Publishing

Canadian Heritage

Up to $1,500,000 (print magazines); up to $150,000 (digital periodicals)

Provides financial assistance to Canadian print magazines, non-daily newspapers and digital periodicals. Supports publications that carry Canadian editorial content, helping sustain outlets that publish Canadian writers, photographers, and illustrators.

Grant Federal

SSHRC Insight Grants (includes Research-Creation)

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)

Stream A: $10,000-$125,000; Stream B: $125,001-$500,000 (over 2-5 years)

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.

Grant Federal

Canada Arts Training Fund — Indigenous Organizations Stream

Canadian Heritage

Up to 100% of eligible expenses (Indigenous orgs); per-org max up to $6M/yr

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.

Grant Federal

Bourse de présentation publique (Public Presentation Grant)

Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ)

Up to 75% of total project cost

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.

Grant Provincial

Bourse de circulation d'œuvres au Québec (Circulation within Quebec)

Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ)

Up to 75% of total project cost

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

Grant Provincial

Bourse de déplacement (Travel Grant)

Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ)

Varies by travel costs

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

Grant Provincial

Arts autochtones — Impulsion (Indigenous Arts — Impetus)

Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ)

$5,000 per grant

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.

Grant Provincial

Aide additionnelle à la circulation de spectacles — PAACS (Touring Support for Music Shows)

SODEC — Société de développement des entreprises culturelles

Flat-rate per performance. Max $60,000/show/yr; $275,000/company/yr. Remote bonus $5,000; Fermont/ÎdM bonus up to $750/person

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.

Grant Provincial

Aide à la gérance et à l'édition musicale — PAGEM (Music Management and Publishing Support)

SODEC — Société de développement des entreprises culturelles

Varies (not publicly specified; formula-based)

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.

Grant Provincial

Aide aux entreprises du livre et de l'édition (Book Publishing Company Support)

SODEC — Société de développement des entreprises culturelles

Up to $200,000 per year

Supports Quebec book publishing companies through three streams: core publishing support, promotion and book mediation, and regional disparity compensation. Helps publishers grow their commercial competitiveness and reach.

Grant Provincial

Aide à la production — Cinéma et télévision (Film and TV Production Support)

SODEC — Société de développement des entreprises culturelles

Volet 2 (shorts/digital): up to $165,000 cumulative SODEC participation. Features vary.

Supports Quebec film production companies to develop and produce feature films, short films, and documentaries. Three funding streams cover feature fiction, short-form narrative, and documentary productions.

Grant Provincial

Crédit d'impôt remboursable pour la production d'enregistrements sonores (Sound Recording Tax Credit)

SODEC — Société de développement des entreprises culturelles

35% of eligible Quebec labour (capped at 65% of admissible production costs)

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.

Tax-credit Provincial

Project Funding for Artists' Collectives

Conseil des arts de Montréal

Varies (up to 75% of project cost)

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.

Grant Municipal

Visual Arts and Craft Arts Studio Grant

Conseil des arts de Montréal

$13/sq metre of studio space (city + Conseil combined)

Provides financial support to professional Montreal visual artists and craft artists who occupy a studio in a non-residential building. Funding is calculated per square metre of studio space, covering both city and Conseil contributions. Supports dedicated creative workspace for independent professional practice.

Grant Municipal

Conseil des arts de Montréal — Project Funding for Organizations

Conseil des arts de Montréal

Varies (up to 75% of project cost)

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.

Grant Municipal

Hnatyshyn Foundation Visual Arts Awards

The Hnatyshyn Foundation

$30,000 (artist) / $20,000 (curator)

Two annual awards recognizing outstanding mid-career Canadian visual artists and curators. The Award for Outstanding Achievement as an Artist ($30,000) and the Award for Curatorial Excellence in Contemporary Art ($20,000) are decided by an expert jury without application.

Award Private

William and Meredith Saunderson Prizes for Emerging Artists

The Hnatyshyn Foundation

$10,000 (3 prizes) plus $4,000 for each of 3 finalists

Three annual prizes of $10,000 each awarded to emerging Canadian visual artists showing exceptional potential. Artists must be nominated by a public or private gallery, fine arts institution, or artist-run centre.

Award Private

Access Copyright Foundation Marian Hebb Research Grants

Access Copyright Foundation (administered by SK Arts)

Up to $7,500 for individual creators (Grant A); up to $3,000 (Grant B); up to $10,000 for publishers

Research grants supporting inquiry, information gathering, and exploration by Canadian writers, visual artists, and publishers toward the realization of a publishable work in progress.

Grant Private

Access Copyright Foundation Professional Development Grants

Access Copyright Foundation (administered by SK Arts)

Up to $3,000

Grants for Canadian writers, visual artists, publishers, and arts professionals to attend workshops, courses, mentorships, and other professional development activities that build skills and expand their practice.

Grant Private

Governor General's Literary Awards

Canada Council for the Arts

$25,000 per winner plus $3,000 to publisher (14 prizes total)

Canada's most prestigious literary awards recognizing the best English and French books annually across seven categories: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Drama, Young People's Literature (Text), Young People's Literature (Illustrated Books), and Translation.

Award Private

Griffin Poetry Prize — Canadian Prize

Griffin Poetry Prize Foundation

$65,000 (Canadian Prize); $65,000 (International Prize); $10,000 (Canadian First Book Prize)

One of the world's most valuable poetry prizes, awarding a Canadian Prize of $65,000 annually to the best first-edition poetry collection in English by a living Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Award Private

Scotiabank Photography Award

Scotiabank / The Image Centre

$50,000 (winner); $10,000 each (2 runners-up)

Canada's largest and most prestigious annual peer-nominated and peer-reviewed award for photography, recognizing an outstanding mid-career Canadian photographer's contribution to contemporary art. Winner receives $50,000, a solo exhibition at The Image Centre, and a published book with Steidl.

Award Private

Siminovitch Prize in Theatre

Siminovitch Theatre Foundation

$100,000 (Laureate); $25,000 (Protégé); $10,000 (finalists)

Canada's largest theatre prize awarded to an exceptional mid-career theatre artist (director, playwright, or designer in alternating years). The Laureate receives $100,000, a Protégé receives $25,000, and finalists receive $10,000 each.

Award Private

RBC Bronwen Wallace Award for Emerging Writers

Writers' Trust of Canada

$10,000 per category (3 prizes annually)

Three annual prizes of $10,000 each for outstanding unpublished works of poetry, short fiction, and creative nonfiction by emerging Canadian writers who have not yet published their first book. Winners receive a mentorship and publication of their work.

Award Private

Atwood Gibson Writers' Trust Fiction Prize

Writers' Trust of Canada

$70,000 (winner); $7,500 each (5 finalists)

Canada's richest fiction prize, awarding $70,000 to the best Canadian novel or short story collection published annually. Five finalists each receive $7,500. Publishers submit on behalf of authors.

Award Private

Giller Prize

Giller Prize Foundation

$100,000 (winner); $10,000 each (5 finalists)

Annual prize of $100,000 for the best Canadian novel, graphic novel, or short story collection published in English. Five finalists each receive $10,000. One of Canada's most prominent literary prizes.

Award Private

Amazon Canada First Novel Award

The Walrus / Amazon Canada

$60,000 (adult winner); $5,000 (youth winner); $6,000 each (adult finalists)

Annual prize of $60,000 for the best debut novel by a first-time Canadian novelist. Five finalists each receive $6,000. A separate Youth Short Story Category awards $5,000 to writers aged 13–17.

Award Private

Pat Lowther Memorial Award

League of Canadian Poets

$2,000

Annual $2,000 prize for the best poetry collection by a Canadian woman, trans woman, or non-binary poet in the same year. Open to spoken word and print poets. Nomination-based; anyone can nominate an eligible poet.

Award Private

CBC Literary Prizes (Short Story, Nonfiction, and Poetry)

CBC / Canada Council for the Arts

$6,000 (winner per category); $1,000 (4 finalists per category)

Three annual prizes of $6,000 each for the best unpublished short fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry by Canadian writers. Winners also receive a two-week writing residency at Banff Centre and publication on CBC Books. Four finalists in each category receive $1,000.

Award Private

SOCAN Foundation Travel Assistance Grants

SOCAN Foundation

Varies (rolling basis)

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.

Grant Private

SOCAN Foundation Work Commissioning Assistance Grant

SOCAN Foundation

Up to $3,000 (matching)

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.

Grant Private

Sage Hill Writing Experience — Bursaries

Sage Hill Writing Inc.

Partial to full tuition coverage (tuition approx. $2,195 in-person)

Bursaries reducing or eliminating tuition costs for writers attending Sage Hill's intensive spring and summer writing retreats in Saskatchewan. Bursaries are awarded based on financial need and include Indigenous Writers Bursaries and the Black Excellence Scholarship.

Residency Private

Vicky Metcalf Award for Literature for Young People

Writers' Trust of Canada (sponsored by Metcalf Foundation)

$20,000

Annual $20,000 prize recognizing a Canadian author for an exceptional body of work in children's literature. Awarded to the author's overall career contribution, not a single book. Selected by independent jury; no submission process.

Award Private

CALQ - Bourse de création

Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec

Up to $50,000

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

Grant Provincial

CALQ - Bourse de recherche et exploration

Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec

Up to $25,000

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

Grant Provincial

FACTOR - Company Envelope: Mid-Tier

FACTOR (Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings)

Up to $100,000 (individual); up to $150,000 (affiliated)

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.

Grant Federal

Frequently Asked Questions

What programs does CALQ offer for Quebec artists?
The Conseil des arts et des lettres du Quebec (CALQ) is Quebec's primary arts funding agency, supporting professional artists and arts organizations across all disciplines. CALQ offers research and creation grants, production grants, travel grants for international opportunities, and multi-year operating funding for organizations. Individual artists can receive project grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $40,000 depending on the program and scope of the project.
Can I apply for Quebec arts grants in English?
Yes, both CALQ and federal programs operating in Quebec accept applications in English or French. CALQ processes applications in both official languages and peer assessment committees include English-speaking members. The Canada Council for the Arts is fully bilingual as a federal institution. However, some municipal programs in Quebec may primarily operate in French, so it is worth checking specific program guidelines before applying.
How does SODEC support film and music creators in Quebec?
SODEC (Societe de developpement des entreprises culturelles) administers funding for Quebec's cultural industries, including film, television, music, publishing, and craft. For film and television, SODEC offers development, production, and marketing assistance through programs like the Programme d'aide a la production. For music, SODEC supports recording, touring, and international market development. SODEC primarily funds businesses and organizations rather than individual artists, complementing CALQ's focus on individual creators.
Are there arts grants specific to Montreal?
The Conseil des arts de Montreal (CAM) is the city's dedicated arts funding body, distributing approximately $14 million annually. CAM offers project grants for individual artists and collectives, operating grants for Montreal-based arts organizations, and the En piste program for touring and presentation. Montreal artists can also access programs through the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Quebec and the Canada Council, making Montreal one of the most well-funded cities for arts in Canada.