Canada Council of the Arts — Initiatives

Opportunities to present work, build international connections, or participate in high-profile cultural events can be difficult to access without targeted support. For nonprofit arts organizations and artist-led groups across Canada, the Canada Council of the Arts — Initiatives stream helps bridge that gap by funding special, often time-sensitive opportunities that fall outside traditional grant programs. Rather than supporting general operations, these initiatives are designed to help the arts sector engage in performances, exhibitions, learning experiences, and collaborative showcases in Canada and abroad.

These initiatives can be one-time or recurring and often align with major cultural moments, international events, or strategic priorities within the arts ecosystem. Past and current initiatives have supported Canadian participation in global platforms such as architecture and performing arts biennales, Francophone cultural exchanges, Indigenous and Arctic arts gatherings, and international conferences that foster collaboration and leadership development. Funding varies depending on the scope and nature of the initiative, but support is non-repayable and focused on enabling meaningful participation, visibility, and sector-wide impact.

Because initiatives change over time, this program is best suited for arts nonprofits that are ready to respond to unique opportunities as they arise, whether locally, nationally, or internationally. Exploring the current initiatives in detail can help determine whether an upcoming opportunity aligns with your organization’s artistic goals and capacity.