Arts Festivals and Presenters (Arts Across Canada and Abroad): How to Apply

If you run an arts festival or present professional artistic work in Canada, you know how hard it is to find steady funding. The Arts Festivals and Presenters component under Arts Across Canada and Abroad helps not-for-profit arts organizations cover much of their yearly programming. This Canada Council for the Arts program can fund up to 60% of your annual revenues. It is one of the most important grants for established presenters.

Understanding the Arts Festivals and Presenters Grant

The Arts Festivals and Presenters – Arts Across Canada and Abroad program supports Canadian groups that present, show, or share professional artistic and literary works with the public. It is meant for festivals, biennales, and presenters that build long-term connections between artists and audiences.

There are two main funding streams:

Arts Across Canada and Abroad — Arts Festivals and Presenters
This stream, run by the Canada Council for the Arts, supports presentation activity mostly in Canada. Some international content is allowed.
Arts Festivals and Presenters – Arts Across Canada
This stream gives multi-year funding to eligible groups that present a series of artistic works to Canadian audiences.

Both are federal programs and are currently open.

Who is eligible?

Your organization must meet these requirements to apply:

Be a not-for-profit Canadian arts organization that is incorporated
Present, show, or share professional artistic or literary works
Deliver programming through:
- A festival or biennale, or
- A series of at least three public events in Canada
Have five years or more of professional public programming (years do not need to be in a row due to pandemic changes)
Pay artist or presentation fees at professional rates
Employ professional staff (not just volunteers)

Individual artists and for-profit companies cannot apply for this program.

How much funding can you receive?

Funding is based on your group’s financial history:

Covers up to 60% of your average annual revenues
Revenue is usually based on the last three years of financial statements
Funding supports your project and organization, not prize money

The final amount depends on your artistic quality, your group’s strength, and your public impact.

How the Application Process Works

Applications go through a peer review process. Here’s how to get ready:

Check your organizational profile
You must be registered with the Canada Council for the Arts and meet their basic eligibility rules before you apply.
Prepare your financial documents
Most applicants need:
- Statements of operations from the last three years
- This year’s budget and expected revenues
- A breakdown of artist fees and presentation costs
Describe your programming and impact
Your application should explain:
- The artistic vision and quality of the work you present
- How you choose and pay artists
- How you reach audiences and help your community
Apply before the deadline
Deadlines change with each intake and are set by the Canada Council. Late applications are not accepted.

GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly check if your festival or presenter group meets Canada Council rules before you spend time on a full application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying too soon
Groups with less than five years of professional programming are usually declined, even if their artistic vision is strong.
Weak financial details
Reviewers expect clear revenue trends and budgets that make sense. Missing or confusing numbers cause problems.
Not showing artist pay
If you do not show you pay artists at professional rates, your group may be ineligible.
Missing assessment criteria
Reviewers look at artistic quality, group strength, and public impact. Focusing on just one area can lower your score.

Tips for a Strong Application

Tell your story clearly
Use plain language to describe your group’s history, mission, and the impact of your programming.
Highlight community connections
Show how your events engage local audiences and support Canadian artists.
Double-check your numbers
Make sure your financial statements and budgets are complete and easy to follow.
Ask for feedback
If you have been declined before, request reviewer comments from the Canada Council to improve your next application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Arts Festivals and Presenters grant repayable?
No. This program gives non-repayable grant funding. You must report on how you use the funds, following Canada Council rules.

Q: What expenses can the funding be used for?
Funds support the presentation and showing of artistic and literary works. This includes artist fees, programming costs, and related group expenses.

Q: How competitive is this program?
It is very competitive. Peer committees review applications based on artistic merit, financial health, and public impact.

Q: Do international artists qualify under this program?
Yes, you can present international artists. However, your group must be Canadian and mainly serve Canadian audiences.

Q: Do I need past financial statements to apply?
Yes. Most applicants must provide revenue data and financial statements from the last three years.

GrantHub tracks hundreds of active arts and culture grant programs across Canada—including Canada Council funding—so you can quickly see which ones match your group’s profile.

Next Steps

Arts Festivals and Presenters funding can pay for a large part of your yearly programming, but you must be eligible and well prepared. Before you apply, check your financial readiness and your programming history. GrantHub helps Canadian arts groups find the right Canada Council programs and learn what funders expect at each stage of growth.

Arts Festivals and Presenters (Arts Across Canada and Abroad): How to Apply