If you run an artist-driven arts organization in Canada, finding reliable funding for creation and production can be a challenge. The Canada Council for the Arts’ Explore and Create — Artist-Driven Organizations program is designed to provide ongoing support based on your organization’s actual average revenues. Eligible organizations can receive funding equal to up to 60% of their average annual revenues over the last three years.
This guide explains how the program works, who can apply, what activities are supported, the application process, and tips for preparing a strong submission.
Explore and Create — Artist-Driven Organizations is a key Canada Council program for Canadian arts organizations whose main goal is to create, produce, or present artistic work. The funding supports activities across the full artistic cycle, from early research to public presentation.
According to the Canada Council for the Arts, this program aims to:
Unlike one-time project grants, this funding is based on your organization’s financial history, not just a single project budget.
To apply for Canada Council Explore and Create — Artist-Driven Organizations, your group must meet all of the following requirements:
The Canada Council checks eligibility by looking at your mandate, past programming, and financial statements. Organizations whose main activities are social services, education, or commercial entertainment are usually not eligible.
The program supports a wide range of artistic activities, such as:
Your activities should match what your organization usually does. For example, if your group focuses on theatre, your funded activities should relate to theatre creation or presentation.
Eligible expenses usually include artist fees, materials, production costs, and costs related to presenting work to the public. Always check the official guidelines for the most up-to-date expense rules.
Funding is calculated using a clear formula:
For example, if your organization’s average annual revenue over the last three years is $200,000, the maximum funding you could receive is $120,000.
If you want to compare this to other federal programs, see Repayable vs Non-Repayable Business Funding in Canada: Program Examples Explained.
Note: Funding under this program is not repayable. You do not need to pay the money back.
Applications are submitted through the Canada Council for the Arts portal. Deadlines can change each year, so check the Council’s website for current dates.
A typical application includes:
Plan ahead and gather your documents early. Most organizations should start preparing several months before the deadline.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by province and organization type before you invest time in a full application.
Not confirming “artist-driven” status
If artists are not clearly involved in governance or decision-making, your application may be rejected.
Misunderstanding the 60% funding cap
The maximum funding is based on average annual revenues, not expenses or a single year’s budget.
Submitting incomplete financial statements
Missing or inconsistent financial data for the three years can delay or stop your application.
Treating this like a project grant
This program supports ongoing artistic activity, not just one-time events or short-term projects.
Q: What is the Explore and Create — Artist-Driven Organizations grant?
It is a Canada Council for the Arts program that provides ongoing funding to eligible arts organizations based on their average annual revenues. It supports research, creation, production, and sharing of artistic work.
Q: Who can apply for this Canada Council funding?
Only Canadian, artist-driven arts organizations with a main purpose to create, produce, or present artistic works are eligible.
Q: How do I calculate my average annual revenues?
Add your total revenues from the last three completed fiscal years, then divide by three. Use finalized financial statements, not projections.
Q: Is this funding repayable?
No. Funding under Explore and Create — Artist-Driven Organizations is not repayable. You do not need to pay it back.
Q: When is the application deadline?
Deadlines vary and are set by the Canada Council. Check the official program page for current dates.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada. You can check which ones fit your organization’s profile before you apply.
Explore and Create — Artist-Driven Organizations is best for Canadian arts organizations with a clear mandate and stable financial history. Before applying, confirm your eligibility, review your financials, and make sure your artistic vision matches the program’s goals. Check the Canada Council’s guidelines for the most current details.
If you want to see how this funding fits with other Canadian arts grants, you may also find these helpful:
GrantHub helps Canadian arts organizations discover which Canada Council and other funding programs match their needs, so you can focus on the strongest opportunities.
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