Canada Council International Residencies and Touring Grants: Eligible Expenses

Canada Council International Residencies and Touring Grants: Eligible Expenses

If you are planning an international residency or touring project, understanding which costs the Canada Council for the Arts will fund is essential for your application. The Canada Council International Residencies and Touring grants under Arts Across Canada and Abroad are meant to cover specific, project-related expenses—not your entire operation. Knowing what counts as an eligible expense helps you apply with confidence and avoid funding gaps later.

This guide explains eligible expenses for international residencies and related touring activity, based on Canada Council for the Arts program guidelines.

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Eligible Expenses Under Canada Council International Residencies and Touring Grants

The Canada Council offers several programs under Arts Across Canada and Abroad. For international work, two are commonly confused:

• Arts Across Canada and Abroad — International Residencies
• Arts Across Canada and Abroad — Foreign Artist Tours

Each program supports different activities and expense types.

Arts Across Canada and Abroad — International Residencies: What Costs Are Eligible?

This program supports Canadian artists and arts groups who are invited to take part in an international residency for creative research, creation, or professional exchange.

Funding amount: Up to $20,000 (non-repayable)

Eligible expenses usually include costs directly tied to the residency, such as:

• International travel

  • Economy airfare to and from the residency location
  • Local transportation related to the residency activities

• Accommodation

  • Short-term housing during the residency period
  • Artist housing provided by the host organization may still require top-up costs

• Living expenses

  • Per diems for meals and basic daily costs while abroad
  • These must align with the residency timeline

• Residency or participation fees

  • Fees charged by the host organization or residency provider
  • Mandatory administrative or studio access fees

• Materials and supplies

  • Art materials required specifically for work produced during the residency
  • Shipping of materials or artworks when essential to the project

• Professional fees

  • Artist fees paid to yourself or collaborators, where appropriate
  • Fees must be reasonable and clearly linked to the residency outcomes

Show how each expense helps your residency project. GrantHub’s matching tool can help you see which expenses are commonly accepted for similar grants.

Expenses That Are Usually Not Eligible

While the Canada Council is flexible, some costs are commonly excluded:

• Long-term living expenses not tied to the residency dates
• Capital purchases like major equipment
• Ongoing operating costs of your organization
• Costs incurred before you receive an invitation

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Arts Across Canada and Abroad — Foreign Artist Tours: Expense Coverage

This program is different. It supports Canadian not-for-profit arts organizations that present or tour work by international artists in Canada.

Funding amount: Up to $50,000 (non-repayable)

Eligible expenses may include:

• Travel and accommodation for foreign artists
• Artist and technician fees
• Shipping, customs, and insurance for artworks
• Venue rental and technical production costs
• Marketing and audience outreach tied to the tour

This program does not fund Canadian artists travelling abroad. Mixing these two programs in one budget is a common mistake.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Including expenses outside the residency period
   Only costs incurred during the approved residency dates are eligible.

2. Applying without a formal invitation
   An invitation from the host residency is required for International Residencies funding.

3. Budgeting general operating costs
   Office rent, salaries unrelated to the residency, and overhead are rarely approved.

4. Assuming all grants are repayable
   Canada Council grants are typically non-repayable. Always read the funding agreement carefully.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need an invitation before I apply for an international residency grant?
Yes. You must have a confirmed invitation from the international residency host to be eligible.

Q: Can I include artist fees for myself?
In many cases, yes. Artist fees are eligible if they are reasonable and directly connected to the residency work.

Q: Are travel costs covered in full?
Economy travel and necessary local transportation are eligible, but luxury or extended travel is not typically covered.

Q: Is this funding taxable?
Canada Council grants may be considered taxable income, depending on your situation. Professional tax advice is recommended.

Q: Can arts collectives apply?
Yes. Individual artists, collectives, and arts organizations that are Canadian citizens or permanent residents may apply.

GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada. You can find which ones match your artistic profile and project needs.

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Next Steps

• Review the Canada Council guidelines for your chosen grant program.
• Prepare a clear budget, linking each expense to a specific residency or touring activity.
• Gather all required documents, including invitation letters and project plans.
• Submit your application before the deadline.
• Use GrantHub to compare Canada Council programs and discover other international arts funding options that fit your discipline and project goals.

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See Also: Related Grant Guides

• What expenses do arts, culture, and media grants cover?
• Cultural Heritage, Arts, and Creative Industry Grants: Eligible Expenses
• Repayable vs Non-Repayable Business Funding in Canada: Program Examples Explained

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