Many PEI theatre groups face challenges keeping venues modern, accessible, and appealing for today’s audiences. The Encore! PEI Theatre Revitalization Program was designed to help by providing funding for improvements to performance spaces, programming, and audience experience across Prince Edward Island. If you run a PEI-based theatre or performance venue, this guide shows how the program works and how to prepare a strong application.
The Encore! Prince Edward Island Theatre Revitalization Program is a provincial, non-repayable grant from Innovation PEI. The program aims to support PEI’s performing arts sector. It invests in theatres and venues that present live performances, including music, theatre, and dance.
There are three funding streams, each with a different maximum:
Performance Venue Grant
Developing Audience Engagement Grant
Developing Engaging Content Grant
You may apply to only one stream per project. Applying to multiple streams for the same project is not allowed.
To qualify for the Encore! PEI Theatre Revitalization Program, your organization must meet all of these requirements:
Both non-profit theatre companies and performance venues may apply if they meet the mandate and operational requirements.
Innovation PEI manages the application process for this grant.
Pick the funding stream that fits your project
Match your project to one of the three Encore! streams. Make sure your activities fit the stream’s guidelines.
Write your project plan
Your application should include:
Create a detailed budget
List all project costs and show how Encore! funding will be used. Use exact amounts where possible.
Apply online
Submit your application through the PEI government website.
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly compare programs by province and industry, including arts and culture grants like Encore!
Important: The Encore! PEI Theatre Revitalization Program is not accepting applications right now. Innovation PEI runs this program in rounds, so future intakes may open.
Choosing the wrong funding stream
Projects must fit the stream’s criteria. For example, submitting a marketing project under the venue stream will likely be rejected.
Weak project justification
Reviewers want clear reasons for your project. Avoid vague goals. Aim for measurable outcomes.
Incomplete budgets
Missing costs or unclear expenses can delay your application or cause denial.
Missing operational eligibility
Organizations must have operated for at least 12 months before April 2, 2024, to qualify, even if the project idea is strong.
Q: Is the Encore! PEI Theatre Revitalization Program open?
No. The program is currently closed to new applications. Innovation PEI may reopen it in future rounds.
Q: How much funding can my theatre receive?
Funding depends on the stream you choose. Maximums range from $10,000 to $30,000 per project.
Q: Can non-profit theatre companies apply?
Yes. Non-profit theatre companies are eligible if they are PEI-based, meet the operational timeline, and have a performing arts mandate.
Q: What expenses are eligible?
Eligible costs depend on the stream. They usually include venue upgrades, audience engagement, and content creation or presentation.
Q: Can Encore! funding be combined with other grants?
Usually, provincial arts funding can be combined with other government support, as long as total funding does not exceed total project costs.
Read the guidelines carefully
Make sure your project fits the stream’s requirements.
Show clear outcomes
Explain how your project will impact audiences or the venue.
Prepare early
Gather documents and build your project plan before the intake period starts.
Check eligibility for other grants
GrantHub tracks arts and culture funding in Atlantic Canada. You can see which grants match your business profile.
Even though the Encore! PEI Theatre Revitalization Program is closed, similar arts and culture grants open throughout the year. Preparing your project plan and budget now helps you apply quickly when the next intake launches. GrantHub keeps PEI theatre organizations updated about new and returning funding programs, so you don’t have to check government sites often.
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