Public Outreach: Arts Across Canada and Arts Abroad — How to Apply

Reaching new audiences is one of the biggest challenges for artists and arts organizations. The Public Outreach streams of the Canada Council for the Arts — Arts Across Canada and Arts Abroad — help artists and organizations share their work with people across the country and internationally. These programs support outreach activities like events, publications, and audience engagement projects. If you are planning a project focused on outreach, this guide explains how the programs work and how you can apply.

Understanding Public Outreach: Arts Across Canada and Arts Abroad

The Canada Council for the Arts offers two related streams for public outreach:

Arts Across Canada – Public Outreach
Arts Abroad – Public Outreach

Both streams support activities that connect artists and arts organizations with different audiences. The main goal is sharing, promoting, and engaging the public with your artistic practice. These grants are not meant for creating new art.

How much funding is available?

Up to $75,000 per project
Funding is non-repayable. Most Canada Council grants do not need to be paid back. However, if your project earns significant income, you may need to report this, and it could affect your final grant amount.

The amount you receive depends on your outreach project’s size and reach.

Eligibility and Activities

Who can apply?

The Canada Council for the Arts sets the eligibility rules. Usually, these include:

Professional artists
Arts organizations and collectives
Other arts-sector applicants recognized by the Canada Council

You must meet the Council’s definition of a professional artist or arts organization. You also need to be registered in their online portal before you apply. Always check the official program guidelines to make sure you are eligible.

What types of activities are eligible?

Eligible public outreach activities include:

Live events such as talks, panels, readings, or community presentations
Publications, both print and online
Audience engagement projects that help more people access your work
Outreach activities in any part of Canada (for Arts Across Canada) or abroad (for Arts Abroad)

Your project must clearly show how it connects artists and audiences. It should aim to reach people who might not usually take part in the arts.

How to Apply for Public Outreach Funding

Applying to the Public Outreach streams takes careful planning and attention to detail.

Step 1: Prepare your Canada Council profile

You must have a complete applicant profile in the Canada Council’s online portal. This includes:

Your legal and contact information
A description of your artistic practice or organization
Information about your past activities and experience

If your profile is incomplete, your application can be delayed or even blocked.

Step 2: Define your outreach project

In your application, clearly explain:

Who your outreach is for (your target audience)
What activities you will do
Where your activities will take place (in Canada, abroad, or both)
Why your outreach matters and how it will help more people engage with the arts

Assessors want to see that your project will help audiences, not just your own work.

Step 3: Build a realistic budget

Your budget should match your project activities. Common eligible costs include:

Artist and professional fees
Travel and accommodation
Production and publication expenses
Marketing and audience engagement costs

If your project might make money, be clear and realistic about this in your budget. The Canada Council may adjust your grant if your project earns more than expected.

Step 4: Submit before the deadline

Deadlines change for each intake and are set by the Canada Council. Always check the current dates in the portal and give yourself time for technical problems.

If you’re searching for more programs, GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter grants by province and discipline.

Application Tips

Focus on outreach, not creation: These grants are for connecting with audiences, not making new art.
Be specific about your audience: Avoid saying “general public.” Describe exactly who you want to reach and how.
Explain your budget: Make sure your budget supports your outreach plan. If something costs more, explain why.
Be open about revenue: If your project could earn money, include this in your budget and explain it clearly.
Check guidelines carefully: Program details can change. Always read the latest information on the Canada Council website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the Arts Across Canada and Arts Abroad — Public Outreach grants?
They are Canada Council for the Arts programs that fund activities helping artists and arts organizations connect with audiences through outreach initiatives. The focus is on engagement and access, not on creating new art.

Q: How much funding can I receive?
You can request up to $75,000 per project. The amount you get depends on your project’s size and budget.

Q: Is this grant repayable?
No. Most Canada Council grants, including these, are non-repayable. However, if your project earns significant revenue, you must report it. This could affect your final grant amount. Always read your funding agreement for details.

Q: Can I apply for international outreach activities?
Yes. The Arts Abroad stream supports outreach activities outside Canada, while Arts Across Canada focuses on projects within the country.

Q: When is the application deadline?
Deadlines change with each intake. Check the Canada Council for the Arts portal for the latest dates.

Next Steps

If you are interested in Public Outreach (Arts Across Canada or Arts Abroad) funding, also look at other Canada Council programs. Make sure you understand your reporting and follow-up obligations if you are approved. See What Happens After You’re Approved for a Grant? Reporting and Reimbursement Explained.

GrantHub tracks hundreds of grant programs across Canada, including Canada Council opportunities, so you can find ones that match your artistic practice, location, and outreach goals.

Public Outreach: Arts Across Canada and Arts Abroad — How to Apply