Open Call for Indigenous Arts Residency Program (Canada)

Deadline: 14-Oct-2026

The Indigenous Arts Residency Program provides grants of up to $20,000 to Montréal-based non-profit arts organizations and cooperatives to host a professional Indigenous artist in residence. The program supports research, creation, artistic development, collaboration, and professional exchanges while increasing the representation and visibility of Indigenous artists in Montréal’s arts sector.

About the Indigenous Arts Residency Program

The Indigenous Arts Residency Program was established by the Conseil des arts de Montréal to strengthen the presence and visibility of Indigenous artists within Montréal’s arts and culture community. The program recognizes the contributions of Indigenous artists and aims to create meaningful artistic exchanges between artists and Montréal arts organizations. It also seeks to strengthen professional networks for Indigenous artists and support the continued development of Indigenous arts in the city. How Much Funding Is Available? Selected organizations can receive up to $20,000 to host an Indigenous artist in residence.

The funding conditions include:

- Maximum grant: $20,000

- Grant type: One-time, non-recurring award

- Residency length: Determined according to the artist’s needs

- Artist fee: Must be included in the project budget

- Artist payment: The fee must meet the highest standard rates in the cultural sector

Organizations are responsible for ensuring that the artist receives the required professional fee. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants must meet organizational, geographic, and legal requirements.

Applicants must be:

- Non-profit organizations or cooperatives - Based on the Island of Montréal - Primarily focused on arts activities - Operating with an eligible not-for-profit structure - Governed by a board composed mainly of Canadian citizens or permanent residents Only organizations that meet the program’s eligibility requirements should submit an application. Who Can Be the Artist in Residence? The residency must involve a professional Indigenous artist residing in Canada.

Eligible artists must identify as:

- First Nations - Inuit - Métis The artist should also be recognized as a professional artist by their peers or community. The residency is intended to provide the artist with meaningful opportunities for artistic development, collaboration, research, creation, or professional exchange. What Types of Projects Are Eligible? The program supports a range of artistic and professional development activities.

Eligible projects may involve:

- Research and creation - Artistic production - Development of artistic practices - Artistic guidance or mentorship - Collaboration between artists and organizations - Professional artistic exchanges The proposed residency should provide a meaningful environment for the Indigenous artist and contribute to the development of Indigenous arts. What Are the Responsibilities of the Host Organization? The selected organization is responsible for managing the residency from planning through completion.

Host organizations must:

- Coordinate the residency activities - Provide an appropriate residency environment - Manage the project budget - Ensure payment of the artist’s professional fee - Support the artist throughout the residency - Complete and submit a final report after the residency Organizations should have sufficient administrative and financial capacity to manage these responsibilities. How Is the Residency Duration Determined? There is no single fixed residency duration stated for all projects. The length of the residency is determined according to the needs of the participating artist and the proposed project. Applicants should therefore explain why the proposed timeframe is appropriate for the artist’s research, creation, collaboration, or professional development. How Are Applications Evaluated? Applications are assessed by the Indigenous Arts Committee. The evaluation considers several areas, including: - Contribution to the development of Indigenous arts - Quality of the proposed residency environment - Strength of project management - Organizational and financial stability Applicants should demonstrate both artistic value and the ability to manage the residency effectively. Application Limits and Language Requirements Each organization may submit only one application per year. Applications must be submitted in French. An exception applies to Indigenous organizations, which may submit applications in English. Applicants should follow the applicable language requirement when preparing their submission. How to Prepare a Strong Application A strong application should clearly explain how the residency will benefit the Indigenous artist and contribute to the wider development of Indigenous arts.

Applicants should consider explaining:

- Why the organization wants to host an Indigenous artist - The artistic objectives of the residency - The proposed activities and working environment - How the residency supports the artist’s practice - Opportunities for artistic exchange and collaboration - How the artist’s professional fee will be handled - The organization’s ability to manage the project - Expected outcomes for the artist and arts community The proposal should demonstrate that the organization can provide a meaningful and well-managed residency experience. Common Mistakes to Avoid Applicants should carefully review the program requirements before submitting their application.

Potential issues include:

- Applying from outside the Island of Montréal - Applying as an organization without an arts-focused mandate - Selecting an artist who does not meet the Indigenous artist requirements - Failing to include an appropriate artist fee - Providing an unclear residency plan - Underestimating administrative or financial responsibilities - Submitting more than one application in the same year - Using the wrong application language when the organization is not Indigenous Key Facts

- Program: Indigeno