Public Outreach Grant for Arts in Canada

Deadline: 14-Oct-2026

The Canada Council for the Arts Public Outreach Grant supports Canadian artistic and cultural organizations in delivering activities that connect artists with diverse audiences and increase public appreciation, participation, and engagement with the arts. The grant can support activities such as performances, exhibitions, festivals, artist talks, community engagement, panels, reading series, and other public-facing arts initiatives. Eligible applicants can request up to $75,000 per project and may submit a maximum of two applications per calendar year. Funding can cover eligible project costs including artist fees, professional fees, accessibility services, safety measures, equipment, and certain participation-related expenses. Overview of the Public Outreach Grant The Public Outreach Grant is part of the Arts Across Canada and Abroad program of the Canada Council for the Arts. The grant is designed to help Canadian groups and organizations create meaningful connections between: Artists. Arts professionals. Communities. Audiences. The broader Canadian public. The programme emphasizes public engagement with Canadian artistic work and aims to increase appreciation and enjoyment of the arts. Purpose of the Grant The Public Outreach Grant supports activities that make artistic work more accessible and engaging for the public. Projects should create opportunities for people to: The Public Outreach Grant contributes to broader efforts to promote the creativity and excellence of Canadian artists. Supported activities can help increase visibility and public engagement with Canadian artistic work both within Canada and, where relevant to the broader programme, internationally. Eligible Project Expenses Funding can cover expenses that are directly connected to the proposed public outreach activities. Artist and Professional Fees

Eligible costs can include:

Artist fees. Professional fees. Other appropriate payments directly related to project delivery. Fair compensation for artists and professionals is an important part of developing sustainable arts activities. Elders and Knowledge Keepers Funding can supporthonoraria for Elders and Knowledge Keepers involved in eligible activities. This can be particularly relevant for projects involving Indigenous communities, cultural knowledge, and community-based artistic engagement. Equipment Equipment purchases may be eligible, subject to the programme’s limits. Equipment costs can account for up to: 15% of the requested grant Applicants should ensure that equipment is directly connected to the proposed project. Safety-Related Costs Funding can support eligible expenses required to ensure safe participation in project activities. Child and Dependent Care Certain child-care or dependent-care expenses required for participation in the project may be eligible. This can help reduce barriers to participation for artists, professionals, and other participants. Accessibility Costs The grant can support public accessibility measures, including: Sign language interpretation. Accessibility audits. Personal support workers. Other eligible accessibility-related expenses. These costs can help ensure that public arts activities are accessible to diverse audiences. Who Is Eligible? Eligible applicants include a range of Canadian arts and cultural organizations and groups.

These may include:

Artistic groups. Arts supporting groups. First Nations collectives and organizations. Inuit collectives and organizations. Métis collectives and organizations. Supporting organizations. Presenting organizations. Business cultural connectors. Eligible Indigenous collectives and organizations may include both not-for-profit and for-profit entities, subject to programme requirements. Funding Amount

Applicants may request up to:

$75,000 per project The funding is intended to cover eligible expenses directly related to the proposed public outreach activities. Application Limit An applicant can submit a maximum of: Two applications per calendar year. Organizations planning multiple projects should therefore consider carefully which activities to submit under the available application opportunities. Why the Public Outreach Grant Matters Public engagement is an important part of a healthy arts ecosystem. Artists can create innovative and high-quality work, but meaningful public outreach helps ensure that audiences have opportunities to experience and engage with that work. Clearly identify the artistic or cultural activity you want to deliver.

Explain:

What will happen. Where it will happen. Who will participate. Who the intended audience is.

Step 2: Explain the Audience Engagement Strategy

Describe how the project will connect artists with the public.

For example, the project could involve:

Artist talks. Public performances. Community discussions. Exhibitions. Workshops. Panels. Knowledge-sharing events.

Step 3: Identify the Community or Audience

Explain who the project is intended to reach.

Consider:

Existing audiences. New audiences. Local communities. Underserved groups. Diverse cultural communities. People facing accessibility barriers.

Step 4: Prepare the Project Budget

Identify expenses directly related to the project.

Potential eligible costs include:

Artist fees. Professional fees. Elders’ and Knowledge Keepers’ honoraria. Safety costs. Accessibility services. Eligible child or dependent care. Equipment within the 15% limit.

Step 5: Build Accessibility Into the Project

Consider accessibility requirements from the beginning rather than treating them as an additional activity.

Where applicable, include costs for:

Sign language interpretation. Accessibility audits. Personal support workers. Other eligible accessibility measures.

Step 6: Demonstrate Public Benefit

Explain how the project will increase public appreciation, access, enjoyment, or engagement with Canadian arts.

Step 7: Check the Application Limit

Make sure the organization does not exceed the two-applica