RFPs: Access Copyright Foundation Events Grants (Canada)

Deadline: 01-Nov-2026

The Access Copyright Foundation Events Grants provide up to $7,500 CAD to eligible Canadian artists’ groups, organizations, publishers, and arts professionals organizing festivals, reading series, exhibitions, conferences, workshops, and professional development activities. The program supports events that celebrate Canadian literary and visual arts and can be delivered in person, virtually, or through a hybrid format.

About the Access Copyright Foundation Events Grants

The Access Copyright Foundation invites applications for its Events Grants program, supporting activities that promote the development, appreciation, and visibility of Canadian literary and visual arts. Funding is available for organizations, artist groups, publishers, and eligible arts professionals planning public events and professional development activities featuring Canadian writers, visual artists, and publishing professionals. Events can be presented as live, virtual, or hybrid activities. What Does the Events Grants Program Support? The program supports a wide range of events and activities connected to Canadian writing, publishing, and visual arts.

Eligible activities include:

- Festivals. - Reading series. - Exhibitions. - Symposia. - Conferences. - Conventions. - Book award ceremonies. - Workshops. - Lectures. - Seminars. - Facilitated retreats. - Professional development sessions. - Professional development components of annual conferences or general meetings. - Public readings and panels. - Presentations and performances. - Lectures featuring Canadian writers, visual artists, or publishing professionals. Activities should contribute to the development, appreciation, or public engagement of Canadian literary or visual arts. Funding Available Eligible applicants can receive up to $7,500 CAD. The total annual funding envelope for all three Access Copyright Foundation grant programs is $300,000 CAD. Because the Events Grants program is competitive, applicants should not assume that the full amount requested will be awarded. The grant is also generally not intended to be the sole source of funding for an event. Applicants should consider other sources of financial support when developing their event budget. When Can Events Take Place? Upcoming events or event series supported by the program should begin within one year of the application date and conclude within one year of the project term start date. Certain activities that took place during the two months immediately before the November 1 deadline may also be considered. This provision can allow eligible applicants to seek retroactive support for qualifying autumn events and conferences. Event Delivery Formats Events can be organized in different formats depending on the needs of participants and audiences.

Supported events may be:

- Live and in person. - Fully virtual. - Hybrid, combining live and streamed participation. Applicants are encouraged to consider accessibility when planning events. This includes using accessible venues and introducing measures that reduce barriers to participation. Who Can Apply? The program accepts applications from several types of Canadian arts professionals and organizations.

Eligible applicants can include:

- Professional writers. - Professional visual artists. - Self-employed arts professionals. - Artist groups and informal collectives. - Non-profit organizations. - Independent professional book publishers. - Independent professional periodical publishers. Applicants must meet the specific citizenship, residency, professional experience, organizational, and operational requirements applicable to their applicant category.

Eligibility for Professional Writers and Visual Artists

Individual professional writers and visual artists must: - Be Canadian citizens or permanent residents. - Have a professional track record of publication or exhibition. The program is intended for creators with established professional activity in writing or visual arts.

Eligibility for Freelance Arts Professionals

Self-employed arts professionals working in the Canadian writing, publishing, and visual arts sectors may also be eligible.

Examples include:

- Editors. - Illustrators. - Designers. - Literary agents. - Other independent arts professionals working within the eligible sectors. Applicants should demonstrate professional experience and involvement in the Canadian literary, publishing, or visual arts community.

Eligibility for Artist Groups

Artist groups must meet specific requirements.

Eligible groups must:

- Be informal collectives. - Have at least five active members. - Provide mutual support among members. - Have met monthly for at least one year. The group structure should demonstrate an established and ongoing collaborative practice rather than a newly formed project team.

Eligibility for Organizations and Publishers

Organizations must be legally registered in Canada as non-profit organizations. Independent professional book or periodical publishers may also apply if they are: - At least 75% Canadian-owned and controlled. - Operating continuously for at least one year. - Supporting Canadian writers or visual artists through their program mandate. Eligible organizations and publishers must also pay artist fees or royalties that are consistent with applicable industry standards. Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility The Access Copyright Foundation recognizes the importance of addressing barriers that have historically affected participation in the arts and publishing sectors. The Foundation welcomes applications from creators and organizations representing communities that face additional challenges in creating or disseminating their work.

This includes:

- Newcomers. - People affected by racism. - People across diverse genders and sexual identities. - People with disabilities. - Organizations representing underserved or historically marginalized communities. Applicants are also encouraged to consider barriers related to g