Professional Development Grant (Canada)

Such activities may include unique opportunities for short-term study (beyond basic training) in a formal or informal setting, mentorships, or master classes.

The Winnipeg Arts Council recognizes that professional development is key for artists in the community to thrive and over the years WAC has supported hundreds of Winnipeg artists and arts administrators for activities that develop their skillsets. Professional mentorships, formal training/courses, and artist residencies have long been eligible for support through the Professional Development grant and the program has helped offset artists’ costs for a wide variety of activities.

Funding Information

• Grants are awarded in fixed amounts of $500, $750, $1,000, or $1,500. Applicants may seek up to 50% of the total eligible costs from WAC. Grants of $1,500 will normally not be considered for activities taking place in North America, and partial funding may be recommended.

Eligible Activities Include

• travel to attend a significant exhibition, reading, screening, performance, presentation or discussion of the applicant’s work
• travel to participate in an international competition or to attend significant awards ceremonies as a nominee or recipient
• travel costs and registration fees for delegates at conferences, festivals and symposia
• travel costs and registration fees for artist residencies
• advanced short term study, workshops and professional development in arts administration or arts education
• mentorship or apprenticeship with a qualified mentor or senior professional artist/curator/arts administrator

Eligibility Criteria

• All applicants for assistance under this program must meet the following criteria:
  • be a working artist or curator, dedicated to the professional practice of art as evidenced by a significant investment of time and resources, and be recognized as such by peers in their artistic discipline
  • be a professional arts administrator with a history of working with Winnipeg artists and arts organizations. Arts educators working in Winnipeg educational institutions may also be eligible when the proposed activity is directly related to their work in the arts
  • be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • live and work in the City of Winnipeg. An applicant must have lived in the City for at least 12 months immediately prior to the application date and maintain Winnipeg residency throughout the project. Proof of residency may be required.

Ineligibility

• These grants are not available to:
  • Groups/Organizations
  • High school or postsecondary students
  • Amateur artists
  • Individuals with outstanding reporting on previous Winnipeg Arts Council grants
  • Individuals who have already received a Professional Development Grant in the current calendar year OR two Professional Development Grants in the current four-calendar year period
  • artists who have been identified as having outstanding accounts with CRA
• Professional Development Grants are not available for:
  • Touring or group travel
  • University degree programs or any other activities required to satisfy a course requirement of an educational institution
  • Activities longer than 6 months duration including applications for shorter portions of an activity which is longer than 6 months
  • Presentation of academic papers at academic conferences
  • Payment of membership dues or attending general/annual meetings of associations
  • Expenses related to the creation or production of works of art (i.e. framing, rehearsal, installation, publishing)
  • Payment of artist fees, hall rentals, promotional materials etc.
  • Activities that primarily benefit an organization instead of the individual applicant
  • Activities supported by any other Winnipeg Arts Council program.

For more information, visit Winnipeg Arts Council.