Arts and Culture funding opportunities
Arts and Culture Funding opportunities
Discover funding opportunities that support arts and culture events, festivals and initiatives that enhance Calgary’s vibrancy, strengthen communities and enrich our city’s cultural landscape.
Arts & Culture funding programs overview
Arts & Culture invests over $6 million in communities to support vibrancy, connection and capacity-building within the arts and culture sector.
Click to download the overview
Current programs and grants
Festivals and Events Subsidy Program (FESP)
Local festival and event organizers can receive a subsidy to cover approved City of Calgary services (e.g.: permit fees, road closures, pay duty) on their City services bill.
- Returning events: 90% subsidy, apply on or before Nov. 15.
- New events: 50% subsidy, apply at least 90 days before event.
Cannot be combined with ACM.
Arts and Culture Microgrant (ACM)
Funding for new or reoccurring arts and culture initiatives that include at least one significant new programming element to activate communities.
- Max. one per year.
- Applications open until fully subscribed.
- Apply at least one month before initiative begins.
- Intake #1: Apply by the March 4, 2026 for initiatives happening June to November.
- Intake #2: Apply by the Sept. 2, 2026 for initiatives happening December to May of next year.
Cannot be combined with FESP or DIM.
Chinatown Activation Microgrant
Funding for small-scale initiatives, events and activities held in Chinatown that celebrate its rich heritage and energize the community.
- Up to $3,000.
- Max. two per year.
- Applications open until fully subscribed.
Applications are also open to individuals, businesses, collectives and social groups.
Upcoming programs and grants
Downtown in Motion Grant (DIM)
Funding for publicly accessible arts, culture and sports initiatives in Calgary’s greater downtown that aim for financial sustainability and lasting community impact.
- Up to $50,000.
- Max. one per year.
- Applications open in February.
For initiatives taking place from Sept. 2026 to Sept. 2027.
Cannot be combined with ACM.
#YYCNeighbourDay Microgrant
Funding for free, small-scale community events that foster connection and promote inclusion on Calgary’s Neighbour Day (third Saturday of June).
- Up to $2,000.
- Max. one per year.
- Applications open in April.
Culture Days Microgrant
Funding for the artistic and cultural collaboration during September to energize Calgary’s greater downtown.
- Up to $5,000.
- Applications open in February.
Frequently asked questions
Can I receive grants from more than one funding program?
Most Arts & Culture funding programs can be combined but cannot be used to cover the same expenses.
The only exception is the Arts & Culture Microgrant that cannot be combined with the Festival & Events Subsidy Program or the Downtown in Motion Grant.
We also encourage combining funding with other sources such as other grant programs, donations, sponsorships and vendor fees to help strengthen the sustainability of your initiative.
How do I choose between the Festival and Events Subsidy Program (FESP) and the Arts & Culture Microgrant (ACM) if I’m interested in both grants?
FESP helps subsidize the cost of City of Calgary services, while the ACM can be used more broadly to support eligible expenses for your initiative.
Your event liaison can work with you to provide an estimate of your event’s City of Calgary services costs so you can better understand the subsidy amount you can receive. This will help you decide which funding program best fits your budget.
How are funding decisions made?
Some grant programs are first come, first served. Funds are awarded in the order eligible applications are received until the funding pool runs out. Applying early increases your chances of receiving funding if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Other programs are merit based. Applications are independently reviewed and scored by a grant review committee based on how well they align with program priorities and the applicant’s ability to deliver the initiative. Funding goes to the highest-scoring applications until the budget is fully allocated.
When will I receive my approved funding?
Payment is typically issued within six to eight weeks after you have signed and returned your grant agreement.
For the Festival and Events Subsidy Program, the subsidy is applied directly to your City of Calgary invoice to reduce your balance owing.
Can I use this funding for capital expenses, operating costs, or third-party contractors?
Arts & Culture funding programs focus on the direct costs that support the delivery of your initiative. Most third-party contractors (e.g., audio/visual support, stage managers) are eligible.
Capital expenses, such as construction, permanent equipment and overhead costs (e.g., rent, staff salaries and utilities) are not eligible.
What if I need to change my initiative after receiving funding?
Funding is approved based on the initiative and budget submitted. If major changes are needed during planning, including changes to scope, dates or budget, you MUST contact your event liaison or email us for approval.
Can I use leftover or unspent funds for other initiatives our organization hosts?
Funding must be used only for the eligible expenses listed in your original budget and outlined in your grant agreement. If you have unspent funds, contact us.
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Contact us if you have any questions about our funding programs.
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