Arts and Culture microgrant
Arts and Culture Microgrant
Supporting local non-profits to celebrate arts and culture and activate culturally vibrant communities in Calgary.
Arts and Culture Microgrant
Bring your idea for a new arts and culture experience to life! With $1 million in available funding, the 2026 Arts and Culture Microgrant is now accepting applications.
Non-profits and registered charities, including Community Associations and Business Improvement Areas, can apply for up to $30,000 in funding for new arts and culture projects, programming, temporary installations, place-keeping, workshops and events that enhance cultural learning and arts appreciation.
Activity ideas
- pop-up music events
- cultural cooking workshop
- drumming workshop
- artisan markets
- interactive artwork and installations
- cultural festivals
- recreational art studios
- shared maker spaces
- theatre production
- light show
- cultural film screening
- art exhibition showcasing local artists
- your idea here!
Types of microgrants
Tier 1: Up to $5,000
With total funding of $340,000, Tier 1 supports smaller initiatives by covering up to 100% of eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $5,000.
- Apply a minimum of 30 days before your initiative begins.
- Intake opens in January 2026 and will remain open until all available funds have been awarded.
- Initiatives must take place in 2026.
- Limit of one (1) microgrant per organization per year.
Tier 2: Up to $30,000
With two intake periods and total funding of $660,000 ($330,000 per intake), Tier 2 supports larger initiatives by covering up to 50% of project expenses, up to a maximum of $30,000.
- Intake 1: Apply by March 4, 2026 for initiatives beginning between June and November 2026.
- Intake 2: Apply by Sept. 2, 2026 for initiatives beginning between December 2026 and May 2027.
Limit of one (1) microgrant per initiative. Organizations may submit applications for multiple initiatives.
Apply for a microgrant
- Complete the final report form.
- Submit a financial statement and one to three photos of your initiative to microgrants@calgary.ca. You may use this financial statement template or provide the information in a format that works best for you.
Note: Organizations that are receiving a City of Calgary Festivals and Events Subsidy are not eligible to receive an Arts and Culture Microgrant for the same initiative.
2025 Microgrant highlights
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$1,204,573 awarded
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132 initiatives supported
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72,229 individuals impacted
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3,031 volunteer opportunities created
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2,509 creative professionals engaged
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150 community groups supported
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697 local businesses benefitted
Frequently asked questions
What is considered a new programming element added to a reoccurring initiative?
A new element of programming is something that has not been part of your initiative previously.
Examples could include but are not limited to:
- introducing a new interactive creative activity or project for participants
- developing a showcase of cultural communities and/or new partnerships that result in a new programming opportunity
- incorporating a new art medium into an exhibition
- offering a new educational component to promote arts, culture, equity-deserving groups and/or a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.
If you have specific questions about your initiative, please email microgrants@calgary.ca.
Can I receive more than one microgrant?
Applicants may be approved for only one initiative in Tier 1. You may be approved for one or more initiatives in Tier 2 based on the results from the scoring committee.
Will my initiative be considered for funding if there is cost to attend?
While we encourage initiatives that are free to participate in, we recognize that a moderate fee to help offset expenses is appropriate in some cases. Reduced fees or a ‘pay what you can’ model for attendees are examples of how you can make your initiative more accessible for people.
Can I use the grant funding to create artwork or an art installation in a community?
The Arts and Culture Microgrant funding can be used to create community art and art installations that are expected to be displayed for 3 – 5 years. Projects require a maintenance plan that identifies the location of the art, length of time it will be displayed, who is responsible for the maintenance, what happens when the art needs to be taken down and a few other details. Please email microgrants@calgary.ca for more information.
If you are an artist with a project idea, you may collaborate with an eligible organization to apply for funding. Alternatively, artist microgrants are also available through Calgary Arts Development.
What is the process for reporting back on my initiative?
Arts and Culture Microgrant recipients will be asked to share their success by providing a final report within 60 days after the initiative is completed. The reporting template can be downloaded here.
How much should I pay an artist who will be hired for my initiative?
The City of Calgary Arts and Culture Microgrant supports the CARFAC-RAAV Minimum Recommended Fee Schedule which provides guidelines on the minimum recommended rates for the use of artwork and certain services that visual artists provide.