Arts and Culture microgrant
Arts and Culture Microgrant
Supporting local non-profits to activate culturally vibrant neighbourhoods in Calgary.
Banner photo: Albert Woo
Learn more and apply for the 2024 Arts and Culture Microgrant!
Apply by Sept. 1 for initiatives between Dec. 2024 and May 2025.Bring your idea for a new arts and culture experience to life! With more than $1 million in available funding, the 2024 Arts and Culture Microgrant is now accepting applications.
Learn more Apply now for Tier 2 funding!
2024 impact
Emerging Artist Showcase
“I attended the Ethnik Festival with my family, and it was such an enriching experience. My sisters participated in some of the activities, which not only sparked their creativity but also taught them about different cultures. This festival brought our community together in a way that was both educational and fun. We can’t wait for next year’s event!” ~ participant
Watch highlights of the event
Big Winter Classic 2024
“Discovering new bands, the sheer pump that all the attendees had for the bands, the ease of access to venues, and the friendliness and inclusion of the venues. Big Winter Classic had a real great festival energy that kept the stoke going for the three days that I attended.” ~ participant
“The community feel despite it being winter, a great excuse for people to blue away the winter blues, and most importantly the quality of the acts in such large numbers.” ~ participant
Learn more about Big Winter Classic
2023 impact
2023 highlights
-
$1.03 million awarded
-
210,455 individuals impacted
-
2,073 creative professionals engaged
-
634 community groups supported
-
530 local businesses benefitted
About the 2024 microgrant
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 could include:
- 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!
Apply for a microgrant
Review the microgrant guidelines before you apply.
-
Tier 1: Fully subscribed for 2024
Applications will re-open in winter 2024/25.
This supports smaller initiatives with up to 100 per cent of eligible expenses per applicant, up to $5,000.
Apply a minimum of 30 days before your initiative start date. Funds are awarded on a rolling basis until all funding is allocated.
-
Tier 2: Up to $30,000
Supports up to 50 per cent of eligible expenses per initiative.
Apply by March 3, 2024 for initiatives taking place between June – November 2024.
Apply by Sept. 1, 2024 for initiatives taking place between December 2024 – May 2025.
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.
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:
- incorporating a new art medium in an exhibition
- showcasing diverse cultures or a new cultural community
- establishing a new partnership with a creative professional or community/cultural organization
- introducing a new interactive creative activity or project for participants
- offering a new educational component to promote arts, culture, equity deserving groups and/or a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
For 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.
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.