The GNWT has announced that they are making changes to the funding towards art projects and art operational funding.
These changes are intended to more broadly support the arts sector, especially artists and craftspeople in small communities, and arts organizations. These changes apply to arts funding programs administered by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, but funding and marketing programs provided by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment that support economic development will not change
Changes include updates to how funding can be used, which types of projects are being funded, what information is required on the applications, and new reporting requirements in an effort to make the process less complicated and easier to understand.
There are two different grants that artists and craftspeople can apply for.
Small Arts Project Grants provide up to $5,000 per intake for small-scale arts projects (e.g., traditional apparel, paintings) for emerging and mid-career artists, craftspeople and small groups. The grant supports costs such as art supplies, education, training, and artistic development.
Medium Arts Project Grants provide up to $10,000 per intake for medium-scale arts projects and events for mid-career to established artists, craftspeople and organizations. The grant supports costs for materials and supplies needed to produce and display artwork, artist fees, education, training, and artistic development.
These grants will continue to be juried by the NWT Arts Council, whose role is to review grant applications and make funding recommendations to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.
As a result of these changes there will not be a call out for NWT Arts Council Grants in October 2023. The new grants will continue to have two annual intakes; the deadlines will be February 28 and August 31 starting in 2024.
