Access Support - Strategic Funds

Overview of the Access Support - Strategic Funds program:

The Access Support Program is a strategic funding initiative by the Canada Council for the Arts designed to assist artists, arts professionals, groups, and organizations in overcoming barriers to accessing Council programs and funding. This program provides financial assistance to help cover costs associated with disability-related needs, language translation, and other access requirements that might otherwise prevent full participation in the Council's funding opportunities.

Benefits of the Access Support - Strategic Funds program:

• Disability-Related Support: The program offers funding to cover costs related to accessibility for artists and arts professionals with disabilities. This can include expenses for support workers, adaptive equipment, specialized software, and other resources that enable individuals to fully participate in their artistic practice and in Council-funded activities.
• Language Translation: The program also supports costs for language translation services, ensuring that artists and organizations who speak languages other than English or French can effectively communicate and participate in the Councils programs.
• Customized Assistance: Access Support is tailored to meet the specific needs of the applicant, ensuring that the funding provided is directly related to their unique accessibility requirements. This approach allows for flexibility and ensures that a wide range of needs can be accommodated.
• Supplemental Funding: The Access Support Program is designed to complement other Canada Council grants. This means that it provides additional funding on top of a regular grant, specifically to address accessibility-related expenses. It can be applied for alongside other grant applications or after a grant has been awarded.

Eligibility criteria of the Access Support - Strategic Funds program:

• Artists, Arts Professionals, and Organizations: The program is open to individual artists, arts professionals, and arts organizations who are applying for or have received a Canada Council grant. This includes those participating in any of the Council's funding programs across all artistic disciplines.
• Accessibility Needs: Applicants must demonstrate that the funding request is directly related to overcoming barriers that would otherwise limit their ability to participate in Canada Council programs or funded activities. This could involve disability-related needs, language barriers, or other accessibility challenges.
• Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents: Individual applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Organizations must be based in Canada and contribute to the Canadian cultural landscape.