Live Performing Arts Production

Overview of the Live Performing Arts Production program:

The Live Performing Arts Production Grant is a funding initiative delivered by Creative Saskatchewan to stimulate the development, production, and presentation of original live performances in the province. The program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants producing new theatrical, dance, musical, or multidisciplinary performances for public presentation in Saskatchewan. The grant is intended to support the creation of high-quality live productions that can demonstrate commercial potential, expand public audiences, and contribute to the vibrancy of Saskatchewan’s cultural sector. It is open to both for-profit and not-for-profit entities, and applicants must show a clear plan to present their work to paying audiences. This grant does not support workshops, readings, or informal showings—it is strictly aimed at full-scale public performances. It emphasizes marketing readiness, production planning, and clear strategies for engaging audiences and driving box office sales. While it does not fund tours or operational expenses, it plays a critical role in the initial public staging of live performance works created within Saskatchewan. Applicants must contribute a portion of the project budget and provide documentation to support their production plans and financial estimates. Creative Saskatchewan evaluates applications based on artistic merit, economic impact, and audience development goals. This program is part of a broader effort to foster a commercially viable arts sector in Saskatchewan, while also enriching the cultural life of the province.

Benefits of the Live Performing Arts Production program:

• Provides up to $50,000 in non-repayable grant funding.
• Encourages the development and public staging of new Saskatchewan-based live performance works.
• Helps cover key production expenses, including set design, technical costs, venue rental, and talent fees.
• Focuses on projects that can demonstrate commercial viability and strong audience engagement plans.
• Supports Saskatchewan's creative economy and contributes to provincial cultural tourism.
• Offers a flexible intake model so creators can apply when their project is ready.
• Strengthens local performance ecosystems by enabling the realization of high-quality shows.

Eligibility criteria of the Live Performing Arts Production program:

• Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
• Location: Must be Saskatchewan-based.
• Business Type: Both incorporated for-profit and non-profit organizations may apply.
• Project Type:
• Must involve the full public production of a live performing arts work (e.g., theatre, dance, music).
• Workshops, staged readings, and non-ticketed events are ineligible.
• Commercial Intent: Must demonstrate a strategy to reach paying audiences.
• Contribution Requirement: Applicants must cover at least 50% of project costs through other means.
• Project Readiness: Production must be ready for presentation, with all core planning and budgets in place.
• Eligible Costs Include:
• Technical crew
• Venue rentals
• Sets, costumes, lighting
• Performance rights
• Artist and production team compensation
• Ineligible Costs Include:
• Touring expenses
• Operating costs
• Workshop development