Programming: Professional Arts Festivals and Performing Arts Series Presenters (Canada Arts Presentation Fund)

Overview of the Programming: Professional Arts Festivals and Performing Arts Series Presenters (Canada Arts Presentation Fund) program:

The Professional Arts Festivals and Performing Arts Series Presenters sub-component of the Canada Arts Presentation Fund (CAPF) supports existing professional arts festivals and performing arts series presenters to offer activities that connect artists with Canadians in their communities. This is primarily achieved through performances, as well as through audience development and outreach initiatives such as pre- or post-show panel discussions, public lectures and workshops, residencies, demonstrations, public rehearsals, and other forms of community engagement activities.

Benefits of the Programming: Professional Arts Festivals and Performing Arts Series Presenters (Canada Arts Presentation Fund) program:

• Total funding from CAPF + all government sources cannot exceed 90% of total project costs.
• Professional Arts Festivals:
  • Up to 25% of eligible expenses
  • Max $100,000/year (grants) or $500,000/year (contributions)
  • In exceptional cases: up to $1,000,000 for festivals with $5M+ in eligible expenses
• Performing Arts Series Presenters:
  • Up to 25% of eligible expenses
  • Max $100,000 (grants) or $200,000 (contributions)
  • In rare, justified cases, funding may cover up to 50% of eligible expenses (e.g., underserved disciplines or communities with unusual barriers).
• Average CAPF support typically ranges from 7% to 17%, depending on region.

Eligibility criteria of the Programming: Professional Arts Festivals and Performing Arts Series Presenters (Canada Arts Presentation Fund) program:

• Eligible Organizations
• Not-for-profit (federal or provincial/territorial incorporation)
• Provincial/territorial/municipal institutions (incl. public educational institutions)
• 3, Indigenous institutions/organizations (Inuit, Metis, First Nations)
• General Requirements
• Clear arts presentation focus in mandate/by-laws
• Present professional artists work
• Separate, accurate accounting for presentation activities
• Minimum 1 year of continuous professional operation
• Present works from multiple provinces/territories
• Provide venue, technical, promotional support
• Charge admission for some/all events
• Pay guaranteed fees & provide professional conditions for artists
• Additional Requirements
• Performing Arts Series: 3 distinct professional shows/season
• Professional Arts Festivals: 3-day festival; 3 distinct professional works; festival length typically 3 days4 weeks
• Media Arts Festivals: Present independent professional artists; priority if artists engage in outreach
• Eligible Projects
• 3 professional shows/events in series/festival format, multi-provincial
• Community engagement / audience development
• Professional development / networking for presenters
• Partnerships with arts organizations or institutions
• Volunteer participation & training
• Ineligible Projects
• Book fairs, galas, competitions, receptions, hospitality
• Tours, self-presentation, creation/production
• Infrastructure/equipment purchases
• Canada Day, Indigenous Peoples Day, Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Multiculturalism Day events
• Projects funded by Building Communities through Arts and Heritage
• Deficit reduction or feasibility studies
• Literary reading series; film, video, media arts series