Arts and Culture microgrant
Arts and Culture Microgrant
Supporting local non-profits to celebrate arts and culture and activate culturally vibrant communities in Calgary.
Arts and Culture Microgrant
Bring your idea for a new arts and culture experience to life! With close to $1 million in available funding, the 2025 Arts and Culture Microgrant is now accepting applications.
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
- 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!
2024 Microgrant highlights
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$998,191 awarded
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113 initiatives supported
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79,823 individuals impacted
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2,424 volunteer opportunities created
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2,211 creative professionals engaged
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600 community groups supported
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885 local businesses benefitted
Types of microgrants
Tier 1: Up to $5,000
With total funding of $330,000, Tier 1 supports smaller initiatives by covering up to 100 per cent of eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $5,000.
- Apply at least 30 days before the intended start date of the initiative. If your initiative start date is in January or February, please email microgrants@calgary.ca.
- Initiative must be completed by December 31, 2025.
- Your organization may receive only one Arts and Culture Microgrant in this tier per year.
- Intake is ongoing for initiatives until the funding is fully subscribed.
Tier 2: Up to $30,000
With two intake periods and total funding of $325,000 per intake, Tier 2 supports larger initiatives by covering up to 50 per cent of expenses to a maximum of $30,000.
- Apply by March 5, 2025: For initiatives scheduled between June and November 2025.
- Apply by September 3, 2025: For initiatives scheduled between December 2025 and May 2026.
- Your organization may submit multiple applications to both intakes of Tier 2 for different initiatives.
Apply for a microgrant
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:
- introducing a new interactive creative activity or project for participants
- developing a showcase of cultural communities and/or new partnerships that result in a new programming opportunity
- incorporating a new art medium into an exhibition
- offering a new educational component to promote arts, culture, equity-deserving groups and/or a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.
If you have 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.
What is the process for reporting back on my initiative?
Arts and Culture Microgrant recipients will be asked to share their success by providing a final report within 60 days after the initiative is completed. The reporting template can be downloaded here.
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.