Winnipeg Arts Council

Professional Development Grant Program for Artists & Arts Administrators

Two miniature stuffed figurines sit closely together on an old-fashioned miniature couch. The older one is wearing a blue shirt with black stripes, black pants, and white and black shoes. The younger one is wearing a blue and orange striped long-sleeve shirt, black pants, and grey and white shoes. On each end of the couch, there is a plant in a wicker basket.

Melissa van Soelen (PD 2021).

The Winnipeg Arts Council recognizes that professional development is key for artists in the community to thrive and over the years WAC has supported hundreds of Winnipeg artists and arts administrators for activities that develop their skillsets. Professional mentorships, formal training/courses, and artist residencies have long been eligible for support through the Professional Development grant and the program has helped offset artists’ costs for a wide variety of activities.

This grant program is intended to provide partial support to artists, arts administrators, or arts educators for activities that contribute to their professional development and enhance their careers in the arts. Such activities may include unique opportunities for short-term study (beyond basic training) in a formal or informal setting, mentorships or master classes.

Maximum Grant

In recognition of rising costs, grant amounts have been increased for Professional Development projects beginning after January 1, 2023. 

Grants are awarded in fixed amounts of $500, $750, $1,000, or $1,500. Applicants may seek up to 50% of the total eligible costs from WAC. Grants of $1,500 will normally not be considered for activities taking place in North America, and partial funding may be recommended.

Deadline

There is no set deadline for this grant program. Applications will be received throughout the year at least four weeks prior to the start of the proposed activity, as funds are available. Applications should be submitted at least two months in advance if the applicant wishes for funds to be released prior to the proposed activity or departure date.

Program Guidelines & Forms

To Apply

Visit winnipegarts.gosmart.org.

Final Report

All grant recipients are required to submit a final report in order to close the file. Reporting is done using the GoSmart system, however, applicants who received a grant prior to the start of the online application process should submit a hard-copy report. Please see the Final Report Guidelines page for the necessary info.