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Resources for Emerging Artistic Professionals

Professional Development Programs and Resources

Music Incubators

Music incubators are programs that connect cohorts of emerging music professionals with resources and opportunities for professional and/or creative development.

Music Mentorship Opportunities

Similar to incubators, music mentorships foster development, but specifically by connecting emerging musicians with established professionals for one-on-one support.

Artist Residencies and More

Marketing/Promotion Resources

Grants and Awards

Grants and awards vary in eligibility and application process. Check out some of the links below to explore different funding opportunities.

Grants

Canada’s public arts funder, with a mandate to “foster and promote the study of, and the production of works in, the arts”. The CCA funds individuals and organizations exploring, creating, and disseminating innovative, vibrant, and diverse works.

Examples of grants:

  • Explore and Create
  • Creating, Knowing, and Sharing: The Arts and Cultures of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.
  • Supporting Artists Practice
  • Arts Abroad

Ontario’s public arts funder. Established to foster the creation and production of art for the benefit of all Ontarians. Many Canadian provinces have arts funding initiatives. If you are based in another province, you also should explore that province’s funding opportunities.

Examples of grants:

  • Creating and Presenting Grant
  • Building Audiences and Markets Grant
  • Engaging Communities and Schools Grant

The City of Toronto’s public arts funder. Focus on investing in artistic talent, engaging the public, and supporting cultural diversity. Many other municipalities have arts funding initiatives, be sure to explore the resources available in your hometown.

Examples of grants:

  • Newcomers and Refugees
  • Artists in the Library
  • Animating Toronto Parks
  • Animating Historic Sites

A public/private partnership that aids the growth, development, and strengthening of the Canadian music industry. Their Artist Development Program is a great entry-level grant for early-career musicians.

Examples of grants:

  • Artist Development Program
  • Juried Sound Recording Program
  • Live Performance Program
  • Video Program

The charitable arm of SOCAN with a focus on growth and development for emerging musical artists. SOCAN Foundation also offers many awards that you can explore in the next section.

Examples of grants:

  • Professional Development Assistance Program
  • Travel Assistance Program
  • SOCAN Foundation Career Development Grant

Community-based arts organization providing grants, to artists and cultural leaders aged 16-29 from equity deserving populations in Toronto.

Examples of grants:

  • Artist Creation Project Grant
  • Community Arts Programming Grant

A database of over 400 sources of funding. A Toronto Public Library card is required for access.

Awards

An award is a charitable fund based on a selection process. Arts awards exist to reward outstanding achievement among specific groups of artistic professionals. They are non-repayable and there are no limitations as to how they are spent. Below you will find links to some of the awards offered by Canadian arts and culture organizations.

Educational Toolkits and Resources

Job Boards

Resources for Newcomers:

Download Resources Page (PDF)