Local Festivals – Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage

Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage – Local Festivals component provides funding to local groups for recurring festivals that present the work of local artists, artisans or heritage performers. This includes the celebration of LGBTQ2+ communities and Indigenous cultural celebrations.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants must represent one of the following community-based groups:

• a local non-profit organization or group;
• a local band council, local tribal council or other local Aboriginal government or organization (First Nations, Inuit or Métis).

In addition, applicants must:

• encourage local community engagement through activities that promote, celebrate and preserve local performing and visual arts or local heritage; and
• have successfully organized a prior edition of the festival, within the last two years, that met all eligibility requirements of this component.

Eligible projects and events

Successful applicants may receive up to 100 per cent of eligible expenses up to a maximum of $200,000 for festivals that:

• present the work of local artists, artisans, or heritage performers;
• actively involve members of the local community; and
• are intended for and accessible to the general public.

Application deadlines

When an application deadline falls on a weekend or statutory holiday, it is extended to the following working day.

• January 31 – for festivals starting between September 1 and December 31 of the same calendar year
• April 30 – for festivals starting between January 1 and June 30 of the next calendar year
• October 15 – for festivals starting between July 1 and August 31 of the next calendar year

How to apply

• Review the Guidelines for local festivals component before completing your application.
• Create or access your Canadian Heritage account and apply online.
• Access the mandatory forms, available under the section Guides and help, and submit them with your funding application.

Create an account in the system

Consult this tutorial that shows you how to access multiple Government of Canada online Services.