Artists and Education Funding (Canada)
Alberta schools can secure up to $15,000 to bring professional artists into K-12 classrooms for interactive residency projects.
The Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) Artists and Education Funding program provides financial support to Alberta schools for engaging professional artists in interactive residency projects. This program aims to enhance student creativity, engagement, and hands-on learning experiences while strengthening community engagement and teacher professional development.
The program offers grants of up to $15,000 per residency project, with funding coverage varying by jurisdiction: schools in select jurisdictions receive up to 50% of the artist's fee, while other jurisdictions receive up to 75%. Eligible expenses include artist fees (including travel, accommodation, and meals) and non-reusable materials directly tied to residency activities.
Residencies must be led by Alberta-based professional artists or artist groups with prior school residency experience and must take place on school property during school hours. Projects can range from five hours to thirty days in duration and must be completed within three months of the start date. Only K-12 schools recognized by Alberta Education and in good standing with AFA are eligible to apply.
Applications are evaluated based on artistic merit, student benefit, school commitment, artist qualifications, expense appropriateness, and community impact. The application process requires submission via GATE Front Office with complete documentation including an Artist Fee Confirmation Form, artist resume, and a detailed project description showing curriculum links and expected outcomes.