Music

Work of the Week: "Piano Lesson" by Vivian Herman

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This week's Work of the Week is "Piano Lesson" by Vivian Herman.

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This week's Work of the Week is Piano Lesson by Vivian Herman. 

One of the more famous compositions for the piano is Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, better known as Moonlight Sonata, by Ludwig van Beethoven. It was composed in 1801.
 

Beethoven is one of the world's most celebrated classical composers, and 2020 marks his 250th birthday! He was born in December 1770, but the exact date is not known. However, he was batized on December 17, 1770, and the custom of the time was to have infants baptized within 24-hours of their birth.

Facebook title
Work of the Week
Twitter title
Work of the Week
News type
Work of the Week
Owner
Arts Services Consultant - Communications
Art discipline
Music
Visual arts & new media
Collections Database Image
Image
Artist
Vivian Herman
Title
PIANO LESSON
Year
1989
Medium
Etching, watercolour
Collections Images Slideshow

Queen's Platinum Jubilee Scholarship for Performing Arts

Grant subtitle
This scholarship of $7,000 is awarded annually to a young Albertan performing artist.
Apply Now: Link to GATE
Apply Now
Recipient type
Individual
Art discipline
Dance
Music
Theatre
Preview image
Facebook title
Queen's Platinum Jubilee Scholarship for Performing Arts
Facebook description
This scholarship of $7,000 is awarded annually to a young Albertan performing artist.
Twitter title
Queen's Platinum Jubilee Scholarship for Performing Arts
Twitter description
This scholarship of $7,000 is awarded annually to a young Albertan performing artist.
Expiry
Owner
Arts Services Consultant - Communications
Overview

One scholarship of $7,000 will be awarded annually by the Government of Alberta to a young Albertan performing artist who shows extraordinary talent and potential and who demonstrates clear educational or training goals.
NOTE: One scholarship will be awarded to one of the performing arts eligible for this program in a three-year annual rotation: music, theatre, and dance. The 2026 deadline is for dance applicants.

Who can apply
  1. To be eligible for scholarship funding you must be a resident of Alberta. This means you:
    • are legally entitled to be or remain in Canada
    • have had your primary residence in Alberta for one full year before applying
    • ordinarily live in Alberta for at least six months each year with the exception of attending a formal program of study
  2. You must be 25 years or younger as of the application deadline.
  3. You must be enrolled in an eligible performing arts training program.
What does this funding support?

Eligible training programs

You must be enrolled in an eligible training program to receive this scholarship.

Eligible performing arts programs that will be accepted for assessment of educational or training merit are the following:

  • any level of undergraduate studies with a minor or major in performing arts
  • any level of a technical or conservatory performing arts school (for example, National Theatre School, National Ballet School, The Banff Centre)
  • a recognized program or appropriate mentorship, workshop, master class, or course with a focus on performing arts

Graduate programs or their equivalents are ineligible for consideration.

Eligible genres

For the purposes of this scholarship program, eligible performing arts disciplines or genres that will be accepted for assessment of artistic merit are any discipline or genre within music, theatre, and dance.

How to apply

We only accept applications through Grant Administration Tracking and Evaluation (GATE) Front Office online application system.

We must receive your online application through GATE Front Office no later than 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on the deadline date, unless the deadline falls on a statutory holiday or a weekend when it will be extended until the next working day. Please give the system time to process your application so that we receive notification of your submission before the deadline falls. 

Please note:

  • applicants may submit only one application to the AFA each deadline across all disciplines
  • the AFA does not accept incomplete applications

We do not accept separate applications for the same project.

GATE Front Office username registration

First-time applicants will require a GATE Front Office username and password. Email us at registrationafa@gov.ab.ca to obtain your login information at least five business days prior to the application deadline.

Please include:

  1. your legal name
  2. the funding opportunity to which you are applying
  3. your email address

Your user name and password will be sent to the email address provided.

Application requirements for minors

If an applicant is under the age of 18 years at the time of application, a parent or legal guardian must e-sign the Applicant Agreement in GATE Front Office as the designate for the scholarship.

As the designate, you are responsible for:

  • the completeness and accuracy of the application in full
  • receipt and use of funding
  • serving as contact person for any inquiries relating to the funding

What to include in your application

Your application will include online forms to complete and attachments you must upload to your application.

Please note that applicants may be asked for additional information to determine eligibility or any other program requirements.

GATE Front Office online forms

  1. Applicant information: Legal name and confirmation of your status (minor/Albertan).
  2. Contact information for the applicant or their designate.
  3. Address: street and mailing address for the applicant.
  4. Project description: a brief project description (20 words), that includes the name of the educational program, and start and end dates of the training program.
  5. Applicant Agreement: this must be e-signed by the applicant or designate.

Attachments

The GATE Front Office attachment section indicates that not all attachments are required for submission. This is because they are only required for certain types of project or scholarship applications.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all attachments listed below are submitted with the application.

Please submit the following attachments:

  1. A letter by the applicant of no more than two pages in length that:
    • introduces the applicant and outlines their previous experience in the performing arts
    • outlines the applicant's interest in the performing arts
    • describes how the applicant will use the scholarship to develop their performing arts practice should the application be successful
    • introduces the applicant's performing arts submission
  2. A resume or curriculum vitae of no more than two pages in length that focuses on the applicant's artistic activity.
  3. A detailed description of the applicant's chosen performing arts educational or training program(s). Please note:
    • applicants who have been accepted into a specific course must provide proof of acceptance and a detailed description and schedule for the training program or course of study
      -OR-
    • applicants who have not already been accepted into a course must submit a detailed description and schedule for the preferred choice, with two alternate program choices, including detailed descriptions and schedules for each choice
  4. A scanned copy of one of the following to provide legal proof of age:
    • certificate of birth
    • driver’s license
    • passport
    • certificate of Canadian citizenship
  5. A current and signed letter of reference, preferably from one of the following:
    • a high school, college or university instructor
    • a professionally produced or presented film or video artist
    • another professional working in film and video arts 
  6. A sample submission or audition of performing works. See "Format" below or submission guidelines.

MUSIC

  •  two musical selections of contrasting styles that are appropriate to the applicant's proposed program of study

THEATRE

  • two monologues of contrasting styles appropriate to the program of study
  • musical theatre applicants must submit one monologue and one song
  • the two pieces combined must not run longer than 10 minutes.

DANCE

  •  a maximum of three dance pieces of which:
    • at least two of the pieces are solos of contrasting styles
    • the third recorded piece may be from a stage, TV, film or video performance
    • at least one audition piece should be appropriate to the applicant's proposed program of study
  • the three dance pieces combined must not run longer than 8 minutes.

RELATED PERFORMING ARTS DISCIPLINES

The following applicants must submit a resume, portfolio, and/or audio recordings containing work samples:

  • audio designers
  • audio engineers
  • choreographers
  • composers
  • dance, drama, and music instructors
  • designers
  • directors
  • playwrights

Format

Wherever possible, support material should be uploaded as an attachment into GATE Front Office (up to 4 MB)

For files too large to include as attachments in GATE Front Office, they may be submitted via email as attachments or downloadable links to:

  • Dance scholarships: danceAFA@gov.ab.ca
  • Music scholarships: musicAFA@gov.ab.ca
  • Theatre scholarships: theatreAFA@gov.ab.ca 
  • please format your subject line: <your first initial, last name and project number>, e.g. "H.Lee MIPG-56-172631" 
  • please ensure link contains downloadable files (MP3 or MP4 preferred)

Alternatively, please mail a hard copy CD or USB to 10708 – 105 Ave, Edmonton, AB, T5H 0A1:

  • please include your first initial, last name and project number on the CD or USB
  • support material must be submitted or postmarked no later than 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on the deadline date
  • if you require return of hard copy materials, please also include a self-addressed stamped envelope
How will my application be assessed?

Staff convene an expert panel to consider all eligible scholarship applications submitted to each deadline. The expert panel assesses the merit of each application both on its own terms and in relation to all other applications received for a given deadline.

Assessment of a scholarship application is based on the following general criteria:

  • the applicant's artistic ability based on the artistic merit of the performing arts audition material submission
  • the merit and appropriateness of the proposed program(s) in the context of the applicant's performing arts goals and interests
  • the impact of the proposed program(s) on the artistic development of the applicant
  • the applicant's achievements and experience in the performing arts and the performing arts community to date

Funding is not assured for any application.

Learn more about expert panels and how the AFA adjudicates funding requests for all programs.

When will I hear?

Successful recipients will be notified upon approval, generally between four to six months from the application deadline.

All applicants, successful and unsuccessful, will be notified of the outcome. No expert panel comments will be provided.

Conditions
  1. Only one $7,000 scholarship is awarded each year.
  2. The scholarship will only be granted if the successful applicant can prove enrollment in an eligible training program identified in the applicant's scholarship application.
  3. Failure to prove enrollment within 60 days of the award date may result in cancellation of the scholarship.
  4. The AFA, or our authorized representative, may examine a funding recipient's financial and other records to ensure that the funding is being, or was, used for its intended purpose. 
  5. If you have previously received an AFA grant, you must have met reporting requirements in order to be eligible to receive subsequent funding from the AFA.
Reporting

Within 60 days of the award date, you must provide confirmation of enrollment to the eligible training program identified in your application via email to:

No other reporting requirements are associated with this scholarship. 

Helpful resources

The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Scholarship for the Performing Arts was established by the Government of Alberta in 2002, and updated in 2022, to commemorate the accession of Queen Elizabeth II to the throne and her service to the Commonwealth.

For assistance with this scholarship application, please call the AFA at 780-427-9968 during regular business hours or email the Arts Development Consultant listed below. Toll-free calls can be made by first dialing 310.0000.

Other useful information

The AFA recognizes many artists encounter barriers to application and reporting procedures.

Deadline information

Music Individual Project Funding

Grant subtitle
This funding provides up to $18,000 to support a specific music project.
Select staff contact
Arts Development Consultant - Music
Apply Now: Link to GATE
Apply Now
Recipient type
Individual
Art discipline
Music
Preview image
Facebook title
Music Individual Project Funding
Facebook description
This funding provides up to $18,000 to support a specific music project.
Twitter title
Music Individual Project Funding
Twitter description
This funding provides up to $18,000 to support a specific music project.
Expiry
Owner
Arts Services Consultant - Communications
Overview

This funding provides up to $18,000 to support the development of individual Alberta artists, arts administrators, or an ensemble of artists by providing funding for a specific music project.

Who can apply

Individual eligibility criteria

The AFA celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to creating equitable, inclusive, and accessible programs for all, free of barriers and discrimination. We recognize the unique contributions all artists make towards our community, and encourage applicants representing diverse communities, including Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, women, people with disabilities, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

To be eligible for individual project funding, you must be a resident of Alberta. This means you:

  • are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Person with an open work or study permit from inside Canada
  • have had your primary residence in Alberta for at least one full year before applying
  • ordinarily live in Alberta for a least six months of each year with the exception of attending a formal program of study

You must be in good standing with the AFA with no open or outstanding projects or reporting to apply. Previous grant recipients must ensure all final reporting has been approved by the AFA before new applications are accepted.

Applicants, including ensembles or collectives, must not be incorporated under either provincial or federal legislation.

Collaborating artists, ensembles, and collectives

Collaborating artists, ensembles, and collectives are eligible to apply to this program if all project co-owners meet the individual eligibility criteria as defined above. 

The AFA defines project co-owners as:

  •  those who share in the ownership or copyright of the created work
  • those who have a significant financial stake in the project

For the purposes of this funding opportunity, in addition to the lead applicant, co-owners include, but may not be limited to, the following:

  •  ensemble and band members
  • song writers

Unless identified as retaining ownership or copyright of the work, contributors who are not normally considered co-owners include, but may not be limited to, the following:

  •  session musicians
  • producers
  • arrangers
  • Mentors, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers

Project co-owners must select a lead applicant to submit the application. The lead applicant must ensure all co-owners are listed in the application and is responsible for submitting the complete application before the program deadline.

If the project is approved for funding, the lead applicant is also responsible for receiving and managing any funds and completing any related reporting for the project.

If you are unsure whether an artist should be listed as a co-owner in your application, please contact your Arts Development Consultant as listed below.

What does this funding support?

Please note AFA funding is not assured for any project.

Types of projects

Through this opportunity, you may apply for project funding to support artistic activities in:

  • art production
  • marketing
  • research
  • training and career development

Art Production includes the development, creation and production of any music work. Projects should be confined to a distinct phase of a work, such as:

  • composition projects (including commissioned work)
  • demo recording projects not intended for sale, including full production and basic press kit expenses
  • commercial recording projects intended for sale, including support for pre-production and song development (basic recording)

Alberta individual artists that have been contracted by commissioners to create a specific work (such as a composition) are eligible to apply for project support through this funding opportunity.

A commercial recording officially begins with pre-production of the album in a recording studio and is completed when the final manufactured recording is submitted to the AFA. If a recording is only intended for digital release, you must clearly state this in your application.

For any recording project, the AFA gives preference to projects recorded in an Alberta-based recording facility.

Marketing includes a program of activity for a specific period that promotes, advertises, or disseminates work created by Alberta music artists, and/or develops audiences for the artist's work.

Eligible projects include, but are not limited to:

  • marketing and promotion of a commercial release
  • costs associated with performances at special events by invitation
  • promotional tours

Research includes a program of activity for a specific period of time that supports or results in the development of a music project.

Training and career development includes a course or program of study to develop an artist's training in music or arts administrator’s training in music administration.  

Eligible projects include, but are not limited to:

  • workshops
  • master classes
  • retreats
  • mentorship programs
  • professional courses of study in performance, recording arts, or composition

Eligible expenses

You can receive up to $18,000 to support your project. You may apply for up to 100% of eligible expenses that are directly related to carrying out your proposed project.

These expenses may include, but are not limited to the following:

For art production projects:

  • session musician fees
  • commission fees
  • production
  • royalties

For marketing projects:

  • promotion and publicity

For training and career development projects:

  • tuition or training fees

For all project categories:

  • transportation and accommodation
  • administration and contract fees
  • basic living/subsistence expenses (housing, local transport, food, childcare, dependent care) up to $3,000/month
  • other expenses and supplies considered by the AFA to be reasonable and necessary

Ineligible expenses

Additional expenses and activities that are ineligible for AFA project funding include:

  • expenses for capital purchases, such as buildings or property, or for capital development, and studio construction or renovations
  • recreational training projects
  • artistic activities or projects undertaken in order to fulfill credit or thesis requirements
  • artist, producer, and engineer fees for principal ensemble members
  • recording studio rental fees for studios owned by principal ensemble members
  • manufacturing expenses (CD pressing and artwork)
  • contracts for ongoing activities or artists pursuing projects similar in scope to usual activities with commissioner
  • expenses already incurred prior to the application submission, including grant writer fees
How to apply

We only accept applications through the Grant Administration Tracking and Evaluation (GATE) Front Office online application system. We must receive your online application through GATE Front Office no later than 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on the deadline date, unless the deadline falls on a statutory holiday or a weekend when it will be extended until the next working day. Please give the system time to process your application so that we receive notification of your submission before the deadline falls.

  • applicants may submit only one application to the AFA each deadline across all disciplines
  • the AFA does not accept incomplete applications
  • applications must be received prior to the commencement of the project
  • projects involving more than one artist must be submitted by one individual on behalf of the ensemble or group

We do not accept separate applications for the same project.

GATE Front Office username registration

First-time applicants will require a GATE Front Office username and password. Email us at registrationafa@gov.ab.ca to get your login information at least five business days prior to the application deadline.

Please include:

  1. your legal name
  2. the funding opportunity to which you are applying
  3. your email address

Your username and password will be sent to the email address provided.

What to include in your application

For detailed step-by-step instructions, please download the GATE Front Office user guide.

GATE Front Office online formlets:

  • Applicant Information: Legal name and confirmation of your status (minor/Albertan)
    • if you are under the age of 18 years at the time of application, a parent or legal guardian must e-sign the Individual Applicant Agreement as the designate for the funding, and be responsible for:
      • the completeness and accuracy of the application in full
      • receipt and use of funding
      • reporting on the use of funds
      • serving as contact person for any inquiries relating to the funding
  • Contact Information for primary applicant
    • ensembles must designate one contact person for all requirements of the grant as the primary applicant
    • this designated individual must e-sign the Individual Applicant Agreement
  • Address: Street and mailing address for the primary applicant
  • General Information: Confirmation of the application category (art production, marketing, research, or training/career development) and applicant status (individual/ensemble)
  • Project Description: A brief project title (20 words) and project start and end dates
  • Project Co-owners: A listing of the project co-owners involved in the project, their position or role, and confirmation of Alberta Residence
  • Individual Applicant Agreement: A declaration of agreement with the statement of conditions e-signed by the primary applicant or designate
  • Project Expenses: A listing of project expenditures in Canadian dollars
  • Project Revenue: A listing of non-AFA revenues in Canadian dollars
    • the difference between expenditures and revenues will comprise the grant request to the AFA with the funding not exceeding $18,000

Attachments:

The GATE Front Office attachment section indicates that not all attachments are required for submission. This is because they are only required for certain types of projects (e.g. marketing plan for a marketing project). It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all attachments noted in the guidelines are submitted with their application according to project type.

Please submit the following mandatory attachments for all project types. Wherever possible, written support material should be uploaded in PDF format and limited to 4 MB in size:

  • Artist resume of no more than four pages
    • applicants should submit music-related activities, which may include: past training, most recent performances and performance highlights, compositions, discography, and/or ensemble experience
    • list activities in reverse chronological order, with most recent activity listed first
    • resumes of all project co-owners involved in the project
  • Detailed project description, including an outline of the objectives, planned activities, timelines, and expected results and impact on the applicant's artistic development
    • in keeping with oral traditions, Indigenous project descriptions are welcome as oral submissions no longer than 3 minutes in length
    • for more information on how to submit oral project descriptions, contact the Arts Development Consultant for this program, prior to the application deadline, at the contact information below.
  • Two musical selections such as a scratch demo from the proposed project, high-quality demo, past commercial recording, recordings of previous compositions or scores, or two other representative past works
    • each audio file must be no longer than 5 minutes in length, , in mp3 or aac format, and no larger than 8 MB in size per file
    • please see Format section below for detailed submission instructions, including how to submit video files if appropriate to your project

Include the following attachments according to your application category, or when applicable to your proposed project:

  • Music scores of previous compositions
  • Lyric sheets from past works
  • Commission contract and/or signed agreement with the commissioner, outlining a plan for the exhibition, presentation, display publication, screening or performance of the commissioned work(s) (mandatory for commission projects)
  • Proof of acceptance for applicants who have been accepted into a specific course of study, with a detailed description, schedule, and budget for course of study (mandatory for training projects)
  • Alternate training choices for applicants who have not already been accepted into a course a course of study, with  a detailed description, schedule, and budget for the preferred choice and two alternate programs
  • Official invitations, confirmations, or itineraries
  • Marketing plan with detailed touring, marketing, and/or promotional details and strategies
  • Manufacturing budget outlining the applicant's ability to fund manufacturing expenses (CD pressing and artwork) when applicable
  • Letter of reference when applicable
  • Resumes for other project co-owners when applicable
  • Additional support materials that may assist in the assessment process

Format

  • audio files and music selections must be limited to 5 minutes in length for each file
    • audio files must be in MP3 or AAC format
    • audio files must be no larger than 8 MB in size
      • Applicants are welcome to use any editing software of their choice to prepare their audio files; recording software such as Pro Tools, Reaper, Gargageband, or Audacity are often free and can be used to edit audio files into the required format and length as described above
  • although video files cannot be included as attachments in Front Office, if relevant to your proposal, you may submit one video file of up to 5 minutes in length via email to musicAFA@gov.ab.ca
    • video files must be in avi, mov, mpeg, mp4, or WMV format
    • video files must be no larger than 400 MB in size
    • files must be submitted as an email attachment or as a link to an accessible file that can be directly downloaded
    • files must be submitted prior to the application deadline; support materials received after the deadline will not be reviewed or considered
    • download Video Support Material Technical Requirements  for more information on preparing video support material.
  • alternatively, you may mail a hard copy saved on a USB stick to 10708 – 105 Ave, Edmonton, AB, T5H 0A1
  • please include your first initial, last name and project number on the USB
  • support material must be submitted or postmarked no later than 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on the deadline date
How will my application be assessed?

This funding is administered at the discretion of the AFA board on a project-by-project basis.

Staff convene an expert panel to consider all eligible grant applications submitted to each grant deadline. The expert panel assesses the merit of each application both on its own terms and in relation to all other applications received for a given deadline.

Assessment of a project is based on the following general criteria:

  • the impact of the project on both the applicant and the artistic genre in Alberta
  • the artistic, educational or promotional merit of the project
  • the appropriateness of the project budget showing commitment from all partners as applicable
  • the ability of the applicant to carry out the proposed project

Assessment also takes into account the applicant's:

  • artistic and technical ability to carry out the proposed project
  • level of training, experience, and expertise
  • performance and achievements to date
  • personal objectives

All expert panel recommendations are reviewed by the AFA board and all decisions are final. Funding is not assured for any project.

Learn more about expert panels and how the AFA adjudicates funding requests for all programs.

When will I hear?

Grant recommendations are made to the AFA board of directors. Successful recipients will be notified upon board approval, generally between four to six months from the application deadline.

We gather general comments about the applications and share them on the Adjudication page. The expert panel does not record specific comments about individual applications.

Conditions

Funding is intended for the purposes described in your application. By accepting funding, you agree to undertake the project as proposed in your original project description.

If you do not receive the full grant amount requested, you are still required to complete the project as proposed if you accept the grant:

  • you must return the grant funds if the project cannot be completed as proposed

If you require a change to your project including outcomes, location or an extension to your final report due date:

  • you must submit a request in writing for approval by the AFA
  • the request must be submitted prior to the change being made and/or before your project completion date
  • the AFA may consider a single extension per funding opportunity

Funding recipients are responsible for informing the AFA of how funds were spent and outcomes of the project:

  • you must return funds if reporting requirements are not met
  • you must return unused portions of funding to the AFA

Any funding recipient who does not provide a report prior to the date noted in the successful notification document, or does not fulfill any conditions associated with a grant or whose report is not approved will be made delinquent and ineligible for further funding from the AFA for a period of three years from the time the delinquency is resolved.

New applications will not be accepted until your previous project is completed and the final report is received and approved by the AFA.

Previous funding recipients must have met reporting requirements in order to be eligible to receive subsequent funding from the AFA.

The AFA, or our authorized representative, may examine a funding recipient's financial and other records to ensure that the funding is being, or was, used for its intended purpose. 

We require a complete and satisfactory final report submitted to GATE Front Office that demonstrates that funding was spent on the activities described in the application.

Funding acknowledgement

Whenever possible, you must acknowledge the AFA for financial support in any publicity prepared in relation to the project, including electronic, print, or visual material.

Download versions of the AFA logo and guidelines for usage.

Reporting

In your final report, you must complete the following GATE Front Office formlets:

  • Individual Project Evaluation with a completed project outcomes questionnaire
  • Project Expenses with a complete and accurate financial accounting for final project expenses in comparison to the original budget submission
     
  • Project Revenues with a complete and accurate financial accounting for all revenues received for the project

Include the following mandatory attachments as part of your final report:

  • Sample of work produced, performed, or created
    • submit one audio file representative of your completed project
    • files must be no longer than 5 minutes in length, in MP3 or AAC format, and no larger than 8 MB in size
    • please see Format section (above in How to apply) for detailed submission instructions, including how to submit video files when appropriate to your project reporting
  • if your project was for marketing, include proof of touring costs (i.e. receipts or itinerary) or sample of promotional material in lieu of audio sample
  • if your project was for training or career development, include your tuition receipt in lieu of audio sample
  • if your project was for composition, including commission, a copy of the completed score recognizing AFA support through the inclusion of the AFA logo in lieu of audio sample

When applicable, include:

  • Samples of promotional materials related to the project, such as social media or website screenshots, posters, and/or programs showing funding credit to the Alberta Foundation for the Arts where appropriate
  • Samples of reviews, interviews, publications, or other media in which the project was mentioned
  • Other support material, if applicable, such a travel itinerary, confirmation of attendance at an event, invoices for studio time, other production costs, etc.
Helpful resources

Visit the Help and Resources section of our website to:

  • download the new Front Office User Guide
  • read application tips for individual artists that will help you write a stronger grant application

Working on your project budget? Download budget examples for Music individual project funding  to help guide you.

You may wish to add video support materials to your application. Make sure your materials meet AFA technical requirements:

Project grant recommendations are made by Expert Panels. Their comments can be useful tips to help you improve your application.

The AFA recognizes many artists encounter barriers to application and reporting procedures.

Deadline information

Arts Presenting Project Funding

Grant subtitle
Funding supporting the public presentation of professional artists by reimbursing a portion of fees.
Select staff contact
Arts Development Consultant - Film and Video
Apply Now: Link to GATE
Apply Now
Recipient type
Organization
Art discipline
All disciplines
Dance
Film & video arts
Indigenous arts
Literary arts
Music
Theatre
Visual arts & new media
Preview image
Facebook title
Arts Presenting Project Funding
Facebook description
Funding supporting the public presentation of professional artists by reimbursing a portion of fees.
Twitter title
Arts Presenting Project Funding
Twitter description
Funding supporting the public presentation of professional artists by reimbursing a portion of fees.
Expiry
Owner
Arts Services Consultant - Communications
Overview

This funding supports the public presentation of professional artists by reimbursing a portion of professional artists' fees for the preceding year. 

Who can apply

To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be one of the following:

  • registered not-for-profit organizations
  • churches
  • library boards
  • Indian Bands as defined by the Indian Act R.S.C. 1985, C.I-5
  • Métis Settlements recognized under the Métis Settlements Act R.S.A. 2000, C.M14
  • organizations registered under the Agriculture Societies Act
  • organizations recognized under the Post-Secondary Institutions Act (by Faculty or Department)

Organizations must also:

  • be registered and in good standing in Alberta under the appropriate legislation for at least one year prior to the deadline
  • be in good standing with the AFA with no outstanding reporting requirements
  • have been in operation for at least one full year prior to the deadline
  • have at least 50 percent of the organization's board members, or ruling council, living in the community or region where the presentations are given
  • demonstrate adherence to good governance principles, effective administration practices and commitment to fiscal responsibility
  • demonstrate financial stability, in the judgment of the AFA, for at least one year
  • operate as a stand-alone organization at arm’s length from municipalities, commercial enterprises or schools
  • be the primary organizer and producer of the event by directly paying professional artists and/or artist-affiliated organizations (for example: artist managers or booking agents) for professional artist fees
  • have a policy of presenting at least three different touring professional artists during the twelve-month period from November 15 to November 14, immediately prior to the grant deadline
    • organizations based in rural areas with a population of less than 3,000 may apply even if fewer than three artists are presented

Partnerships between not-for-profit organizations based in the same region must apply through one primary organization. Organizations with branches or separate offices in the same municipality may submit only one application.

Post-secondary institutions may submit one application per department or faculty.

Ineligible applicants

The following organizations are ineligible for this funding:

  • municipalities
  • commercial enterprises
  • schools
  • groups that are not arm’s length from municipalities, commercial enterprises, or schools
  • organizations that are eligible for operating funding under another AFA grant stream
  • organizations that engage primarily in competition-based activity

Event partners and sponsors may not apply on behalf of the event producer, commercial organizations or other for-profit entities.

What does this funding support?

Eligible events

Events that are eligible for this funding are:

  • events that present professional touring artists who regularly tour outside their place of residence in the following arts disciplines:
    • performing arts includes music, dance, theatre, circus arts and spoken word
    • visual and new media arts includes drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, clay, glass, wood, metal, fibre and new media
    • film and video arts
    • literary arts includes fiction, literary non-fiction, poetry, screenwriting and playwriting
  • events where arts presentations, performances, readings, or exhibitions are the primary reason for the event
  • events that are available to the public through season tickets, or casual sales or free admission
  • Events that occur between November 15 and November 14, immediately prior to the grant deadline
  • original live streaming events, occurring after March 12, 2020, presented through online channels or resources

Eligible artists

Grants awarded through this grant stream are based on eligible fees paid to professional artists (excluding GST). Professional artists are defined as artists that:

  • are compensated at an industry standard for their art (example: union or nationally recognized rate)
  • fulfill at least 2 of the following:
    • are recognized by the public and by their peers for their art, and have received industry recognition
    • are actively marketing their work to professional booking agents, venues and galleries
    • present, perform and/or exhibit their art for compensation on a regular basis
    • have specialized training in their field
    • have membership to a nationally or provincially recognized industry or other professional organization (e.g. ACTRA, AFM, Canadian Actors Equity Association, CARFAC, IMAA, WGC, Writers Union of Canada, etc.)
    • has received royalties or residual payments on their copyrighted works

Eligible expenses

Only fees paid directly by the applicant to the artist are eligible for consideration under this grant stream. Eligible expenses include:

  • presentation fees
  • performance fees
  • public reading fees
  • artist and curator fees for exhibition
  • screening fees
  • lectures and panel discussions by the creator, director, producer, or representative of film and video works (film festivals only)
  • transportation and accommodation for the above activities

An organization may claim artist fees for up to three presentations by the same artist or artistic act presented during the eligible grant period.

Ineligible projects

Ineligible events and activities include:

  • activities already funded through other Government of Alberta programs
  • curriculum based activities
  • pre-recorded events for distribution through online channels or resources
  • repeat presentation of previous live streamed events
  • activities related to conferences or workshops
  • competitive performances
  • entertainment or arts activity presented as part of primarily social events, including but not limited to:
    • fundraisers
    • rodeos
    • stampedes
    • grandstand performances
    • trade fairs
    • parades
    • meals
    • conventions
    • community dances
    • student union cabarets
  • activities by board members, full-time faculty, sessionals, or staff at post-secondary institutions

Ineligible expenses

For the purposes of this funding opportunity, the following fees are ineligible for project support:

  • for staff, board members, resident acts or house bands
  • for those practicing applied arts, including but not limited to:
    • culinary arts
    • architecture
    • interior design
    • graphic arts
    • commercial photography
    • gaming
    • fashion design
  • for commercial variety acts, including but not limited to:
    • face painting
    • balloon entertainers
    • fireworks/pyrotechnics
    • hypnotism
How to apply

We only accept applications through the Grant Administration Tracking and Evaluation (GATE) Front Office online application system.

We must receive your online application through GATE Front Office no later than 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on the deadline date, unless the deadline falls on a statutory holiday or a weekend when it will be extended until the next working day. Please give the system time to process your application so that we receive notification of your submission before the deadline falls. Applications received after 11:59 p.m. of the deadline date will be considered at the next deadline.

  • applicants may submit only one application to the AFA each deadline
  • the AFA does not accept incomplete applications
  • projects involving more than one organization must be submitted by the primary applicant organization; separate organization applications will not be accepted for the same project

GATE Front Office username registration

First-time applicants will require a GATE Front Office username and password. Requests must be received at least five business days prior to the application deadline.

Please complete the GATE Front Office Registration form and email it as an attachment to registrationAFA@gov.ab.ca.

GATE Front Office usernames and passwords will be sent to the email addresses provide on the registration form.

What to include in your application

For detailed step-by-step instructions, please download the GATE Front Office user guide.

GATE Front Office online forms

  • applicant contact information, including street and mailing address
  • contact list, including primary and secondary contact persons and signing authority designate for the application
  • the organization’s registration details, including organization’s registered name, Alberta Registration number and incorporation date
  • an applicant agreement with e-signature of signing authority designate for the organization
  • a completed Statistical Report
  • a listing of all current board members include the names, positions, addresses, telephone numbers, fax numbers, and e-mail addresses
  • total number of events, artists, artist fees paid from Arts Presenting worksheet

Attachments

The GATE Front Office attachment section indicates that not all attachments are required for submission. This is because they are only required for certain types of projects (e.g. marketing plan for a marketing project). It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all attachments noted in the guidelines are submitted with their application.

You’ll be required to complete and upload the following attachments:

  • Arts Presenting calculation worksheet
  • copies of all promotional materials related to the event, such as posters and programs, demonstrating compliance with AFA funding acknowledgement conditions (see "Conditions" below)
    • do not submit press clippings or videos
  • the organization's most recent annual financial statement with Balance Sheet, Statement of Revenues and Expenditures, and Statement of Cash Flows
  • a confirmation of filing of the organization's most recent annual return from Alberta Corporate Registry
  • for presentations that include public screening of film and video media, please attach written evidence of compliance with film classification regulations as outlined in the Film and Video Classification Act

Applicants may be asked for additional information.

Format

  • all video and audio files must be Windows compatible
  • wherever possible, support material should be uploaded as an attachment into GATE Front Office (up to 4 MB)
  • if your support material is too large to upload, please mail a hard copy to 10708 – 105 Ave, Edmonton, AB, T5H 0A1
    • please include your first name, last name and project number
    • support material sent by mail must be postmarked no later than 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on the deadline date
How will my application be assessed?

Arts Presenting funding and funding maximums are established annually by the AFA board of Directors. The annual AFA budget is based upon funds allocated in the annual Government of Alberta budget. 

This grant is calculated by formula.

  • up to 65% of fees paid to Alberta artists. Ensemble members may not be separated out and residency is determined by majority of ensemble members
  • up to 50% of fees paid to Canadian artists from the rest of Canada
  • up to 50% of fees paid to International artists to a maximum of 1/3 of the eligible Canadian/Alberta subsidy. International children's artists are exempt from the restriction. Children's artists are those who primarily play to audiences where over 50% of the audience is under the age of 16 years

Staff evaluate applications according to the program grant stream criteria and prepare recommendations to the AFA board.

 Available funds are equitably distributed to all eligible applicants according to a formula.

 Funding is not assured for any project. All decisions are final.

When will I hear?

Grant recommendations are made to the AFA board of directors. Successful recipients will be notified upon board approval, generally between four to six months from the application deadline.

Conditions

The AFA will retain all materials submitted with funding applications. The AFA or our authorized representative may examine a funding recipient's financial and other records to ensure that all claimed expenses were undertaken as outlined in the funding application. 

The AFA may cancel, suspend, reduce or demand repayment of funding in circumstances where the AFA is concerned with the viability of an organization as per the AFA Fair Notice policy.

The AFA does not provide advances for any grant.

Funding acknowledgement

Whenever possible, you must acknowledge the AFA for financial support in any publicity prepared in relation to the project, including electronic, print or visual material.

Download versions of the AFA logo and guidelines for usage.

A minimum reduction of 10% will be applied to the subsequent grant of any organization that does not satisfy the AFA recognition requirements.

Reporting

Reporting is not required for Arts Presenting project funding.

Helpful resources

Visit the Help and Resources section of our website to:

  • download the new Front Office User Guide
  • find additional resources for organizations

You may wish to download the following resources to include as attachments with your application:

Please note that the Arts Presenting Artist fees and financial statement confirmation form is no longer required to complete your grant application. 

Should your organization wish to receive payment through direct deposit, please use the Direct Deposit form:

 

Deadline information
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