Applications Open: Indigenous Cultural Connections Program
Applications are open and Program Guidelines are available for this year’s Indigenous Cultural Connections Program. This program provides one-time funding to First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) artists and artist collectives living and working in the Treaty 7 region.
The goal of the program is to support activities and expenses related to the preservation, caretaking and revitalization of Indigenous cultural art making and traditions.
Eligible proposals may include:
- Creation or crafting of regalia and cultural artwork (regalia, beading, tanning, carving, weaving, quillwork, etc.)
- Learning cultural practices that support and further develop artistic practices (mentorship, ceremonies, training, knowledge sharing, Indigenous cultural drumming, singing and dancing, etc.)
Applicants may apply for up to $7,500.
Total funding available for this program is $100,000.
Projects can begin but cannot be fully completed before the application deadline of April 22, 2026. Projects funded through this program must be completed by December 31, 2027.
Applications must be submitted by 4:30 pm MT on April 22, 2026.
*Please note that the Program Guidelines for the Original People’s Investment Program have been released, and applications for that program open July 6, 2026.
Open Offices
Throughout April, we are hosting three virtual ‘open office spaces’ online over Zoom for the Indigenous Cultural Connections Program. These sessions are open to eligible artists interested in applying to this program.
Artists are welcome to log in and join at any point during these Zoom sessions to ask our program specialists questions about the program, and to listen to other artists’ questions. Folks can stay for as long as or as short as they like. There is no formal presentation — just 60 mins of Q+A!
For Zoom security reasons, we ask folks to register before attending. The Zoom link will be provided upon registration. Registering for a session confirms that you agree to our Group Agreements for this event. Be sure to read the document before signing up.
When:
- April 10, 2026, from 12 – 1 pm. Register here.
- April 15 2026, from 5 – 6 pm. Register here.
- April 21, 2026, from 12 – 1 pm. Register here.
These drop-in Q+A sessions will not be recorded.
*ASL interpretation is not currently booked for these drop-in sessions. If you are an applicant with specific access needs or require translation or interpretation services, please let us know and we will arrange to make sure you have all the support and information you need to fairly access the application process. This could include booking a one-on-one session with us instead.
If you have questions about this program or need help applying, please contact Richelle Bear Hat, Community Investment Program Specialist, at richelle.bearhat@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or 403.264.5330 ext. 125.
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