Guidelines Released: Original Peoples Investment Program
The Program Guidelines for the Original Peoples Investment Program (OPIP) for 2026 are available. This program provides one-time project funding to First Nation, Métis and Inuit individual artists, artist collectives and Indigenous-led and -centred arts organizations in Treaty 7.
This program supports the innovation, preservation and revitalization of First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) art through art-based projects that are supported and validated by FNMI artists, community, Elders and Knowledge Keepers. We recognize and support both traditional and contemporary Indigenous artists and arts practices within this program.
Individual artists may apply for up to $20,000, artist collectives may apply for up to $25,000, and Indigenous arts organizations may apply for up to $30,000.
Total funding available for this program is $750,000.
Applications for the Original Peoples Investment Program open on July 6, 2026, and the deadline to apply is August 12, 2026.
*Please note that applications are open for the Indigenous Cultural Connections Program and the deadline to apply is April 22, 2026.
Open Offices
Throughout July and August, we are hosting three virtual ‘open office spaces’ online over Zoom for the Original Peoples Investment Program. These sessions are open to eligible artists interested in applying to this program.
Artists are welcome to log in and join at any time 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:
- July 14, 2026, from 12 – 1 pm. Register here.
- July 27, 2026, from 5 – 6 pm. Register here.
- August 11, 2026, from 12 noon – 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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