Original Peoples Investment Program
Applications open August 20, 2025
March 22, 2025: Full guidelines published
August 20, 2025: Applications open
September 24, 2025: Application deadline (no applications accepted after 4:30pm MST)
October – November 2025: Evaluation of grants
Late November 2025: Notification of results
December 2025 – January 2026: Funds distributed
Brief Overview
This program is intended to provide one-time project funding to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) individual artists, FNMI artist collectives, and Indigenous-led and -centred arts organizations practicing and operating in the Treaty 7 region.
The Original Peoples Investment Program (OPIP) supports the development, preservation and revitalization of First Nations, Métis and Inuit 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. This program is developed and validated annually with the support of our Indigenous Advisory Committee.
Projects can begin, but cannot be fully completed, before the application deadline of September 24, 2025. Projects funded through this program must be completed by March 31, 2027.
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.
If you have any questions or need any help completing an application, please contact Richelle Bear Hat, Community Investment Program Specialist, at richelle.bearhat@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or 403.264.5330 ext. 125.
