Original Peoples Investment Program

Applications currently closed

UPDATED: May 15, 2023

Calgary Arts Development revised the publication date for the full guidelines for the Original Peoples Investment Program. This change was made to ensure the guidelines are as clear and thorough as possible. Originally scheduled for May 18, 2023, the guidelines were published and applications opened on June 1, 2023.

June 1, 2023: Full guidelines published
June 1, 2023: Applications open
October 4, 2023: Application deadline (no applications accepted after 4:30pm MT)
October – November 2023: Evaluation of grants
Late November 2023: Notification of results
Early December 2023: Funds distributed

Program Overview

This program is intended to provide one-time project funding to individual artists, collectives and Indigenous-led and centred arts organizations in Treaty 7.

The Original Peoples Investment Program (OPIP) supports the 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.

Individual artists may apply for up to $15,000, artist collectives may apply for up to $20,000, and Indigenous arts organizations may apply for up to $25,000.

Total funding available for this program is $650,000.

This program is developed and validated annually with the support of our Indigenous Advisory Committee.

Button to read the program guidelines

Need help applying? Calgary Arts Development is committed to open, fair and transparent processes. There are two policies available for anyone who may need support to apply to this program: the Accommodation & Accessibility Policy and the Application Assistance Policy. We will work one-on-one with applicants who experience barriers to access to develop accommodations that suit their unique abilities and situations, and continually seek to learn and address inequities in our programs and processes.

If you have any questions or need any help completing an application, please contact Morgan Possberg, Indigenous Program Specialist, at morgan.possberg@calgaryartsdevelopment.com.

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