Creative Futures Grant Program

Youth Creative Futures Grant
For individual artists aged 16–25.

Adult Creative Futures Grant
For individual artists aged 26+, as well as eligible organizations applying for a creative project or initiative.

Each grant provides $500 in funding toward the development of a creative practice, project, or opportunity.

What Can the Funding Be Used For?

Creative Futures funding is intentionally flexible. Examples may include:

• Art supplies and creative materials

• Materials for a specific project

• Developing a new body of work

• Exploring a new medium or technique

• Project development or research

• Costs associated with creating or exhibiting new work

• Other expenses that directly support your creative goals

Applicants will be asked to explain how they intend to use the funding and how it will support their creative practice or project.

Applications will be reviewed by an independent jury and evaluated based on the clarity of the proposed use of funds, the applicant's creative practice or project, and the potential impact of the funding.

The applications will remain open until Saturday, October 31, 2026. Applicants will receive an update about the jurying process after the deadline.

$500 | Ages 16–25

The Youth Creative Futures Grant is open to individual artists between the ages of 16 and 25 who are looking to develop their creative practice, explore new ideas, or pursue a creative project.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be 16–25 years old at the time of application

• Be a current member of the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council

• Live in Kawartha Lakes or a surrounding community

• Have an active or developing creative practice

• Have a clear creative purpose for the requested funding

Youth applicants will be required to provide proof of age with their application. A piece of government-issued identification showing their date of birth will be accepted.

Applications will be reviewed by an independent jury and evaluated based on the clarity of the proposed use of funds, the applicant's creative practice or project, and the potential impact of the funding.

$500 | Ages 26+

The Artist Creative Futures Grant is open to individual artists aged 26 and older, as well as eligible arts organizations, looking to develop their creative practice or pursue a creative project or initiative.

Individual artists must:

• Be 26 years of age or older

• Be a current member of the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council

• Live in Kawartha Lakes or a surrounding community

• Have an active or developing creative practice

• Have a clear creative purpose for the requested funding

Artists living outside of Kawartha Lakes are welcome to apply, provided they are current members of the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council.

Organizations must:

• Be a current member of the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council

• Be based or operating within the City of Kawartha Lakes

• Have a creative project, initiative, or vision for which the funding will be used

• Clearly demonstrate how the funding will support that project or initiative

Applicants should be able to clearly explain how the $500 grant will support their creative practice, project, or creative goals.

Applications will be reviewed by an independent jury and evaluated based on the clarity of the proposed use of funds, the applicant's creative practice or project, and the potential impact of the funding.

If your application is successful, we ask that you acknowledge the support of the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council throughout the duration of your funded project, including in related promotional materials and communications.

1. KLAC Logo: Include the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council logos on digital and print promotional materials related to your project, where applicable. Please use the appropriate logo as provided, without alterations.

2. Verbal Acknowledgement: When publicly discussing or presenting your project (including interviews, presentations, exhibitions or events), please acknowledge the support of the Creative Futures Grant from the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council.

3. Written Acknowledgement: Include recognition of the grant in project-related communications, such as social media, newsletters and websites. Where a logo is not applicable, a written acknowledgement is sufficient. For example: "This project was made possible in part through the support of the Creative Futures Grant, provided by the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council."

These requirements apply from the commencement through to the completion of your funded project.

For immediate inquiries, contact our Communications team at kawarthalakesartscouncil@gmail.com.