Creative Futures Grant Program
The Creative Futures Grant Program provides two $500 grants to support artists and creative projects as they grow, explore, and take their next steps. Whether you're developing your creative practice, working toward a new project, or bringing a creative vision to life, the Creative Futures Grant is designed to provide meaningful support where it can make a difference.
By investing in artists today, we're helping build the future of the arts in Kawartha Lakes — supporting both emerging young creatives and artists continuing to develop their practice at every stage.
APPLICATIONS OPEN SEPTEMBER 2026
Applications for 2026 are now open! Please ensure you read through the following before applying.
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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.
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$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.
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$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.
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For immediate inquiries, contact our Communications team at kawarthalakesartscouncil@gmail.com.