ArtistsInspire School Grants

Developing students’ creativity through Artist-facilitated Arts & Culture experiences! 

Schools can apply for one of the following two options: 

• a stand-alone $1500 School Grant featuring hands-on workshops
• a $1500 School Workshop Grant (same as above) plus a One Day Event add on, for a total value of $3000

ArtistsInspire has a roster of over 100 professional artists offering inspiring educational experiences across disciplines, from Quebec’s English-speaking community.  

Browse our Artist profiles and Artist workshops to start thinking about what creative projects could be possible at your school! 

Artists will work with at least 2 classes in a school. Each class will have at least 2 separate workshop sessions lasting about one hour each with the Artist.

Plan for 6 to 10 hours of live workshop sessions over at least 2 days.

A One Day Event grant can be added on to a School Workshop grant for a total funding of 3000$. One Day Events must take place on a different day than the School Workshops. 

One Day Events are unique and different from workshops. An Artist can work with any number of classes. The goal is to showcase the Artist’s professional practice to as many students as possible and have an Artist Talk where students can ask questions about the artistic process and what it is like to be a professional Artist. 

All One Day Events should include an artistic performance or installation of some kind, as well as an Artist Talk where Artists will have the chance to answer questions from students about their practice and career path. The One Day Event should feature a minimum of 2 X 45-minute performances with 15-minute Artist talks. As with the AIG workshops, these One Day Events are expected to have educational outcomes. 

For the 2026-27 school year, we are moving to a multi-cycle application system. There will be three application periods throughout the school year. 

Cycle 1: Fall Projects 

Application Period: August 15, 2026, to October 1, 2026  

AIG Project must take place: September – December 2026 (Project should be completed before the Holiday period)

Cycle 2: Winter Projects   

Application Period: October 15, 2026 to January 31, 2027  

AIG Project must take place: January – end of March 2027  

Cycle 3: Spring Projects  

Application Period: March 15 – April 15, 2027  

AIG Project must happen: April – June 2027  

Schools that receive funding may apply again throughout the year. However, any subsequent application must involve a different teaching artist, allowing students to engage with a wider range of artistic practices and perspectives. As well, priority will be given to those who have not yet received grants in a particular cycle. 

Please see the document ArtistsInspire Grant Priority Framework for detailed information on how ArtistsInspire chooses which grants to prioritize.

Before applying, ensure that you have contacted the Artist you wish to work with to agree on a project and dates that work for both of you! You can find Artist contact information through Artist profiles. 

When you’re ready, applying is easy and quick – you click on the Apply link under the Artists’s Profile photo, and enter the information about the school’s plan. 

For step-by-step application instructions, please consult our walkthrough. 

Please note that applying for a grant is not a guarantee that you will be accepted. We are asking schools to apply 3-4 weeks in advance of the workshop dates, and to expect that it will take 6-10 working days to process the grants. 

ArtistsInspire does not cover funding for travel expenses. Material costs can be up to $300 including taxes from the $1500 School Grant, and up to another $300 including taxes for the One Day Event add-on. 

When your grant is completed, you will be required to fill out a feedback form which you will receive by email, in order for the Artist to receive payment.  

We are available to support you by email. Contact us if you have any questions!