SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Kingston Arts Council launches Project Grants and New Creation & Development Grants, with over $171,000 available to local artists and arts organizations

The Kingston Arts Council (KAC) is now accepting applications for the City of Kingston Arts Fund (CKAF) 2026 Project Grants and the newly introduced Creation & Development Grants, providing more than $171,000 in funding to support the city’s artists and arts organizations. 

The 2026 program marks the first year of implementation of the new CKAF Framework approved in November 2025, which introduced expanded funding opportunities including four grant streams, a new, dedicated Creation & Development Grant stream for local professional artists, and enhanced accessibility support for applicants. 

Administered annually by the KAC on behalf of the City of Kingston, the CKAF invests in a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient arts sector. Through municipal funding, the CKAF supports creativity, community engagement, artistic development, collaboration and increased access to the arts. 

A total of $738,000 is available through the CKAF in 2026. Last week at its meeting on 11 August 2026, City Council approved funding recommendations for Operating and Festival Grants, resulting in $567,170 being awarded to local recipients.

Project Grants

Project Grants support Kingston-based professional artists and non-profit organizations in bringing creative projects to life through one-time or time-limited arts projects that invite public participation, presentation, and meaningful community engagement. Projects can span a range of artistic disciplines, including music, dance, theatre, visual arts, storytelling, and more. Project Grants range from $3,000–$12,000.

Creation and Development Grants

New in 2026, Creation & Development Grants support artists in any discipline who have a professional independent art practice for the creation, development, and production of new work or the completion of works in progress. This grant stream focuses on the artistic creation process itself, rather than public presentation or dissemination to the public. Creation and Development Grants range from $3,000–$10,000.

Application Deadline

Applications for CKAF 2026 Project Grants and Creation & Development Grants are due Monday, 21 September 2026 by 11:59 PM ET.

Grant Application Support

The KAC continues to strengthen accessibility within its granting program. New in 2026, applicants who are Deaf, living with a disability, illiterate, or do not have a working proficiency in English may be eligible to access up to $500 in financial support for grant writing services. Additionally, these applicants who have identified accessibility costs required to complete the project may request additional funding up to $1,000 to complete their project. Funding is subject to availability.

The KAC also offers individualized application support and can provide ASL interpretation or Access Notes for meetings upon request.

“The new Creation & Development Grant stream represents an important investment in Kingston’s artists by supporting the time, resources, and creative processes required to develop new work,” said Nicole Daniels, Executive Director, Kingston Arts Council. “Together with expanded accessibility support and dedicated applicant assistance, these changes reflect our commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable arts sector.”

Information Sessions

The KAC will host two free virtual information sessions to guide applicants through the eligibility requirements, application process, assessment criteria, and available supports. ASL interpretation will be provided and sessions will be recorded and posted to the KAC website. The sessions are scheduled as follows:

About the City of Kingston Arts Fund

The City of Kingston Arts Fund (CKAF) provides grants to local arts organizations, artists, and collectives to foster creativity at all levels and enrich how Kingston residents experience and engage with the arts. Administered by the Kingston Arts Council on behalf of the City of Kingston, CKAF has invested more than $11 million in the local arts sector since 2007.

In 2026, the CKAF expanded to include four funding streams: Operating Grants, Festival Grants (new), Project Grants, and Creation & Development Grants (new).

 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP

As part of its ongoing support for artists, the KAC is also offering a free professional development workshop:

Budgeting for Artists

Facilitator: Alejandro Salgado Cendales
Date: Tuesday, 25 August 2026, 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Location: Kingston Frontenac Public Library - Central Branch
Registration: FREE and open to all

The workshop will help artists develop clear, realistic budgets to strengthen grant applications, provide a hands-on activity to sketch out a budget idea, and gain practical tools and templates for future funding opportunities. This workshop is being held before the deadline for the CKAF 2026 Project Grant and Creation & Development Grant deadline, and participants are encouraged to consider these grant streams and bring their ideas.

SUPPORT THE KAC

Love the arts? So do we!

When you support the Kingston Arts Council, you’re helping empower an arts sector that drives innovation, fuels the local economy, and enriches the lives of everyone in Katarokwi/Kingston.

Your donation – whether one-time, monthly, or annual – enables us to deliver impactful programs and services that support the artists and creatives shaping our cultural industry.

As a registered charity, we’ll provide a charitable tax receipt for your contribution. Join us in building a thriving, sustainable arts sector.

THE KINGSTON ARTS COUNCIL IS PROUDLY FUNDED BY