Shevchenko Foundation Music Sector Arts Pillar Grants (Canada)

The Foundation supports initiatives under the pillars of Arts, Education, Community Development, and Heritage that enrich the Canadian experience through Ukrainian Canadian culture, strengthen the Ukrainian community in Canada, share cultural contributions with diverse audiences, demonstrate financial capability and sustainability, and employ new technologies and partnership models for cultural creation, dissemination, and preservation. Assessment priorities include clearly articulated project goals, demonstrated organizational and artistic capacity, alignment with the Foundation’s mission, advancement of Ukrainian cultural heritage within Canada, public engagement, innovation, value-added cultural contribution, sound marketing and distribution planning, realistic budgeting, financial viability, and evidence of responsible fiscal management.

The Music Sector of the Arts Pillar provides project-based support for Canadian performance-focused groups, ensembles, choirs, and orchestras working in traditional, classical, liturgical, and contemporary music influenced by Ukrainian heritage. Eligible applicants include Canadian not-for-profit organizations, artist collectives, registered private businesses operating primarily in Canada, and chartered educational institutions. The program supports activities such as concert production, music tours within Canada, music festival programming, sound recordings, professional development workshops with external experts, and commissioning original musical works or adaptations by Canadian composers and arrangers.

Funding is available only for projects submitted before their start date, and successful applicants may receive support for up to 50 percent of total project or program costs, subject to available budget resources. The Foundation encourages a balance between established organizations, new applicants, and those exploring emerging cultural practices. Grants may cover project-related expenses including performer fees, production costs, travel, recording, promotion, facility rentals, and distribution expenses, but cannot be used for general living allowances or ongoing operational expenses. The Foundation does not claim copyright ownership over funded projects unless otherwise agreed.

Applicants are expected to present realistic financial plans, clearly defined indicators of success, and practical contingency measures for potential funding shortfalls. Organizations working with individuals under the age of 18 must ensure compliance with youth protection policies in their respective jurisdictions. The Foundation also emphasizes adapting to changing audience demographics, evolving consumption patterns, and modern digital dissemination strategies for cultural programming and music distribution.

For more information, visit Shevchenko Foundation.