This program is for all eligible professional not-for-profit arts organizations, operating in any of the disciplines supported by ArtsNL: theatre, literary, music, dance, visual arts, film, and multidisciplinary. Eligible organizations must have the creation and/or presentation of works of art as their primary activity. Organizations can only submit one application for a single project or a suite of projects. This program allows for and encourages creative partnerships.

The Year of the Arts Program will not affect an organization’s ability to apply to other ArtsNL programs or explore other sources of revenue.

Professional not-for-profit arts organizations are defined as entities which:

• Operate as a non-profit arts entity;
• Have a board of directors to oversee the operations of the organization;
• Have a paid artistic director, general manager, or equivalent;
• Pay artist fees at established national standards for the artistic discipline(s) and practice in which it operates;
• Have internal or external oversight of the organization’s finances and produces an annual financial statement.

If you are unsure whether your organization meets the definition of a professional arts organization, please contact katrina@artsnl.ca or laura@artsnl.ca

The Year of the Arts Program is designed to cover a range of activities, including but not limited to the following examples:

• Accessibility Capacity Building
• Collaboration
• Creative engagement with communities
• Creation
• Digital enhancement
• Exhibition
• Experimentation/Innovation
• Marketing Development
• Mentorship
• Presenting/Performing/Producing
• Professional skills development
• Specialized staffing/artists
• Touring

• Projects that have already occurred
• Infrastructure and ineligible capital costs
• Prizes and awards

The Year of the Arts Program total funding envelope is $800,000.

The maximum request is $30,000 and successful applicants are guaranteed 80% of the requested amount.

While eligible professional arts organizations may meet the assessment criteria, application to a funding program does not guarantee success. Uptake to this program is expected to be significant.

Professional Arts Organizations must:

• Be active in Newfoundland and Labrador for a minimum of one year;
• Be engaged in professional arts activities within the last year;
• Have board members residing in Newfoundland and Labrador, and
• At least half the board members must be at least 18 years of age or have post-secondary standing.

Assessment of the Year of the Arts Program will take into consideration:

• Clear articulation of the project;
• Benefit, significance, and impact of the project to the organization;
• Timeliness and relevance of project;
• Ability to achieve planning, timeline, and delivery;
• Organizational capacity;
• Role of partners/collaborators as defined;
• Revenue details on income and funding partners;
• Pay fees at established national standards;
• Potential to build capacity, and
• Contribute to the overall sustainability of the organization.

Professional arts organizations undertaking engagement with Indigenous content, artists and communities must have documented confirmation from the Indigenous community to which the project is connecting.

Assessment will be undertaken internally to ensure a timely turnaround.

Completed applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm NT on Friday, February 23, 2024. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Program staff will contact administrators if applications are missing attachments or other information.