RBC believes in the power of the arts to enrich our lives and enhance our communities. Through the RBC Emerging Artists Support Project, we engage in long-term partnerships with organizations whose programs bridge the gap from academic excellence to professional careers in all aspects of the arts.

Types of Grants

We offer two types of grants under the RBC Emerging Artist Project: program grants that support apprenticeship programs and award grants that support organizations offering recognition and support to apprentices and pre-professional artists.

What We Fund

Grants are intended to support programs and initiatives that:

• Support artists who are at an early stage in their careers, have completed their basic training and have created a modest independent body of work
• Are on-going and sustainable (i.e. not one-time events)
• Educate and raise awareness about the importance of the arts in Canada
• Provide emerging artists with the opportunity to demonstrate their talent publicly (performance or exhibition), and/or to provide a connection to professional contacts (agents, publishers, etc).

Preference will be given to proposals that:

• Provide a clear understanding of the emerging artist selection process (audition or jury) and the relevant geographic scope
• Demonstrate a clear evaluation process for reporting to RBC
• Identify an opportunity for RBC clients and/or staff engagement, such as a plan to host clients at a performance, awards event or exhibition, or an outline of staff volunteer opportunities
• Involve collaboration with people and organizations that are supporting a similar art form or group of artists.

Who Can Apply

RBC provides donations only to arts organizations that are Canadian registered charities. Donations are not given to support individual artists.

For program grants, RBC is interested in supporting apprentice programs that:

• Provide a structured curriculum of mentorship and training, typically for a period of three to six months, although shorter more intensive programming may be considered
• Provide an opportunity for interaction between the professional staff, visiting artists and the Emerging Artists
• Serve as a bridge between senior academic programs and the professional world
• Engage the broader community in the art form, through free performances or programming to underserviced or rural communities.

For award grants, RBC is interested in supporting organizations that offer Emerging Artists awards that:

• Are part of an overall program dedicated to supporting apprentices and pre-professional artists
• Have impact other than a cash prize (i.e. requirement that funds are used to travel for research purposes, to work as an apprentice or to meet a mentor)
• Recognize artists at an early stage in their artistic career who are dedicated to the professional practice of the art, as evidenced by a significant investment of time and resources
• Open new and expanded avenues for arts and artists

The Application Process

To apply for funding, start by clicking on the button below. You will be prompted to answer some questions that will help you determine your eligibility. If you are eligible, you will be invited to fill in and download a cover sheet which you will need to mail to us with your application details. RBC requires audited financial statements for all donations requests greater than $5,000. Audited financial statements provide the best possible indication of the financial health and management of an organization prior to committing substantial funds to it.