Local Festivals — Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage

Overview:

The Local Festivals component of the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program provides funding to community-based organizations and Indigenous governments to support recurring festivals that celebrate local arts, culture, heritage, and community identity. The program helps communities showcase the work of local artists, artisans, heritage performers, and First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultural carriers while encouraging community participation and cultural preservation.

Funding Amount:

• Applicants may request up to 100% of eligible project expenses.
• Funding is available up to a maximum of $200,000 per festival.

Eligibility / Who It’s For:

Eligible applicants include:

• Local non-profit organizations and community groups
• Local Band Councils
• Local Tribal Councils
• First Nations, Inuit, and Métis governments and organizations

Project Examples:

Eligible festivals may include:

• Community arts festivals
• Heritage celebrations
• Indigenous cultural festivals
• Métis, Inuit, and First Nations cultural gatherings
• Local music, dance, and performance festivals
• Artisan and craft festivals
• Cultural celebrations recognizing 2SLGBTQI+ communities
• Community events that showcase local history, traditions, and cultural knowledge

Province/Scope:

National

Deadline:

Applications must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. (ET) on the applicable intake date:

• January 31 — for festivals starting between September 1 and December 31 of the same calendar year
• April 30 — for festivals starting between January 1 and June 30 of the following calendar year
• October 15 — for festivals starting between July 1 and August 31 of the following calendar year

If a deadline falls on a weekend or statutory holiday, it is extended to the next business day.