Artists' Fund - Fondation des Artistes

Artists’ Fund

The Artists’ Fund of the Artists’ Foundation may be for you. The purpose of this Fund is to support professional artists going through a precarious period. It is a one-time, non-permanent assistance

A collective effort to better support our artists!

In an inspiring show of solidarity, five artist associations have chosen to merge their support funds with that of the Fondation des artistes. Thanks to this alliance, members of SARTEC, RAAV, GMMQ, ARRQ and APASQ can now submit their requests for assistance directly to the Fondation des artistes’ Artists’ Fund.

This unifying gesture enables us to offer simpler, more consistent and, above all, more human support to those who bring our culture to life.

Who can receive assistance?

The Artists’ Foundation relies on the Act Respecting the Professional Status and Conditions of Engagement of Artists to define the term “artist.”

Definition of an artist:

– Declares themselves a professional artist;
– Creates works or practices an art independently, or offers their services, for remuneration, as a creator or performer;
– Has recognition from their peers;
– Presents or performs works publicly in venues or contexts recognized by peers.

It is important to note that start-up or project launch grants are not eligible, since our mission is focused on supporting the well-being, safety, and dignity of artists experiencing a period of vulnerability.

The Artists’ Foundation does not replace the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ).
While the CALQ supports the creation, experimentation, production, and dissemination of artistic works in Quebec and internationally, our role is different but essential: to provide a safety net for artists who, at some point in their journey, need human and financial support to keep moving forward.

* Due to the high volume of requests for financial support, the Fondation des artistes can accept only one request for financial assistance per calendar year. Psychosocial support is also available to help promote your well-being. To learn more about these services, click here.*

Eligibility criteria

Here are the main eligibility criteria

Be a professional artist with self-employed status;
Work in the performing arts, visual arts, audiovisual or film sector;
Have been professionally active for the past two years, and earn a living primarily from your work as an artist;
Be 18 years of age or older on the date of your application;
Be a permanent Canadian resident;
Demonstrate real financial difficulties in meeting basic needs such as rent, groceries and health expenses.

*Note: As each situation is unique, our donation allocation committee, whose members are artists from various fields of activity, will analyze each request based on the information submitted. Those eligible for regular employment insurance benefits (unemployment insurance) will not be eligible.

Application form

To make your application, please fill in the form simply and confidentially using our online platform.

Before you begin your application, please have the following information and documents ready:

– Proof of permanent residence: a photo of your health insurance card or valid driver’s license;
– 2023 provincial notice of assessment (Calculation details – Page 2);
– 2024 Provincial Notice of Assessment (Calculation Details – Page 2);
– Curriculum vitae (current and dated);
– Document describing the circumstances that lead you to apply to the Foundation;
– If applicable, attach supporting documents such as a doctor’s bill for illness or work stoppage, proof of overdue payments, an estimate of what you wish to pay with the Foundation’s help, etc.

Please take care to provide us with the requested documents to enable the committee to analyze your request with transparency.

Send a request

Need assistance?

Don’t hesitate to contact a member of the Artists’ Fundation team who will be happy to assist you at 514 ARTISTE (278-4783) poste 3 or by e-mail at accueil@fondationdesartistes.ca .

Artists’ Fund

– Declares themselves a professional artist;– Creates works or practices an art independently, or offers their services, for remuneration, as a creator or performer;– Has recognition from their peers;– Presents or performs works publicly in venues or contexts recognized by peers.

Eligibility criteria

Here are the main eligibility criteria

*Note: As each situation is unique, our donation allocation committee, whose members are artists from various fields of activity, will analyze each request based on the information submitted. Those eligible for regular employment insurance benefits (unemployment insurance) will not be eligible.

Application form

Before you begin your application, please have the following information and documents ready:

Need assistance?

– Declares themselves a professional artist;
– Creates works or practices an art independently, or offers their services, for remuneration, as a creator or performer;
– Has recognition from their peers;
– Presents or performs works publicly in venues or contexts recognized by peers.