Arts in Communities Program (New Brunswick): How to Apply

Arts in Communities Program (New Brunswick): How to Apply

Community arts projects often struggle to cover artist fees, materials, and outreach costs. The Arts in Communities Program (New Brunswick) helps close that gap by funding arts projects that actively involve local communities and professional artists. The program is delivered by the Government of New Brunswick and offers up to $10,000 per year for eligible projects.

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What Is the Arts in Communities Program?

The Arts in Communities Program supports arts-based projects that increase public awareness of and participation in the arts across New Brunswick. The focus is on collaboration—between communities, non-profit organizations, and professional artists—rather than one-off events or internal programming.

According to the program guidelines, funded projects must:

• Be arts-focused
• Engage a professional artist
• Involve a community or public audience
• Create partnerships between arts or cultural organizations and communities

This program is not designed for ongoing operations. It funds specific projects with clear start and end dates.

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How Much Funding Can You Get?

Eligible organizations can receive:

• $2,500 to $10,000 per year
• Funding is provided as a non-repayable grant
• One project per application

There is no requirement to repay the funds. Applicants often misunderstand this. Address it clearly in your application.

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Who Is Eligible to Apply?

To qualify for the Arts in Communities Program in New Brunswick, your organization must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be a non-profit organization
  • For-profit organizations are not eligible
• Be an arts or cultural organization, or a non-profit arts festival
• Not currently receive Core Funding from the Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture
• Propose a project that:
  • Employs at least one professional artist
  • Actively engages a community or public group
  • Has not started before the application deadline

Projects that begin before the deadline are automatically ineligible, even if funding is not spent until later.

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Eligible Project Costs

While each application is assessed individually, Arts in Communities funding is commonly used for:

• Professional artist fees
• Workshop or facilitation costs
• Community outreach and engagement activities
• Project-related materials and supplies
• Short-term administrative support tied directly to the project

For a broader breakdown, see What expenses do arts, culture, and media grants cover?

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How to Apply: Step-by-Step

Here’s how to apply for the Arts in Communities Program (New Brunswick):

1. Define your project

   • Outline the artistic activity, community involved, and professional artist(s)
   • Confirm the project starts after the deadline

2. Confirm eligibility

   • Verify non-profit status
   • Ensure you do not receive Core Funding

3. Prepare your budget

   • Request between $2,500 and $10,000
   • Clearly link expenses to project activities

4. Gather supporting documents

   • Artist resumes or bios
   • Letters of partnership or community support
   • Organizational information

5. Submit your application

   • Applications are submitted through the Government of New Brunswick
   • Deadlines and forms are posted on the program page

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly confirm whether your organization and project align with provincial arts programs before you apply.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Starting the project too early
  Any project activity that begins before the deadline makes your application ineligible.

• Not using professional artists
  Community volunteers alone do not meet program requirements.

• Applying while receiving Core Funding
  Organizations with Core Funding from the department cannot apply.

• Vague community impact
  Applications must clearly show how the public or community participates, not just attends.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Arts in Communities Program open to for-profit organizations?
No. Only non-profit organizations, including non-profit arts festivals, are eligible.

Q: How much funding can an organization receive?
Applicants can request between $2,500 and $10,000 per year, depending on project scope.

Q: Is Arts in Communities funding repayable?
No. Funding is provided as a non-repayable grant. There is no requirement to repay the funds.

Q: Do projects have to employ professional artists?
Yes. Engaging at least one professional artist is a core requirement of the program.

Q: Can organizations receiving Core Funding apply?
No. Organizations already receiving Core Funding from the Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture are not eligible.

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See Also: Related Funding Guides

• Arts and Creative Grants in Atlantic Canada: Artist Eligibility Explained
• How to Prove Eligibility for Arts and Culture Grants in Canada
• Cultural Heritage, Arts, and Creative Industry Grants: Eligible Expenses

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Next Steps

The Arts in Communities Program is just one of many provincial arts grants available in New Brunswick and across Canada. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs nationwide, including community arts funding—so you can see which ones match your organization, location, and project goals before you apply.