Open, inclusive, flexible and tailored to First Nations cultures’ needs and realities and to their specific ways of creating and disseminating artworks, the Recognition program is designed to support the First Nations artistic community’s reappropriation, reconstruction and development efforts.
The program seeks to:
- Contribute to the knowledge, recognition and promotion of First Nations artists and arts.
- Foster the reappropriation, transmission and development of traditional knowledge, Indigenous languages and arts.
- Facilitate First Nations artists' early careers and professional development by supporting their first professional experiences, in addition to sponsorships and guidance.
- Encourage the respect of First Nations protocols*.
Launched in 2018, the Recognition program stems from close collaboration between the CALQ (Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec) and the First Nations arts community. It was created with contributions from many in the First Nations and InuitThis link will open in a new window arts and cultural communities, drawing on their experience and knowledge of issues facing First Nations artists, writers and organizations.
© Lucasi Kiatainaq (Kangiqsujuaq)
Good to know
- The program is geared towards established and emerging artists.
- The program supports customary, traditional and contemporary art forms.
- A portion of the application may be presented in written form or orally (video recording).
- Applications for financial aid may be submitted at any time.
- Applications submitted under the Recognition program will be evaluated by a jury made up mainly of artists, Elders, creators and recognized First Nations cultural professionals and managers who are representative of the First Nations artistic community.
- A grant covers the artist's remuneration during the completion of the project, in addition to purchases of materials; studio, venue and equipment rentals; registration and internship fees; travel and living expenses (accommodations and per diems); and promotion, design, pre-production, production and remake expenses.
- The CALQ offers other programsThis link will open in a new window for which First Nations artists, writers and organizations are eligible.
Support to artists
You are eligible for the Recognition program if:
- You are Inuit or a member of the First Nations of Canada.
- Your commitment to your artistic practice is ongoing, whether that practice is traditional, customary, contemporary, or moving between these forms.
- You have participated in, produced, or distributed a work outside your training, in a context recognized by your peers, by Elders, or by your community.
© François Léger-Savard
Questions?
Sara Thibault (program officer)
1435, De Bleury St.
Suite 300
Montréal (Québec)
H3A 2H7
Fostering respect for Indigenous protocols
The CALQ calls on all artists and artistic organizations, First Nations as well as non-First Nations, to adopt an approach that is respectful of First Nations artistic expression, cultural protocols and rights. Collaborative efforts leading to genuine exchanges should pave the way for the completion of artistic projects that address or incorporate distinctive aspects of First Nations cultures.
