Impetus: call for applications for Indigenous artists and writers

The Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ) is issuing a call for applications for Indigenous artists and writers, as part of the Impetus component of the Recognitiongrant program. This component offers a first grant to Indigenous artists, writers, or artists’ collectives to help launch their career.

Submitting candidacies

Do you want to encourage emerging artistic talent you have noticed around you? Whether you are a cultural organization, an artist, or someone close at an Indigenous artist in Québec, you can now submit a candidacy.

Candidacies will be evaluated by a jury of peers made up of experienced, recognized Indigenous artists, Elders, creators, or cultural managers, who gather once a year.

Five grants of $5000 are offered annually to Indigenous artists as part of the Recognition program.

The submission deadline is May 27, 2022.

SEE PROGRAM

Examples of projects supported in 2021

Huron-Wendat artist Laurence Dussault

“Thanks to the Impetus grant, I was able to acquire the quality equipment I needed to produce my concerts and find new employment opportunities. As a classical pianist, I wanted a quality instrument that would allow me to play for all the music events I participate in. I was also able to produce a demo to showcase my talent. A big thank you to the CALQ for the leg up!”

- Laurence Dussault

Listen to excerpts on her YouTube channel:

DISCOVER This link will open in a new window

Inuit artist Lucasi Kiatainaq (Kangiqsujuaq)

Consult the artist’s other galleries:

DISCOVER This link will open in a new window

Naskapi artist Christian Nabinacaboo-Corbeil from the group Violent Ground

“Receiving the Impetus grant helped us during a critical moment in our career. There was a project that needed to be done during the pandemic, and CALQ was willing to assist us with our needs. Before receiving the grant, we decided to change the whole project and they were flexible, communicative, and understanding of our goal. We are very pleased with that experience and looking forward to applying with them in the future.”

- Christian Nabinacaboo-Corbeil

Listen to Violent Ground’s Spotify channel:

DISCOVER This link will open in a new window

Other support available

Did you know that other grants for Indigenous artists are available year-round? The Revitalization, Creation and Transmission components and the Micrograntcomponent are for established and emerging Indigenous artists. These components support customary, traditional, and contemporary art forms.

Good to know

About the Recognition program

• Registration for the Recognition program can be completed online (except for the Impetus component) on the CALQ website via the Mon dossier CALQ portal.This link will open in a new window
• Part of the grant application may be made in writing or by video to facilitate the presentation of the project.
• Applications can be submitted at any time, except for the Impetus component, which has an annual registration deadline.

Are you a First Nations or Inuit community artist or arts organization and want to submit a project?

SEE THE PROGRAM

Your contact at the CALQ

Sara Thibault, Program Officer in the Direction du soutien aux artistes, aux communautés et à l’action régionale, is your new contact for any questions about the Recognition program and its components.

You can contact Sara Thibault by email:

sara.thibault@calq.gouv.qc.ca

Or by phone: 1 800 608-3350

Direct line: 514 845-9024

Participation on CALQ juries and committees

Applications for financial aid as part of the Recognition program are evaluated by juries made up mainly of recognized Indigenous artists, creators, professionals, or cultural managers, representatives of the First Nations and Inuit arts communities.

Are you an Indigenous artist or cultural manager who wants to be part of the CALQ’s juries or commitments, particularly for the Recognition program?

Submit your application by email at: info@calq.gouv.qc.ca

FAQ

A FAQ is available to answer your questions about the Recognition program.