In Nova Scotia, the year 2024 marks a significant era for artists, with the province presenting a comprehensive range of funding opportunities encompassing various disciplines. These programs, predominantly in the form of grants and supplemented by tax credits, offer crucial financial support to artists, aiding them in fulfilling their artistic ambitions. This broad spectrum of programs ensures that artists in disciplines as varied as digital gaming, music, literature, visual arts, and more, have ample opportunities to find funding that aligns with their creative pursuits.

Expanded Overview of Nova Scotia-Based Funding Programs for Artists in 2024

1. Arts Nova Scotia’s Grant Programs:
   • These programs provide operational funding to professional arts organizations, acknowledging the diverse ways arts organizations and collectives operate.
   • The “Operate – Activate” program is tailored for emerging artist-driven organizations, offering up to $25K each year for two years.
   • The “Operate – Sustain” program caters to organizations with a proven history, providing funding up to $500K each year for four years.
   • These programs emphasize funding organizations led by designated priority groups and incorporate the new Equity Framework in their assessment criteria.
   • Arts Nova Scotia also aims to address climate change impacts in the arts sector and provide support in collaboration and mentorship, and infrastructure support​​.
2. Arts Nova Scotia’s Recognition Awards:
   • These awards include the Black Artist Recognition Award, Indigenous Artist Recognition Award, Emerging Artist Recognition Award, and Established Artist Recognition Award.
   • These annual awards, with deadlines on June 15, recognize the artistic achievements and contributions of various artists in Nova Scotia, promoting diversity and excellence in the arts​​.
3. Grants to Organizations and Groups by Arts Nova Scotia:
   • This program supports artists’ and arts workers’ fees, venue and equipment rental, promotion, and administrative costs.
   • The funding categories include Create and Present (up to $15,000), Commission (up to $5,000), and Professional Development (up to $5,000).
   • These grants support organizations in their creative projects and help strengthen their artistic or administrative capacity.
   • The program also offers Access Support to increase the accessibility of projects​​.
4. Culture Innovation Fund:
   • This fund supports arts and culture activities that address social issues and opportunities within communities.
   • It offers two funding streams, with up to $15,000 with no matching funds required or up to 75% of eligible costs to a maximum of $50,000.
   • The fund focuses on new arts and cultural activities that promote healthy communities, equity, diversity, and inclusion​​.
5. Grants to Individuals by Arts Nova Scotia:
   • These grants support living expenses, materials, mentorship, professional fees, travel costs, royalties, and promotion for individual projects.
   • They offer categories such as Create, Present, and Professional Development, with maximum funding amounts varying by category.
   • Open to Canadian citizens or landed immigrants who are residents of Nova Scotia for at least 12 months prior to the application deadline​​.
6. New Operating Funding Programs by Arts Nova Scotia:
   • Two new programs replacing the existing Operating Assistance to Arts Organizations program.
   • “Operate – Activate” for emerging artist-driven organizations with simplified application and less reporting, offering up to $25K each year for two years.
   • “Operate – Sustain” for established organizations with a proven history and strategic planning, providing up to $500K each year for four years.
   • These programs prioritize funding for organizations led by members of designated priority groups​​.

In 2024, the funding landscape in Nova Scotia for artists is both diverse and robust, encompassing an extensive range of artistic disciplines and endeavors. From film and literature to dance and digital arts, these programs and tax incentives provide vital support to artists and organizations at various stages of their creative journeys. Artists in Nova Scotia are encouraged to delve into these opportunities to secure the support that aligns with their creative projects and professional aspirations, enhancing the vibrancy and diversity of Nova Scotia’s artistic landscape.