The Visual Arts Assistance Program (VAAP) provides assistance in the form of grants to Manitoba, not-for-profit and for-profit organizations, art galleries, exhibition centres, artist run centres, professional arts associations, including fine craft organizations in Manitoba with a primary mandate in the visual arts.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible proponents are:

• Not-for-profit arts organizations, for-profit arts organizations, art galleries, exhibition centres, artist-run centres, professional associations, including fine craft organizations;
• Proponents who have a primary mandate in the visual arts;
• Proponents who operate a permanent exhibition space (or equivalent) for sales purposes and engage in the sale of Manitoba visual art and fine crafts.  Galleries who offer a season of exhibitions with be given priority.
• Manitoba artists who constitute the majority of artists represented by the proponents.

Eligible projects are:

• New initiatives that result in a significant expansion of an existing market or initiatives that target a new market;
• Initiatives that do not replace current and ongoing activities undertaken annually by the proponent or initiatives that are complementary to existing activities.

Summary

Level of Assistance

Grants awarded through the VAAP program will not exceed 50% of eligible project costs.  Successful applicants may receive less than the full amount requested.  The maximum level of assistance under the program is $15,000.00.  Proponents may submit multi-year projects, however, the funding will only be allocated on a yearly basis.

Assessment Process

Funding decisions are made through an internal assessment process based on how well projects meet the program criteria, the general merit of the proposal and availability of funds.

Disbursement of Grants

Grants will be issued in two equal installments.  The first installment will be paid out at the beginning of the project.  The second and final installment is contingent on the receipt and review of a satisfactory project report.  The project report should include a complete overview of the project including measurable outcomes, calendar of events, assessment of the project impacts, final budget and receipts when applicable.

For more information about the VAAP program, including application deadlines, contact the Arts Branch:

Manitoba Contact(s):
Arts Branch
Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism
6th floor, 213 Notre Dame Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba  R3B 1N3
Telephone: 204-945-3847
E-mail: artsbranch@gov.mb.ca