Calgary Arts Development is now accepting applications for its 2007 Special Projects and Annual Operating Grants, formerly operated under the Calgary Region Arts Foundation (CRAF). The deadline for applications to the Annual Operating Grants program is January 31, 2007. There are three opportunities to apply for Special Project Grants in 2007: deadlines are January 2, May 1, and October 1.

Organizations that received CRAF grants in 2006 will receive application forms and guidelines in the mail starting early next week. New applicants should visit our granting page where they will find more information on Calgary Arts Development's granting programs. New applicants will be asked to fill out a short questionnaire to help assess their eligibility for the program, and they will be contacted shortly after that with more information on submitting an application.

These grants provide support for operating costs and special projects carried out by arts organizations in Calgary, and approximately $3 million will be allocated in 2007. In 2006, arts organizations in Calgary received $2.452 million in operating and special projects grants. Funding for Calgary Arts Development's granting programs is provided by the City of Calgary.

An increase of approximately 20% to the granting and programs budget for Calgary Arts Development was approved by City Council in November to address the need for increased investment in the stability of Calgary's arts community. The increase will also support the growth of arts and cultural festivals in the city, special projects that encourage innovation in the arts, and the development of a strategic and cooperative marketing program to increase awareness of the arts in Calgary.

The municipal arts granting programs were previously run under the Calgary Region Arts Foundation, which dissolved in October following a merger with Calgary Arts Development. Grant allocation decisions are made Calgary Arts Development's Grants Committee, a group of 50 volunteers who also serve as liaisons to the organizations receiving funds through Calgary Arts Development's granting programs.