The Nina Arsenault Fund
for 2-Spirited, Transgender,
and Gender Non-Conforming Artists
Grant Applications
The Nina Arsenault Fund for 2-Spirited, Transgender, and Gender Non-Conforming Artists offers artists easy-to-apply-for grants so they can complete their creative work. There are many barriers and challenges for 2-Spirited, transgender, and gender non-conforming artists to receive grants from traditional granting bodies - this fund will prioritize artists who have not received significant grant money from other agencies.
There are three levels of grants:
$100-$200 Quick Creation Grants
$500-$600 Project Grants
$1000 Investment Grants
In 2023, we have $8,000 to disburse to artists for the creation of their work.
We estimate that we will be disbursing:
15 to 25 Quick Creation Grants
4 to 6 Project Grants
2 to 3 Investment Grants
Applications will be reviewed by a team of artists and community members.
What kind of an artist can apply?
Any artist doing any kind of creative work can apply. One of the goals of this fund is to increase 2-spirited, transgender, and gender non-conforming artists representation and visibility so we will be prioritizing artists whose work will end being public over artists who keep their work private.
Artists who can apply include, but are not limited to: crafters, visual artists, writers, musicians, performers, comedians, dancers, theatre creators, photographers and filmmakers.
These grants are available to residents of Canada. We will not be asking about your legal status in Canada.
A higher portion of grants will be given to people living in the Toronto area.
How many grants can I apply for?
You can apply for all of the grants BUT you will only receive one.
No one will get more than one grant.
Quick Creation Grants
$100-$200
The Quick Creation Grant is for artists who need a few funds to get work completed immediately. The expectation is that the artist will be able to finish their creation and have it out in the world in less than 4 weeks after receiving the grant. Artists who apply for this grant do not need to have any previous experience.
Examples of what Quick Creation Grants might be spent on are:
- Photocopying zines
- Buying art supplies
- Buying a website domain
- Buying button parts
- Buying a light ring and webcam
- Buying a costume
- Buying specialized apps or programs
Apply here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NAfundQCGrant
Project Grants
$500-$600
The Project Grant is for artists who need funds to complete or improve a project so it can be shared publicly. The expectation is that the artist will be able to share new or improved work with the world less than 3 months after receiving the grant. Artists who apply for this grant should be able to share a sample of their past or in-progress work with their application.
Examples of what Project Grants might be spent on are:
- Renting a venue for a performance
- Buying make-up and wardrobe
- Buying a sewing machine
- Buying a basic laptop or tablet
- Paying people to be in your production
- Self-publishing a small run of books
- Printing a run of badges, stickers, etc
- Renting or buying equipment
Apply here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NAfundPJGrant
Investment Grants
$1000
The Investment Grant is for artists who need to buy an item that can be used over and over again over a long period of time to create art. The funds can fully or partially cover this item. Artists who apply for this grant should be able to share a sample of their past or in-progress work with their application.
Examples of what Investment Grants might be spent on are:
- Buying a D-SLR camera
- Buying a musical instrument or equipment
- Buying a good quality laptop, tablet or iPad
- Buying specialized equipment for your field
Apply here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NAfundINVGrant
TIMELINES:
APPLICATIONS CLOSE:
August 20th, 2023
ARTISTS INFORMED AND FUNDS DISBURSED:
Mid October 2023
ARTISTS COMPLETE SIMPLE REPORT:
February 2024
If you need any support or accessibility tools to complete this application, please email:
[email protected]
The application can easily be modified or provided in different forms to meet individual needs.