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Upcoming Application Deadlines: Feb 27, May 29, Aug 28, Nov 27, 2026
Program Summary:
The Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation grant exists to support young representational (visual) artists from around the world in the fields of painting, sculpture, printmaking, and drawing.
The grant may be awarded to a visual artist up to three times in their lifetime. Each application is carefully evaluated, and grants are awarded based on the quality of the submission, including the portfolio of artworks.
Artwork Eligibility:
- You must be applying to study or produce representational or figurative art.
- You must be studying or working in one or more of these disciplines: painting, sculpture, printmaking, or drawing.
- Works must be produced by hand using traditional tools and techniques; any work that uses photography or digital imagery as the primary medium (including photo-based prints or image transfers) or that is produced using computer software or robotics (including 3D printing) is not eligible.
- The following types of work are not eligible for funding: abstract or non-representational art; installation art; public art; murals; textile art; illustration; graphic design; photography; animation; video art; film; performance art; digital art; crafts; decorative arts.
- You may only apply with eligible work that has been produced within the last two years.
Project Eligibility:
You may apply for a grant for one of the following purposes:
- To develop your work as an artist through studio practice, production of a new body of work, exhibition of your work, and/or participation in a residency to which you have been accepted (proof of acceptance required).
- To study art in a fine arts or studio arts program where you have been accepted or are currently enrolled at a university, college, studio/atelier, or apprenticeship program (proof of acceptance or enrollment required). See FAQ for ineligible programs of study.
- You must use the grant funds for expenses related to studying or practicing art, such as tuition, studio rental, model wages, art materials, travel and living expenses. Please note that equipment or electronics that will be used beyond the project, such as cameras, laptops, printing presses, lights, etc., are not eligible. See FAQ for ineligible expenses.
- You must apply in advance of the start of your project or school term; the grant may only be used for future expenses. See the Application Cycles section below for relevant application deadlines and project start dates.
- If you do not meet all of the above criteria, your application will be rejected. Please see our FAQ for further information that may impact eligibility.
Eligible Applicants:
To be eligible to apply for a grant, you must meet all the following criteria.
Applicant Eligibility:
- You must be between 18-41 years old (before your 42nd birthday) when submitting a first grant application. Former grant recipients may apply beyond age 41 if they meet all other eligibility criteria.
- You must be a student or emerging artist in the process of launching your career or developing your practice. Grants are not intended for amateur artists or mature, established artists.
- You must apply solely on your behalf, and not as part of a collective, group, or organization.
- You may be practicing or studying internationally; the grant is available to citizens worldwide.
Grant Amount:
The grant amount for first-time recipients is CAD $17,000, while second and third grants are each CAD $20,000.
Artists must first be awarded the initial grant of $17,000 before becoming eligible to apply for subsequent grants. Only one grant application may be submitted at a time and receiving a grant does not guarantee that you will be awarded another in the future; grants are awarded solely on the strength of each application, including the portfolio of artworks.