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Application Deadline: March 11, 2026
Program Summary:
The Gerda Hnatyshyn Launch Grants provide assistance to the most promising Canadian performing artists in the early years of their career: either immediately following their education or training in the performing arts (all disciplines), or, for Contemporary Music only, during the early stages of their introduction to professional performance or recording.
Creative projects may include the recording and distribution of an album; preparing the public presentation of an original performance; supporting the writing and development of original work; or other projects deemed eligible by the Foundation.
To verify the eligibility of projects, we recommend that candidates contact the Foundation well ahead of the application deadline. Projects consisting primarily of travel for auditions, private study, networking, and general professional development are not eligible for a Launch Grant.
Grant Amount:
One grant of $10,000 is awarded annually in each of the following disciplines: Classical Music (instrumental or vocal), Contemporary Music (instrumental or vocal), Contemporary Dance (performance or choreography), English Theatre, and French Theatre (performance or production). Grants are intended to support a project, for which candidates must submit a proposal.
Nomination Process:
Candidates must be nominated in order to qualify for a Gerda Hnatyshyn Launch Grant. Professionals working in the candidate’s performing arts discipline may nominate one candidate a year for a Launch Grant.
Candidates will be invited to submit application materials, including a project proposal. A panel of arts advisors appointed by the Foundation will adjudicate the performance work and proposals of the nominees.
Eligibility criteria:
The Gerda Hnatyshyn Launch Grants provide assistance to the most promising Canadian performing artists in the early years of their career: either immediately following their education or training in the performing arts (all disciplines), or, for Contemporary Music only, during the early stages of their introduction to professional performance or recording (see guidelines for detailed criteria).
Nomination Requirements and Eligibility Criteria for each discipline:
