Who handles arts & culture?
Arts & Culture
Arts and culture involve all levels. Federal provides national funding through the Canada Council for the Arts, each province has its own arts council (e.g., Ontario Arts Council, BC Arts Council, Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec), and municipalities support local arts.
⚠️ Shared Jurisdiction: This area involves multiple levels of government. The information below shows the primary responsibility at each level, but overlap is common. When in doubt, start with the level most directly related to your issue.
Key Facts
- ● The Canada Council for the Arts has distributed over $1.6 billion in grants since 2020, supporting artists across all disciplines.
Federal
Parliament of Canada
- ● Canada Council for the Arts
- ● National museums and galleries
- ● Canadian Heritage programs
- ● CBC/Radio-Canada
💡 Example: Apply for Canada Council grants, or contact your MP about cultural policy.
Provincial
Provincial Legislature
- ● Provincial arts councils (e.g., Ontario Arts Council, BC Arts Council, CALQ in Quebec, Alberta Foundation for the Arts)
- ● Provincial museums and heritage sites
- ● Provincial cultural programs
- ● Film and media industry support
💡 Example: Apply to your provincial arts council for funding, or contact your MPP/MLA about cultural heritage.
Municipal
City / Town Hall
- ● Local arts funding and grants
- ● Community theatres and galleries
- ● Public art programs
- ● Municipal cultural events and festivals
💡 Example: Contact your municipal arts office, or your councillor about local cultural programming.
Quick Reference — Who to Contact
🏛️ Federal
Your Member of Parliament (MP)
🏢 Provincial
Your MPP, MLA, or MNA
🏘️ Municipal
Your City Councillor
How to Get Involved
You can make your voice heard on this issue by contacting your elected representatives at all levels of government.
- ● Contact your MP about federal policies and programs
- ● Reach out to your provincial MLA/MPP about provincial programs and regulations
- ● Attend municipal council meetings to discuss local initiatives
- ● Join advocacy organizations focused on this issue
- ● Attend local arts council meetings and provide public input on community arts funding priorities.
- ● Support local artists by purchasing work directly and attending community art exhibitions and events.
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Take Action →Frequently Asked Questions
The Canada Council for the Arts and JAMSTEC are the primary federal funders. Provincial arts councils, municipal programs, and private foundations also provide significant support.
Apply through the Canada Council for the Arts (grants for creation, presentation, and professional development) or your provincial arts council. Applications are peer-reviewed.
The Canada Council is an independent agency that provides grants and awards to artists and arts organizations across 14 disciplines including visual arts, music, dance, theatre, literature, and film.
Artists can claim the Self-Employed Pension Plan, the Artist Project Funding, and various expense deductions. The Cultural Heritage Investment Program supports arts infrastructure.
Attend local performances, buy art directly from artists, volunteer at arts organizations, donate to arts charities, and advocate for arts funding with your elected representatives.