Creative Catalyst Program

The Creative Catalyst Program supports the creation and presentation of new artistic work within the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. The program provides small, non-repayable awards to individual artists to support artistic development and creative growth in the community.

The program offers one-time grants ranging from $500 to $2,500. Funding is intended to help artists create and present new work and to act as a catalyst for artistic development.

Successful applicants will receive funding after agreeing to the program’s terms and conditions and are required to submit a final report once the project is complete.

To be eligible to apply, one must be:

• 16 years of age or older
• Current resident of the CBRM
• Creating and presenting new artistic work
• Presenting the project within the CBRM
• Complete their project by February 28, 2027

Artists of all skill levels and artistic disciplines are encouraged to apply. Consideration may be given to projects created or presented in rural communities, projects by marginalized or under-represented populations, new or emerging artists, and artists living with self-defined barriers.

Please review the program guide for full details on project eligibility, eligible expenses, the application process, etc.

Applications for the 2026-27 year are now open. The application deadline is Friday, March 27, 2026 at 4 p.m.

Review the program guide before completing and submitting your application.

Have questions or want to learn more about the Creative Catalyst Program?

Join us at one of the upcoming information sessions:

• March 3rd, 1 p.m. at the New Waterford Library
• March 4th, 1 p.m. at the Martha Hollett Library in Sydney Mines
• March 4th, 6 p.m. online via Microsoft Teams https://tinyurl.com/uwfxt4ur
• March 5th, 1 p.m. at the McConnell Library in Sydney

If you have any questions regarding this program or the application process, please email connectarts@cbrm.ns.ca