Cultural Economic Development Program – Arts Component

The Cultural Economic Development Program (CEDP) provides financial support to professional arts organizations for events or projects that stimulate sustainable economic development of the province’s cultural resources.

The objectives of the program are to:

  • improve economic opportunities for professional artists
  • encourage sustainable economic arts activities
  • contribute to the stability of sector based organizations
  • increase capacity for market access and expansion of cultural products
  • develop a diversity of cultural products
  • support growth of the cultural tourism industry

Eligible Sectors

Eligible sectors include the following:

  • Visual Arts
  • Theatre
  • Dance
  • Literary Arts
  • Music *
  • Film and TV **

* CEDP supports major music festivals. Provincial support for other music projects is offered through MusicNL and Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council programs.

** CEDP supports film sector organizations and film festivals. Provincial support for other film and TV projects is offered through the Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation and the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council .

Crafts: For information on provincial support to craftspeople, please contact the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador or BrendaStratton@gov.nl.ca.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council offers granting programs to individuals and organizations, professional and community based, in all disciplines.

Eligibility

Professional arts groups are eligible to apply for funding to assist with costs associated with major cultural festivals and marquee events, smaller festivals and performance series, and one-off projects related to marketing, touring and professional development.

Applicants are expected to:

  • have an established track record in their discipline no less than four years
  • demonstrate relevant managerial, professional, financial and technical capacity
  • demonstrate potential for long-term viability
  • demonstrate their primary focus is on presenting or promoting cultural activities or products by professional artists and cultural industry workers
  • demonstrate a viable work or business plan
  • pay artist fees established by relevant artists associations representing the interests of professional artists
  • be incorporated in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador for at least one year prior to application and be in good standing

Sector based organizations are eligible to apply for funding to assist with costs associated with implementing their mandate and for projects that have an industry-wide benefit.

Applicants are expected to:

  • be member based
  • have an active Board of Directors
  • maintain professional administrative staff
  • offer on-going industry wide benefits to their membership in the form of workshops, information, training or other sector relevant activities
  • have a degree of economic development as part of their mandate
  • pay artist fees established by relevant artists associations representing the interests of professional artists
  • be incorporated in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador for at least one year prior to application

Individual artists are not eligible for CEDP funding.

Eligibility does not guarantee an automatic right to assistance. Applicants are eligible to receive only one CEDP grant per fiscal year.

Applicants are expected to seek support from other levels of government, as well as private and corporate sources, to complement CEDP funding.

Eligible Costs

Eligible costs include those associated with:

  • major cultural festivals and events
  • smaller festivals and performance series
  • one-off projects (marketing, professional development, touring)

Costs associated with website development are not eligible.

Support is based on the submission of an annual strategy and work plan with clearly defined and measurable outcomes for increasing the economic impact for the cultural industries and for the provincial economy; the size and significance of the event, professional development opportunities, potential audience and/or networking opportunities, and overall project costs.

Preference is given to groups with an established track record of significant professional commitment to cultural industries development in the province.

In the case of activities such as workshops, training or mentorships, organizations that receive CEDP support are expected to charge a nominal fee to participants.

Eligible costs are retroactive to the date of receipt of a completed application.

In all cases, applicants must contribute at least 10% towards eligible costs.

The minimum level of support is $2,000.

Deadlines

  • Major cultural festivals and events: April 1
  • Sector based organizations: May 1
  • Smaller festivals, performance series and one-off projects: applications will be accepted on an on-going basis and assessed on a first-come, first-serve basis until available funds are exhausted.

If an application deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline will be moved to the next business day. 

It is strongly recommended that applicants discuss their proposal with a CEDP Program Officer at the preliminary stage.

Application and Assessment Process

The Cultural Economic Development Program supports initiatives with a strong potential for sustained development and employment over the long term. Projects are reviewed in the context of sound market and business planning, the application of best practices, and competitive impact.

Applications should be concise, comprehensive and professional, and must include a balanced budget. A budget template is available for use as a guide in preparing the budget.

Applicants must provide their most recent financial statement. Please contact a Program Officer to determine whether a Review Engagement is required.

A complete list of required information is provided on the application form. Completed applications should be submitted a minimum of 6 (six) weeks in advance of the project start date.

Where deemed a part of approved project costs, per diems (accommodation and meals) and gas mileage rates will be reimbursed based on current provincial rates (available from the Program Officer). Extended periods of travel will be subject to a limit on per diem expenses. Meal and accommodation receipts are not required; however, proof of travel cost is required. Air travel should not exceed full fare economy.

Administration and Reporting

An advance of 90% of the approved funding will be issued once the signed Acceptance Letter of Financing page is returned and any conditions identified in the Letter of Financing have been satisfied. A completed Advance Payment Request Form must also be submitted prior to the release of an advance payment.

The remaining 10% of the CEDP contribution will be released following submission and approval of the Final Report.

All projects must be completed and a final report submitted within ten weeks of completion of the project, or by March 15, whichever comes first. Failure to submit the final report within this time frame will result in a forfeiting of the final payment.

Acknowledgments

All funding recipients are required to acknowledge the support of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador by including the official logo in any printed or electronic materials, events or performances related to the activity. To obtain the logo for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, contact AlisonMacLeod-Boland@gov.nl.ca.

Contact Information

For more information, contact Paula Morgan, CEDPArts@gov.nl.ca