As the final deadline for the Canada Council Digital Generator – Stream 2 initiative approaches on September 1, many arts organizations are exploring how this program can support their digital transformation.
In this Q&A, we spoke with the Strategic Innovation Fund program staff to gain insights into the application process, the program’s goals, and how organizations can make the most of this last opportunity to secure funding from this program.
Who can apply for a Digital Generator: Stream 2 grant?
These types of grants help arts organizations and collectives implement recommendations from recent digital assessments, audits or plans around transforming their operations and digital capacity.
Applicants (including those already receiving core grants from the Canada Council) currently have until September 1 to apply and submit a recent, externally produced report outlining recommendations and concrete activities for achieving their goals. There are no restrictions around the format or content of an applicant’s report, as long as it is produced by an external consultant and follows a formal methodology.
What types of projects will the grant fund? What are some examples?
The types of projects funded by Digital Generator: Stream 2 grants are quite varied and include activities that help organizations better engage with their current and potential audiences, collect and analyze data and improve their operations, as well as generate new revenue streams. While activities around creating, updating or improving websites are not funded by these grants, many other kinds of activities are, from the implementation of e-commerce functionalities, customer relationship management systems and cybersecurity improvements, to the development of AI algorithms, IM and cloud computing, and projects relating to online discoverability and data visualization.
What is next for Digital Generator grants?
Moving forward, the Canada Council for the Arts will transition support for digital innovation and the growth of digital capacity in the arts through existing programs, such as the Sector Innovation and Development component of its Supporting Artistic Practice program. Interested applicants are encouraged to find out more online and to get in touch with a program officer at [email protected] if they have any questions or need any assistance with applying.
What advice or tips do you have for organizations preparing projects? What makes a good application?
Applications that propose innovative digital solutions to help organizations do more, spend less and work faster or more efficiently are more likely to be successful. It is also important to show how a project will lead to a positive, measurable and sustainable, long-term impact on an organization. Applicants can also demonstrate the feasibility of their projects by including information like reasonable budgets, timelines, team credentials and activities.
Our biggest tips are:
- It is not necessary to have received a Digital Generator: Stream 1 grant to be eligible to apply under Stream 2.
- Read the online program guidelines in detail and respond to each of the assessment criteria as best as you can.
- Do not forget to submit your full external assessment, audit or plan.
The Arts Firm thanks Canada Council for participating in this Q&A. Visit the program page for more information and details ahead of the Sept. 1 deadline.
