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Carrie Sweeney

2026-27 Grant Program Dates Now Available!

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Below is an overview of the 2026-27 Creative Saskatchewan Grant programs; who they are for, when they are accepting applications, and those all-important deadlines.

For more information on each of these programs, including what’s new for 2026-27, please click on the “Learn more” buttons.

Remember, All deadlines close at 4:00 PM Saskatchewan time. If a deadline falls on a statutory holiday or a weekend, applications will be accepted until 4:00 PM the following business day.

Showcase or Sell Travel Grant

This grant provides support to individuals and businesses to attend markets, industry showcases, and pitch events. In most cases, your project begins with an invitation to participate in a particular market.

  • Opening date: April 22, 2026
    • Note: Once the program opens, applicants will have until May 22, 2026, to retroactively submit applications for eligible events that took place April 1, 2026 to April 22, 2026.
  • Deadlines: Continuous intake until funds are exhausted

Learn More

Marketing Grant

This grant provides support for marketing and publicity to improve visibility and generate sales. We offer two streams of funding depending of the scale of the project; Micro and Major.

Micro Stream

Up to a maximum of $5,000 per applicant per fiscal year (or 50% of the budget whichever is the lesser).

Clients are limited to one micro grant per fiscal year. This amount counts towards an annual marketing cap of $25,000 per fiscal year.

Micro Stream Opening Date for all sectors: April 22, 2026

Micro Stream Deadlines to apply:

  • Deadline 1: July 15, 2026 at 4 PM SK time
  • Deadline 2: October 7, 2026 at 4 PM SK time
  • Deadline 3: January 6, 2027 at 4 PM SK time

Major Stream

Up to a maximum of $25,000 per applicant per fiscal year or 50% of the budget, whichever is the lesser.

Major Stream Opening Date for applicable sectors: April 22, 2026

Major Stream Deadlines to apply:

  • Book Publishing – June 10, 2026 at 4 PM SK time
  • Live Performing Arts – June 24, 2026 at 4 PM SK time
  • Interactive Digital – November 18, 2026 at 4 PM SK time
  • Music – June 17, 2026 at 4 PM SK tim
  • Craft & Visual Arts –  February 3, 2027 at 4 PM SK time

Film:Following consultations with our clients and industry stakeholders, we decided that increasing funding for film development activities would best support the sector at this time. To accommodate this, the Marketing Grant for the film sector will be paused this year. As funding becomes available throughout our fiscal year we may reconsider offering an intake of this grant.

Learn More

Business Improvement Grant

This grant supports projects that focus on professional development, increasing workforce capacity, and improving business efficiencies through technology infrastructure updates which result in growth, market expansion and improved profitability.

Opening date for applicable sectors: April 22, 2026

  • Deadlines to apply:
    • Book Publishing – June 10, 2026 at 4 PM SK time
    • Music – September 23, 2026 at 4PM SK time
    • Interactive Digital – November 18 ,2026 at 4 PM SK time
    • Craft & Visual Arts –  February 3, 2027 at 4 PM SK time

Film: The Business Improvement Grant for the film sector will be paused this year to offer additional funding into other grant programs.

Live Performing Arts: The Business Improvement Grant for the live performing arts sector will be paused this year to offer additional funding into other grant programs.

Learn More

Book Publishing Grant

We now offer three streams of funding depending on the nature of the project – Book Publishers’ Stream, the Author-Funded Stream, and the Market Demand Reprint stream.

Author-Funded Stream

This grant supports self-publishers or publishers working with Saskatchewan authors to produce and market a book.

Opening date: April 29, 2026
Deadline: June 3, 2026 at 4PM SK time

Book Publishers’ Stream

This grant assists in the production and marketing of titles intended for commercial release.

Opening date: April 29, 2026

Deadline: June 10, 2026 at 4 PM SK time

Market Demand Reprint Stream

This grant assists book publishers and self-publishers in accessing high-demand reprint production funds to meet market demand.

Opening date: June 17, 2026

Deadline 1: September 2, 2026 at 4 PM SK time
Deadline 2:  January 27, 2027 at 4 PM SK time

Learn More

Tour Support Grant

This grant supports commercially viable touring opportunities for eligible Saskatchewan musicians touring in Canada and abroad.

Opening date: May 6, 2026

  • Note: Once the program opens, applicants will have until May 22, 2026, to retroactively submit applications for eligible events that took place April 1, 2026 to April 22, 2026.

Deadlines to apply:

  • Deadline 1: June 17, 2026 at 4 PM SK time
  • Deadline 2: September 23, 2026 at 4 PM SK time
  • Deadline 3: January 13, 2027 at 4 PM SK time

 

    Learn More

    Sound Recording Grant

    This grant supports the production of commercially-viable sound recordings for promotional use and/or commercial release.

      • Opening date: May 6, 2026
      • Deadline 1: June 17, 2026 at 4 PM SK time
      • Deadline 2: September 23, 2026 at 4 PM SK time
      • Deadline 3: January 13, 2027 at 4 PM SK time

    Learn More

    Live Performing Arts Production & Performance Grant

    This grant invests in Live Performing Arts projects that are ready to be staged for a paying audience to expand commercial potential.

    Opening date: May 13, 2026
    Deadline 1: June 24, 2026 at 4 PM SK time
    Deadline 2:  October 21, 2026 at 4 PM SK time

    Learn More

    Digital Game Development Grant

    This grant invests in Saskatchewan’s digital developers, helping them create digital games and gamified e-learning projects with commercial potential. We now offer two streams of funding for this grant – the Pre-Production Stream and the Production Stream.

    Opening date: May 20, 2026
    Deadline: November 18, 2026 at 4 PM SK time

    Learn More

    Craft & Visual Arts Production Grant

    This grant supports craft persons and visual artists in the production of creative products intended for the commercial marketplace.

    Opening date: May 27, 2026
    Deadline: February3, 2027 at 4 PM SK time

    Learn More

    Feature Film & TV Production Grant

    This grant provides financial support to eligible applicants for feature film and television productions that have secured a relevant market trigger or distribution agreement of fair market value. We ow offer three streams within this grant: the Saskatchewan Stream, the Service Production Stream, and the Apprenticeship Stream.

    Opening date: April 1, 2026
    Deadline: Continuous intake until funding is exhausted

    Learn More

    SaskTel Max Equity Fund

    This grant provides financial support to eligible projects that demonstrate significant economic, cultural and employment benefit to the Saskatchewan industry, and a high potential of recoupment and profit in the application.

    Opening date: June 2, 2026
    Deadline: July 16, 2026 at 4 PM SK time

    Learn More

    Film & TV Development Grant

    This grant assists qualified Saskatchewan production companies with undertaking the development of eligible projects and bringing productions to fruition.

    First Draft Stream

    Opening date: July 14, 2026
    Deadline:  October 8, 2026 at 4 PM SK time

    Final Draft Stream

    Opening date: July 14, 2025
    Deadline: October 8, 2026 at 4 PM SK time

    Slate Stream

    Opening date: July 14, 2025
    Deadline:     October 8, 2026 at 4 PM SK time

    Learn More

     

    Industry Sponsorship Opportunities

    Supporting creative entrepreneurship capacity

    We sponsor projects that align with our mandate in any of the six creative sectors that Creative Saskatchewan’s grants support:

    • Film & TV
    • Craft & Visual Arts
    • Live Performing Arts
    • Music
    • Digital Game Development
    • Book Publishing

    Sponsorships are available year-round until the fund is exhausted.

    Learn More

    Sask-Made Documentary Screened at Canadian War Museum

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    Creative Saskatchewan would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Thomega Entertainment Inc., who were invited to screen their documentary Canada Remembers Our Heroes: The First Persian Gulf War And the War to Free Kuwait at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa. This documentary was created with the support of our Film and Television Development grant. 

    On March 4, 2026 Brian Swidrovich, representing Thomega and the Canada Remembers Commemorative School Project, attended as a guest speaker alongside numerous dignitaries including the Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs, the Ambassador to Kuwait, Students and Educators, Veterans Affairs representatives as well as Gulf War Veterans and their families.  

    A man wearing a grey suit and black wire-frame glasses stands behind a large black podium, head bowed as he speaks into the microphone. Behind him are large photos of various veterans, young and old, and in the centre is a painting of a young boy dressed in military uniform sitting on the wing of a Canadian war plane.
    Brian Swidrovich speaks at Canadian War Museum

    A wreath-laying ceremony was held at the National War Memorial prior to the documentary screening and Q&A session.  

    Veterans Affairs has since extended sincere gratitude to all attendees for their meaningful participation in the National Commemorative Ceremony marking the 35th anniversary of Operation Friction and the end of the Persian Gulf War, as well as the viewing of Canada Remembers Our Heroes’ Gulf War Documentary.  

    Veterans Affairs and the National War Museum appreciated the engagement and contributions of all participants, helping bring these commemorations to life and ensuring the legacy of service and sacrifice is honoured and remembered. 

     

    Gil & Wil Connect at BreakOut West

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    Holly Gilroy of the band Gil & Wil successfully applied for Creative Saskatchewan’s Showcase or Sell Travel Grant, receiving funding for the band to travel to Winnipeg to participate in Breakout West, a combined music festival and conference opportunity that brings together a multitude of artists and industry delegates of all sorts from Canada and beyond.

    They credit part of their successful application experience to the support they received from one of our Program Advisors, something we always encourage! In her final report, Holly shared her appreciation: “Huge thanks to Nicole, our Program Advisor, for being easily reachable, patient with our questions, and SUPER helpful!”

    Two women singing into microphones on stage, a black banner hangs behind them that says “BREAKOUT WEST” in red block letters. The woman on the left is playing a stand up bass, she has waist-length brown hair with a red rose tucked behind her ear, and is wearing a black dress patterned with red roses. The woman on the left plays an acoustic guitar, she has waist-length brown hair with a white feather hairpiece on top of her head. She wears a red dress with white trim. A purple bar across the bottom of the image reads “Gil & Wil perform at BreakOut West”
    Gil & Wil perform at BreakOut West

    Gil & Wil is a female-driven harmonic country duo based out of Saskatoon, made up of members Holly Gilroy & Aiden McRorie Wilson. The influence of prairie roots is heavily audible throughout the variety of western, bluegrass, folk, and old-time tunes each setlist holds.

    The band performed two 30-minute showcase sets at two different venues, attended several workshops and panels, and met with industry delegates where they were able to form deep connections. “This was a priority for us,” said Gilroy, “as we look to expand the reach of our music and our artist presence.” With their one-on-one meetings, they were able to explore future business opportunities.

    Noted by many as an up-and-coming group to watch in Saskatchewan, Gil & Wil can now add performing at BreakOut West to their list of growing milestones, “The experience was both productive and a joy to get to participate in. Thank you for the funding support, CreativeSask!”

    Follow Gil & Wil on these platforms:

    Bandcamp

    Spotify

    Apple Music

    Instagram

    Facebook

    2025-26 Programs Closed

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    Edit: Except for any programs without a deadline that are “open until funding is exhausted” – these will remain open until exhausted or March 31, 2026.

    Our 2025-26 Programs are now closed.

    Stay tuned—details for our 2026-27 programs will be announced in April 2026. Each year, we take the time to adjust our programming as appropriate according to applicant and assessor feedback. Thank you for your patience as we gear up for another great year supporting creative entrepreneurs!

    Subscribe to our newsletter to receive program updates.

    Tholl Photography Cashes in with Arts Production Support

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    Lin Tholl successfully applied for Creative Saskatchewan’s Craft and Visual Arts Production Grant to produce fine canvas and framed photographic prints to sell at markets. 

    Lin is a fine arts nature photographer who enjoys capturing the essence of wildlife and the elements through the lens of her camera. She travels the globe to photograph nature in all forms and landscapes. Last year, she attended four markets in Winnipeg, Calgary, Saskatoon, and Regina to sell her prints. 

    “It was exciting to see the reaction to the new products I had, thanks to the Creative Saskatchewan Production Grant,” remarked Tholl, who used the grant to produce over 100 prints of her work, including large canvas prints. “Many of the new products were the first to sell, which reaffirmed the benefit of increasing my product range.”  

    People were drawn to the intricate detail you could see in her large-scale prints, from the intimate closeup of a bumblebee in a lavender field to a striking, four-foot display of a giraffe at twilight. “I was so delighted to see the authentic and overwhelmingly positive reaction to my art being displayed in a new, bolder way, that wouldn’t have been possible without the grant.” 

    “Thank you, Creative Saskatchewan, for your faith and support of my art. I truly appreciate the opportunity to explore new products and bolder expressions of my photography.” 

    Check out Lin’s website where you can order prints of her work:  https://www.tholl.ca/ 

    Follow Lin Tholl Photography on these platforms:  

    Facebook

    Instagram

    Blind Commentary Makes Strides at NXNE

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    Samuel Thomson of the band Blind Commentary applied for Creative Saskatchewan’s Showcase or Sell Travel Grant, receiving funding for him and his band to travel to Toronto to perform at the renowned North by Northeast music festival (NXNE).

    Blind Commentary is an emo and alternative-rock band based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The band’s signature sound is described on Bandcamp as “a dynamic fusion of shoegaze, emogaze, grungegaze—essentially any and all variations of ‘gaze,’ infused with hardcore elements.”

    Thomson reported on their experience at NXNE as a “significant milestone for our band, and the funding from the travel grant played a crucial role in making it possible.” The grant covered a range of essential expenses, including plane tickets, accommodations, transportation, and meals throughout their stay. “This financial support proved invaluable, especially for our individual band members, many of whom are still young or currently pursuing their education.”

    Blind Commentary at NXNE Festival

    Beyond the logistical benefits, the opportunity to attend NXNE allowed the band to connect with a wide array of talented artists and musicians. They participated in the official NXNE conference, which provided a platform for learning and exchanging ideas with other professionals in the music industry. Moreover, they were able to engage with fellow performers and share experiences, both on stage and off, building lasting connections that they hope will foster future collaborations.

    “Overall, the support from Creative Saskatchewan was not just a financial boost but an essential part of expanding our network and advancing our career as musicians.”

    Follow Blind Commentary on these platforms:

    Bandcamp

    Spotify

    Instagram

    YouTube

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