Lamphouse Endowment for the Arts: Emerging Artist Grant
The arts play a vital role in shaping Canmore's vibrant community. By investing in emerging talent, we’re not only supporting individual artists but also strengthening the cultural fabric of the Bow Valley.
The Lamphouse Endowment for the Arts: Emerging Artist Grant is awarded annually to a Bow Valley resident who identifies as an emerging artist and is ready to take the next step in their creative journey — whether that’s investing in education, materials, residencies, or other opportunities to grow their practice.
Applications will be accepted between Sept. 15, 2025, and Oct. 10, 2025.
An information session will be held on Sept. 24, 2025 at 6 p.m., and the recording will be available online.
Program Goals
Established in 2010, the Lamphouse Endowment for the Arts provides assistance and opportunities in the performing and visual arts and support to emerging artists.
Applicant requirements:
- An emerging artist (See Definitions)
- A resident of Bow Valley for at least one (1) year
- Planning to use the grant award to further pursue their artistic practice (i.e., through education, supplies, residencies, etc.)
The maximum grant is $3,500.
In addition, up to $1,500 will also be awarded to a high school student.
A final report is required, including:
- Project summary and outcomes
- Financial breakdown with receipts
- Documentation (photos, video, press coverage)
Emerging Artist: An artist who is entering, or is in the early stages of, their professional career in one or more fields of artistic practice; has not received a grant from the Town of Canmore; has some training, experience or accomplishment in one or more artistic fields of practice; and is committed to the ongoing development of their skills and artistic practice.
Bow Valley Resident: The main place or area in which Artists, Artist Collectives, and Organizations reside, create, live, or do business in the Bow Valley. For this program, the Bow Valley is defined as the area from Lake Louise to Bow Valley Provincial Park (including the communities of Banff, Canmore, Harvie Heights, Dead Man's Flats, Exshaw, Lac des Arcs, and Mînî Thnî).
Purpose and Use of the Grant: If you receive the grant, you agree that Town of Canmore funds will be used only for the purposes described in the application; and, if the project is delayed or changed substantially for any reason, you will report in writing to the Town of Canmore before changes take place. If the project does not go forward, you will return to the Town of Canmore the funds granted for the proposed project. The Grant must be used for the purposes for which they were given within two years from the date of the grant notification from the Town of Canmore.
Audit Requirements: As a recipient of Town of Canmore funds, you are required to maintain adequate accounting records as to the receipt and disbursement of funds received from the Town of Canmore.
Reporting Requirements: If you are successful, you are required to submit a final report. Guidelines for this report will be provided with your grant payment. The report must be submitted by the date identified in your grant notification letter. If you fail to submit a report, you will be disqualified from applying for any further Town of Canmore grants or from receiving any grant payments. Also, the Town of Canmore may request that you repay the grant.
Acknowledgement: Any exhibition or performance of work funded by this grant must acknowledge the support of the Town of Canmore and Banff Canmore Foundation. This will be the inclusion of the Town of Canmore's logo and a written acknowledgment of the Lamphouse Endowment for the Arts at the Banff Canmore Foundation.
In addition, thank-you letters, acknowledgements, or videos may be sent to grants@banffcanmorefoundation.org, referencing the Lamphouse Endowment for the Arts and Grant ID: 1267.
Promoting Grantees: The Town of Canmore will feature Lamphouse grant recipients and their projects in the arts and culture email newsletter, social media, website, and other Town of Canmore marketing to increase visibility of the grant program.
Acknowledgement of Support: Artists and organizations must acknowledge the support of the Town of Canmore's Lamphouse Endowment in all promotional materials, including signage, social media, and printed materials associated with the project.
Consent for Marketing: By accepting the grant, recipients consent to having their project, name, and details included in Town of Canmore marketing materials, including the arts and culture email newsletter.
Town of Canmore Logo Use: Use/application of the Town of Canmore logo must be approved by the Town of Canmore communications team in advance.
Applications will be considered based on the following:
| Criteria and Description |
|
Artist Statement Weight: 30% Describes the nature of the artist's work and the goals in the chosen field of study. It may also describe the artist's creative process, vision, and/or passion. |
|
Statement of Intent Weight: 30% Explains how the artist plans to use the grant and how the grant will help to further the artist's practice. |
|
Artist Portfolio Weight: 25% Must include 1 to 3 examples of previous work. |
|
CV/Resume Weight: 15% Describes the experience of the applicant and details any previous artistic works. |
Questions? Please contact artsandculture@canmore.ca.
The Town of Canmore is committed to open, fair, and transparent processes. Support is available at every stage of the grant process.
If you have questions or want feedback on your application, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly for support. Staff will do their best to answer questions and provide feedback on your application before the application deadline. Please contact us as early as possible so we can give you the best support possible.
Applications
Applications will be accepted between Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, to Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at 6 p.m.
Preparing your application
The online application form will include:
- Contact information: Name, address, phone number, email, type of applicant
- Project information: Specialization, Artist Statement, Statement of Intent
- Optional supporting materials, such as: portfolio, CV/resume, videos, past work, letters of support, etc.
Submission method
Applications can be submitted:
- Online through the Town of Canmore website using the form below.
- By email to artsandculture@canmore.ca.
- As a hard copy dropped off at the Canmore Civic Centre (902 7 Ave) or the Arts and Culture municipal office (906 7 Ave).
For more information, or if you require assistance completing the application form, please contact artsandculture@canmore.ca.