ArtsNL Awards Nearly $900,000 for Artistic Projects Across Newfoundland and Labrador

ArtsNL has awarded nearly $900,000 in funding to support 87 artistic projects across Newfoundland and Labrador through its Professional Project Grants Program.

The organization announced that it is investing $898,877 through the Spring 2026 intake of the program. A total of 255 applications were submitted, requesting approximately $3 million in funding.

"The creativity and dedication of artists in Newfoundland and Labrador continue to inspire us," said Melanie Martin, executive director of ArtsNL, in a statement. "The strong response to this funding cycle reflects both the depth of artistic talent in the province and the determination of applicants to pursue meaningful projects."

The funding will support projects in dance, film, music, theatre, visual arts, writing, multidisciplinary arts and adaptation, as well as several arts organizations.

Among the largest individual grants awarded were $15,000 grants to a number of established artists, including filmmakers Emily Bridger, Jana Gillis, Mike Hickey, Joel Thomas Hynes, Lynn Kristmanson, Devin Shears and Matthew Wright, as well as musicians Duane Andrews, Karen Ennis, Shauna Gilpin, Kelly McMichael and Zulpakar Murphy.

Several organizations also received funding, including Centra Cultural Collective Inc., Girl Power Inc., Poverty Cove Theatre Company and the Rotary Arts Centre, each receiving grants of up to $15,000.

The organization noted that demand for funding continues to exceed available resources, with applicants requesting more than three times the amount awarded during the spring intake.

The next application deadline for the Professional Project Grants Program is Sept. 15, 2026.