Blue Creators Grant

The Blue Creators Grant, one of three grant types currently offered by COLC, provides a unique opportunity where art meets science, helping to transform the way we think about and engage with the ocean. We invite creators to harness the power of artistic approaches to help bridge the knowledge – action gap.

 

Successful applicants will become Ocean Week Canada Featured Artists.

 

Eligibility & Scope

Through the Blue Creators Grant, we hope to empower creators to:

 

  • Use their art form as a participatory tool to spark critical ocean conversations.
  • Deepen public understanding of ocean science.
  • Build emotional connections with the ocean.
  • Ignite possibilities and pathways for community-led ocean-climate action.
 

This grant empowers creators of all sorts to employ their skills in a wide range of projects, including but not limited to:

 

  • Visual arts projects (e.g., interactive installations)
  • Performance arts (e.g., musical performances, circus performances, dance)
  • Digital multimedia content creation (e.g., documentary film, animations)
    • Projects that create 1. interactive, participatory, dynamic installations that 2. evoke conversation, understanding, connection, building ocean-climate action connections/behaviours
    • In which the creation (be it an installation, performance, or other) is used or mobilized in such a way to create an interactive, participatory experience with a target audience or broader public, with the aim of helping to strengthen ocean-climate understanding, building emotional connections, and inspiring pathways for community engagement/action.
 

To be eligible for the Blue Creators Grant, applicants must:

 

  1. Be 16 years or older.
  2. Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, currently living in Canada.
  3. Demonstrate interest, experience, or commitment to science communication through creative work.
  4. Submit a completed application, including a 1-2 minute video.
 
How To Apply
  • The call for funding applications opens January 8, 2025, and closes February 5, 2025.
  • The creative project must occur between May 15 and June 30, 2025.
  • Total funding for this grant call is $25,000, supporting up to five projects with funding requests of up to $5,000 per project.
  • A 10% holdback applies and will be released upon successful completion and reporting.
  • The online application form requires approximately 20 minutes to complete. Applicants must upload at least one sample of previous work (PDF, video file, JPEG, website link, etc.) and a 1-2 minute video “pitch”.
  • Partially complete applications will not be considered.
  • Successful applicants will be notified by February 22, 2025.
 
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Selection criteria
  • Relevance to Ocean Literacy
  • Event/Production Type
  • Creativity and Innovation
  • Audience
  • Potential Impact
  • Feasibility
  • Clarity and Completeness
  • Community Engagement
  • Location
  • Language
  • Accessibility
  • Priority Leadership/Representation
  • Previous Funding
  • Partnerships
  • Commitment to Requirements

Terms

If your application is successful, you will be required to agree to the following:

  • Make a good-faith effort to complete the goals outlined in your application 
  • Use the funds for the purposes described in this application 
  • Provide supporting documentation (receipts, etc.) for how you spend the funds
  • Provide us with photos, videos, quotes, and success stories from your event/activity
  • Put your event details on the Ocean Week Canada website
  • Work with local suppliers where possible 
  • Comply with the COLC’s media requirements (which will be provided to you) and use the logos we provide you on promotional materials/graphics where possible 
  • Complete a brief 10 minute impact report (survey) within 1 month of the completion of your project

More questions? Contact Meghan Callon meghan@colcoalition.ca, the Communications & Design Manager at COLC.

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Gallery

Here’s a peek at what this year’s Blue Creators got up to between 2023-2024!

Each year, Ocean Week Canada features artist-led talks, creative community workshops, concerts, and immersive experiences across the country. These artist-led creations, musical events, and activities flow into the national program of Ocean Week Canada events every June. Meet the Ocean Week Canada featured artists and the Blue Creators Grant recipients and view all their events by visiting the OWC Artists Space.

Explore Artists Space