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Non-profit community organizations may now apply for grants in order to host an event for Alberta Culture Days 2021, which will be celebrated during the month of September.
Culture Days is actually a national celebration of arts and culture that occurs throughout Canada. Prior to 2020, the celebration was typically limited to a single weekend, but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in Culture Days being spread over the entire month of September.
There were 943 events in 47 communities during Alberta Culture Days 2020, including a LEGO-building competition hosted by the Barrhead Public Library.
Participants had to construct something they had seen in one of multiple "Barrhead Minute” videos posted to the library’s Youtube channel. There was then a public show of all the Lego Creations hosted at De Herdt Gardens.
“While COVID-19 made last year’s celebrations challenging, communities across the province rose to the challenge and delivered amazing events showcasing homegrown talent,” said Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women Leela Sharon Aheer, in a release.
While all communities are free to host events, there are three types of grants specifically available for Culture Days: a $1,000 grant for pop-up sites hosting one day of programming; a $5,000 grant for a host site putting on two days of programming; and a $10,000 grant for feature sites that have three days of programming planned.
The grants may be used for things like artist’s fees, workshop fees and materials, volunteer expenses, food and beverage costs (though not alcohol), technology costs, venue rental and equipment rental.
Those planning Culture Days celebrations should once again consider provincial health protocols that require social distancing.
The deadline to apply for a Culture Days grant is May 7. Details on eligibility requirements and how to submit an application can be found online.
