Blue Creator Grant Application 2026

The Centre for Ocean Literacy Collaboration invites creators to harness the power of artistic approaches to help bridge the knowledge-action gap. The Blue Creators Grant provides a unique opportunity where art meets science, helping to transform the way we think about and engage with the ocean. Total funding for this grant call is $25,000, supporting up to five projects with funding requests of up to $5,000 per project.

The call for funding applications opens January 12, 2026 and closes February 6, 2026.

Successful applicants will become Ocean Week Canada Featured Artists. Please consult the grant program details on our website to help you prepare your funding application. If you have questions about the program, please email [email protected].

For technical assistance with this form, please email [email protected].

Section 1: Personal Information

This is the name that will appear on the grant cheque.
Are you applying as an individual or an organization?
Organization name
This is the address where the grant cheque will be mailed.
Please share a link to your website, portfolio, or a sample of your work. You may also upload a .pdf using the space below.
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Section 2: Project Details

There is a total of $25,000 in funds for this grant call. We are looking to fund at least 5 projects at up to $5,000 each.

Please provide an itemized budget detailing how you intend to allocate the grant funds (you may allocate funds to specific project components).
If other funders are involved, please describe them in the partners section below.
Provide a general timeline outlining the project's milestones and estimated completion date.
When will your event take place?
Events earlier than May 15 or later than June 30 may not qualify for funding.
Check all that apply. If this is not applicable to your project, skip to the next question.
Describe any other partners involved in your project.

Section 3: Video Application

In this 2-3 minute video, please include the following information:

  • State your project title
  • Briefly describe your proposed creation. How does it fit within the scope of the Blue Creators Grant? What is the primary goal of your creation?
  • Briefly describe how your creation aligns with the goals and mission of COLC to empower people in Canada to better understand, value, and care for the ocean.
  • Briefly describe the unique aspects of your creation and how it brings a fresh perspective to the ocean science-art intersection. What specific content will you create or develop?
  • Describe your target audience. What is the potential reach? How will people interact with your creation?
  • Briefly describe the impact that you anticipate your creation will have on the target audience and the broader community in terms of increasing ocean awareness and understanding. Have you identified how you will measure that impact?
  • Briefly outline how the grant funds will be utilized.
  • Please make note if, in the making of, and public sharing of your creation, you have considered any accessibility needs (if applicable). (eg. sign language interpretation, wheelchair accessibility, closed captions, text to speech)
  • Please state anything else that we should be aware of
If your video is password protected, please share the password here.

Section 4: Submit

By submitting this application, you agree to the terms and conditions of the Blue Creators Grant:

  • 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
  • Once all of these conditions have been met, you will receive the final 10% of your grant funds.