RELEASE: Spring/Summer 2025, Fall 2025, and Winter 2026 Creation Grants announced
May 6, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Spring/Summer 2025, Fall 2025, and Winter 2026 Creation Grants announced
May 6, 2026 (St. John’s, NL) – ArtsNL has invested $188,671 to support 17 Indigenous-led artistic projects through the Creation Grant Program. In Spring/Summer 2025, $60,233 was awarded to six projects, with a further $61,188 distributed to six projects in Fall 2025. $67,250 was awarded to five projects in Winter 2026.
The Creation Grant Program provides funding specifically for Indigenous artists, artistic groups, and culture carriers in Newfoundland and Labrador. It supports the creation, development, exhibition, and transfer of knowledge related to an art form or artistic practice. Grants are available to Indigenous artists at any stage of their artistic career, working across all disciplines.
“The Creation Grant Program reflects an ongoing commitment for ArtsNL,” said ArtsNL Executive Director Melanie Martin. “It was shaped through the leadership of our Indigenous Outreach Officer and meaningful engagement with members of our Indigenous Advisory Council. This program is designed specifically for Indigenous artists in Newfoundland and Labrador, and it is grounded in collaboration, respect, and ensuring equitable access to funding that supports Indigenous voices, storytelling, and creative work.”
The recipients for Spring/Summer 2025, including microgrants, are:
| Emily Best (Central Labrador) | $11,697 |
| Labrador Friendship Centre (Central Labrador) | $ 1,500 |
| Dee-Jay Rumbolt (Western Labrador) | $14,199 |
| Kassandra Simon (Western Newfoundland) | $ 5,000 |
| Nicole Travers (Western Newfoundland) | $14,200 |
| Isabella White (Western Newfoundland) | $13,637 |
The recipients for Fall 2025, including microgrants, are:
| Flora Chubbs (Avalon Peninsula) | $13,277 |
| Deantha Edmunds (Avalon Peninsula) | $15,000 |
| Jason Holley (Central Newfoundland) | $15,000 |
| Jennifer Jacque (Central Labrador) | $ 1,500 |
| Dakota Russell (Avalon Peninsula) | $14,911 |
| Kassandra Simon (Western Newfoundland) | $ 1,500 |
The recipients for Winter 2026, including microgrants, are:
| Hilary Buckle & Boyce Campbell (Central Labrador) | $15,000 |
| Ntensinan Play Collective (Various) | $15,000 |
| Elizabeth (Tshaukuesh) Penashue (Central Labrador) | $15,000 |
| Kassandra Simon (Western Newfoundland) | $11,000 |
| Kelsey Street (Western Newfoundland) | $11,250 |
The next intake deadline is June 2, 2026.
Detailed information about the Creation Grant Program is available at artsnl2024.ca/creation.
Media enquiries:
Charlene Jackson
Communications Officer, ArtsNL
(709) 726-2212 ext. 3
charlene@artsnl.ca
The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (ArtsNL) is a non-profit Crown agency created in 1980 by The Arts Council Act. Its mission is to foster and promote the creation and enjoyment of the arts for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The Council is governed by a volunteer board of no fewer than 9 and no more than 11 members appointed by Government. At least 7 members must be artists or arts administrators, and one member is appointed to represent the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation (non-voting). ArtsNL receives an annual allocation of $5.3 million from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to support a variety of granting programs, program delivery, office administration, and communications. It also seeks support from the public and private sectors. It supports the following artistic disciplines: dance, film and video, Indigenous arts and practices, literary arts, multidisciplinary arts, music and sound, theatre and performing arts, visual arts, and other similar creative and interpretative works or activities.