Nova Scotia has always been a place rich in culture and heritage. Participate in one of the many artistic events in our communities and see our creativity shine. Walk into a store and purchase the inspiring works of a local artist. Go online and download the latest hit from musicians who got their start here. It's easy to feel pride in where we live when we see our stories expressed to the world.
Our culture and heritage contribute much to our quality of life. They enrich our communities and benefit our economy. By investing in these sectors, we realize their tremendous value for Nova Scotians. According to the 2010 Culture Satellite Account figures, arts, culture and heritage contribute about $868 million to Nova Scotia's economy, and more than 14,000 jobs across the province.
A variety of funding programs, grants and awards are available for individuals and organizations in Nova Scotia. They are an important part of sustaining and growing our culture and heritage sectors. By investing in innovation, creativity and arts, these programs help industries succeed, create jobs, support artists and enhance our communities.
Creative Industries Funding
Creative Industries Funding will help develop and grow creative industries, especially those focused on export markets. It will be available to for-profit businesses, not-for-profit organizations and social enterprises operating in the creative industries, including music, publishing, film, craft, visual arts, performing arts, and design fields.
Visit the Creative Industries Fund program page for more information.
Visit the Screenwriters Development Fund program for more information.
Visit the Nova Scotia Film & Television Production Incentive Fund program for more information.
Major Event Hosting
If you are hosting a major event, on a scale such as the Canadian Country Music Awards or Canadian Seniors Curling Championships, please chat with our staff about opportunities in Nova Scotia. Contact one of our team members listed on events.novascotia.ca/contact or email EventsNS@novascotia.ca.
Let’s Get Moving Nova Scotia
Let’s Get Moving Nova Scotia is an action plan to create a more active, inclusive and healthier population.
Visit the Let’s Get Moving Nova Scotia Action Plan page for more information.
Trail Funding Programs
Recreational Trail Expansion Grant program
Engineering Assistance Grant Program
Sport and Recreation Funding Programs
Sport and Recreation leads government efforts and collaborates with communities to improve the quality of life of Nova Scotians through sport and recreation. It supports the sector to develop an effective and integrated system of high quality opportunities and supports for Nova Scotians to live actively.
Community Funding and Awards
Developing partnerships, creating jobs and fostering sustainability contribute to a community’s health, well-being and social prosperity. To support these activities, the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage offers funding opportunities that help communities enhance assets such as facilities, public places and programs.
Community Food Literacy and Access
Building Inclusive Communities Fund
Business ACCESS-Ability Grant Program
Community ACCESS-Ability Program
Community Facilities Improvement Program
Legion Capital Assistance Program
Mi'kmaw Cultural Activities Program
Culture Funding and Awards
Artists and cultural communities contribute to quality of life in Nova Scotia. Recognizing the importance of this role, the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage offers peer adjudicated funding opportunities in support of artistic works and cultural projects.
Operating Assistance to Cultural Organizations
View the Gaelic Language in the Community Program website for more information.
Heritage Funding
Throughout this province, there are objects, buildings, places and stories that connect us to the past. Recognizing the importance of preserving and sharing these vital heritage links, the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage provides funding opportunities to support the collection, preservation and interpretation of historic assets.
Community Museum Assistance Program
Heritage Development Fund (Heritage Property)
View the Nova Scotia Museum Research Grants Program website for more information.
View the Provincial Archival Development Program website for more information.
Support4Culture
Support4Culture is a collection of programs that support arts, culture, and heritage in communities across Nova Scotia. Funds are raised through the sale of designated ticket lottery products via the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation, and the programs are managed by the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage and Arts Nova Scotia.
Arts Nova Scotia
Investment opportunities through grants, funding programs and awards are available from Arts Nova Scotia, the provincial funding agency that provides support to professional artists, arts organizations, arts education programs, and a number of arts awards and prizes. Governed by an 11 member board of directors, Arts Nova Scotia is an arm's length agency of the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage.
More programs