Apply now for CIRAA Groundbreaker Grant

The Canadian Independent Recording Artists' Association (CIRAA) has launched a Groundbreaker Grant to encourage independent artists to expand the touring circuit in which they play, since live performance is increasingly important in building a fan base and sustaining a career in music.

Playing new venues and new cities is often financially challenging for indie artists, so the CIRAA Groundbreaker Grant attempts to reward hardworking artists who are getting out there and building their audience.

Each month, CIRAA members will be eligible to receive a $100 micro-grant for each gig that they have played during the past calendar month, with a maximum of $1,200 per artist per year. CIRAA members only have to fill out a simple online application form providing details of each gig, and they are then entered into the group of members from which 20 winners will be selected in a lottery draw every month. The lottery draw will be held at 4 p.m. on the next business day after the 10th of each month.

You have to join CIRAA in order to apply, but membership is free. Click here to become a member. Click here to see a sample of the grant application form. Click here for the rules and regulations of the grant program.

If you have any further questions, contact Dave Cool, CIRAA Director of Member Services, at dave@ciraa.ca.