The Queer Arts Fund (QaF) was created to support Queer artists across Nova Scotia, through the distribution of Micro-Grants. While this initiative has been in the works for a while, the recent cuts to Arts and Culture funding in Nova Scotia further highlighted the need for this fund.
HOW WILL FUNDS BE RAISED?
Inspired by the “Taste For Life” fundraiser, organized by AIDS organizations, we will be partnering with various businesses/venues to host - Eat Your Arts Out - in November 2026. Each participating restaurant/venue will host small-scale events, with tickets from this event going towards the QaF.
We are also working with non-food service businesses who will donate a portion of their sales from a particular product sold that day.
HOW CAN I HELP?
You can signup and join our list of Business Partners. These partners are donating $1 towards the QaF from a particular item sold that day in November.
You can donate a particular item towards our Silent Auction
You can make a monetary donation to the QaF (anything over $20 will recieve a tax receipt)
If you are interested in being involved, click below and sign up today.
WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?
The funds raised for the QaF are divided as follows:
Tickets will be sold at each Restaurant / Venue Partner, with 50% put towards the creation of Micro-Grants, and the remaining 50% going towards Page1 Theatre’s inQubator Program, which develops new Queer work from local artists.
ALL money collected from the sale of items from our Business Partners, and the silent auction will be put towards the QaF Micro-Grants.
WHAT ARE THE MICRO GRANTS?
Micro-Grants will be available to Queer Artists in Nova Scotia looking for support for a current project. Artists can apply under two categories; Development OR Presentation.
Development ($250 - $500) is for artists looking to further develop their project. This could include; a workshop, dedicated writing/creation time, research etc.
Presentation ($750 - 1,000) is for artists who have an upcoming public presentation / performance in 2027, and are looking for support.
A panel of five individuals will select the recipients
A minimum of three recipients will be chosen; 1 in HRM, 1 outside HRM, 1 in CBRM
HOW DO I APPLY FOR A MICRO GRANT?
Follow the link below to submit your 2027 project. Currently we are supporting performance-based projects (theatre, dance, non-traditional performances/projects etc).
QUESTIONS?
Please send us an email if you have any questions about your project, the selection process, the Queer Arts Fund, and / or any other questions you may have.