Alberta arts funding hits record high under UCP, government says

Alberta’s UCP government is increasing support for the arts with a $4.5 million boost to the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA), bringing total arts funding to a record $36.1 million in Budget 2025—and rising to $43 million annually by 2027.

Arts Minister Tanya Fir says the new funding reflects the economic and social value of the arts in Alberta, citing over $1.3 billion in GDP contributions and more than 18,000 jobs supported annually by the sector.

“Our government is proud to sustain the highest level of arts funding in Alberta’s history, strengthening communities and enhancing quality of life for all Albertans,” she said.

Fir acknowledged that the arts sector is in constant need of support and said the goal is to keep artists in Alberta and support their passions.

The Alberta Foundation for the Arts supports Alberta’s arts sector in three main ways: operational grants for organizations that employ artists and present work; project grants for non-profits and schools to grow capacity or improve access; and individual artist grants that support creation, research, marketing, training, or production.

According to the province, since April 2025, the AFA has already approved $19.1 million in grant funding to 223 arts organizations and 192 individual artists.

“I want to express our appreciation for the Alberta government’s commitment to increasing funding to the AFA for the second consecutive year,” said Cynthia Moore, chair of the AFA. “With this additional funding, we will be able to significantly impact more than 400 Alberta organizations. This follows the extra funding that we were able to give to more than 700 individual artists last year. “

Alberta Ballet CEO Chris George described the AFA as “Alberta Ballet’s largest operational funder,” emphasizing how the money supports both mainstage and community-based programming—from professional training to powwow partnerships.

“With this support, Alberta Ballet is building a stronger arts ecosystem and lasting connections in cities throughout Alberta,” he said.

Ukrainian Shumka Dancers artistic director Tasha Orysiuk added that the support helps preserve cultural heritage while nurturing new voices.

“It’s an investment in creativity, in cultural heritage, and in the people who bring stories to life through dance,” she said.