The Crafts Guild of Manitoba Bursary
Call for Submissions
Deadline: February 24, 2025
The Crafts Guild of Manitoba Bursary was created to encourage the artistic development of Manitoba craft artists across the spectrum of craft media. Proposed projects should be targeted towards professional development activities that may include taking a course or workshop, upgrading or expanding technical and design skills, attending an online conference, working with a mentor, and/or assisting in other areas of personal craft study. The fund is not intended to support academic courses that are part of a degree programme, the creation or production of artist projects, or to cover capital costs (eg. purchasing equipment or supplies.) Funds must be used within 12 months of notification (approx. April 30, 2026).
About the Crafts Guild of Manitoba:
The fund was established by the former Crafts Guild of Manitoba and is now held in trust by the Winnipeg Foundation and administered by the Manitoba Craft Council. The bursary was first offered in 1975 and continued until 1996. The Guild ceased operation in 1997 and an endowment was created to carry forward the Guild’s mission of supporting craftspeople.
The Award (given annually) includes:
- Recognition at an awards dinner
- Monetary award of a maximum of $500
Eligibility:
- Current MCC member.
- Members are eligible to receive a maximum of 2 bursaries in a five-year period.
- Applicant’s practice meets MCC’s definition of craft. MCC sets the following parameters for what constitutes “craft”:
-Original handmade work in ceramic, fibre, metal, paper, stone, glass, leather, wood including jewellery, fashion, furniture, instruments, etc. -Work in the above materials and genres may be functional, sculptural or conceptual in nature.-Interdisciplinary or multi-media works that are primarily based in the above materials or related craft techniques.
Ineligible: Drawing, painting, and photography.Edibles, consumables, cosmetics.
How to Apply:
Applications are submitted online using the form HERE
Please have all your documents ready to submit before starting an application. You will not be able to edit your application after it is submitted or save what you have started and return to the application later.
Applicants will be asked to upload the following:
- One Word or PDF file containing:
a. A project proposal that details your professional development project:
-What are you hoping to do?
-Where, when, with whom?
-How will the activity benefit your craft practice?
-If awarded, how will the funds be used?
(1 page max)
b. Professional artist/craftsperson CV (3 page max)
c. A list of images, with applicant’s name, image number, title, size (L x W x H), year made, and materials used.
d. Budget outlining all anticipated expenses and revenues
- Up to 5 images of the applicant’s work
IMPORTANT – Please name files as follows:
For Word or PDF file: first name, last name, image # (eg. JaneSmith)
For images: first name, last name, image # (eg. JaneSmith03)
Assessment
A selection committee composed of experienced craftspeople and curators with expertise in a range of craft media will be invited to review all applications and select award recipients. The committee will consider factors including:
- quality of the applicant’s work in terms of aesthetics, creativity, innovation
- potential impact of the project on the artist’s practice
- feasibility of the project and budget
Reporting
Bursary recipients will be asked to submit a short, informal report (200 word max) suitable for sharing publicly online, including relevant images, at the project’s conclusion.
Questions:
Please contact Tammy Sutherland with any questions at [email protected] or (204) 615–3951.
