Alberta is holding steady on record-level support for the arts, with $36.1 million committed in the 2025 budget. That includes a $4.5 million boost for the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA).

The AFA says this increase will help more than 400 arts organizations this year—building on support given to over 700 individual artists last year. Last year, the AFA also raised the cap on project grants to $18,000, giving artists more room to grow their practice.

Arts leaders say this investment reaches beyond major stages. "It's an investment in creativity, in cultural heritage, and in the people who bring stories to life," said Tasha Orysiuk of the Shumka Dancers. Since April, the AFA has already approved $19.1 million in grants to hundreds of artists and groups.