Gerda Hnatyshyn Launch Grants

Photo: Julianna Bryson, 2023 Developing Artist Grant laureate in Contemporary Dance. Naomi Caulfield Photography.

The Gerda Hnatyshyn Launch Grants are designed to provide assistance to the most promising Canadian performing artists in the years immediately following their education or training in the performing arts. One grant of $10,000 is awarded in each of the following disciplines: Classical Music (instrumental or vocal), Contemporary Music (instrumental or vocal), Contemporary Dance (performance or choreography), English Theatre, and French Theatre (performance or production). Grants are intended to support a project, for which candidates will submit a proposal.

• Guidelines

  Inaugural call for nominations - open now!

  Nomination deadline: March 31, 2025

  Submission of candidate materials: April 28, 2025

  Subscribe to our mailing list to receive reminders (see site footer).

  Process

  Candidates must be nominated in order to qualify for a Gerda Hnatyshyn Launch Grant.

  Professionals working in the candidate's performing arts discipline may nominate one candidate a year for a Launch Grant.

  Candidates will be invited to submit application materials, including a project proposal.

  A panel of arts advisors appointed by the Foundation will adjudicate the performance work and proposals of the nominees.

  Before nominating or applying, please consult the guidelines for your discipline, posted in PDF format at the links below.

  • Classical Music

  • Contemporary music

  • English Theatre

  • Contemporary Dance

  • French theatre

  Nominate a candidate: fill out the nomination form and send it to director@rjhf.com with a letter of nomination by the nomination deadline. The earlier you submit the nomination, the more time the candidate will have to prepare their materials!

  We plan on notifying laureates by July 2025. All candidates will be contacted with results.

• About Gerda Hnatyshyn, C.C.

  

  Gerda Hnatyshyn (1935-2023) was instrumental in establishing and running The Hnatyshyn Foundation, serving as its Chair, President, and principal fundraiser from its inception until her passing in July of 2023. Her fundraising, leadership, and advocacy made an indelible mark on Canadian art. Under her supervision, The Hnatyshyn Foundation disbursed over four million dollars to Canadian artists, through grants, awards, and residencies.

  The Hnatyshyn Foundation is proud to name these awards in her memory.

  Full biography