Call for Applicants: Fall 2026 Creative Bursaries

THE LIAISON OF INDEPENDENT FILMMAKERS OF TORONTO (LIFT)
ANNOUNCES CALL FOR APPLICANTS:
FALL 2026 CREATIVE BURSARIES

Toronto, September 1, 2026—With the support of the City of Toronto through their Creative Industries Fund, the Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT) is excited to present our Fall 2026 Creative Bursaries. These bursaries allow selected participants to take 3-5 workshops for free during LIFT’s Fall 2026 workshop season (up to a $600 total in-kind value). The season runs from September 22 to December 16, 2026. LIFT’s seasonal workshops cover the gamut of filmmaking practice and this bursary is designed to lower the bar of access for filmmaking. The call for applicants is open from now until Monday September 14.

Between 5 to 10 participants will be selected for the LIFT Fall 2026 Creative Bursary. The bursary prioritizes emerging and mid-career filmmakers, particularly those facing barriers to entry. This priority focuses on equity-deserving groups, including BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, newcomer, disabled, women-identifying, newcomers and low-income creatives.

Applicants must:
– Be 18 years of age or older (at the time of the bursary deadline).
– Live in the Greater Toronto Area. Travel and accommodation to attend the in-person workshops are not part of the bursary.
– Self-identify as facing financial hardship and/or self-identify as part of an equity-seeking group, which includes (but is not limited to) BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, newcomer, disabled, women-identifying, and newcomers.
– Participate in a mandatory (anonymous) survey, as per our funder’s requirements, at 6 and 12 months after the Fall 2026 workshop season, so that LIFT can measure the efficacy of the creative bursaries program.|

The application requires:
– Your contact information.
– An artist statement about your desired filmmaking career and the value of the workshops selected in reaching their goals. (1 page maximum)
– A Curriculum vitae. (2 pages maximum)
– You to self-identify as a member of a priority group and/or an artist in financial need.
– A list of up to five workshops you wish to enroll in (with a total value of $600 or less) and two alternates. Participants are not guaranteed to be placed in every workshop they request.
– You to self-identify any accessibility accommodations you need so the organization can support you through the application process and into the project phase.

Stipulations:
– The bursary is not transferable to anyone else and must be used in the Fall 2026 season.
– A participant who can’t attend a workshop must cancel up to five (5) business days prior to the workshop as per LIFT’s regular cancellation policy.
– Failure to attend or cancel two workshops without prior notice will result in the cancellation of any future workshop enrollments for the participant.

While we welcome applicants from all creatives, priority will be given to applications who identify as candidates from equity priority groups. Applicants who have received previous support through past LIFT programs, including our Equitable Pricing workshop program, are welcome to apply.

Deadline: Monday, September 14, 2026 at 10:00am ET

Applicants will be informed about the results before the Fall 2026 workshop season opens.

Questions can be emailed to:
LIFT Executive Director Chris Kennedy at director@lift.ca
Subject Heading: LIFT Fall 2026 Creative Bursaries – First and Last Name

Applications must be submitted via the Google Forms link:
Coming soon

LIFT’s Fall 2026 Creative Bursaries program is funded by the City of Toronto.

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The City of Toronto’s Film Office—named 2026 Film Commission of the Year—supports the growth, competitiveness, and global profile of Toronto’s screen sector. It works with industry partners to foster a strong local production ecosystem and create opportunities for film and television professionals, businesses, and creators. https://www.toronto.ca

The Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT) is Canada’s foremost artist-run production and education organization dedicated to celebrating excellence in the moving image. LIFT exists to provide support and encouragement for independent filmmakers and artists through affordable access to production, post-production and exhibition equipment; professional and creative development; workshops and courses; commissioning and exhibitions; artist residencies; and a variety of other services. https://lift.ca

LIFT is supported by self-generated revenue as well as the following year-round funders: the Canada Council for the Arts (CCA), the Ontario Arts Council (OAC), Ontario Arts Foundation, the Government of Ontario and the Toronto Arts Council (TAC).

As a charitable organization, LIFT graciously accepts donations via our CanadaHelps page. If you would like to support our filmmaking community, please visit https://lift.ca/donate

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