Join grant writing veteran artists Manahil Bandukwala (Writer) and Tennyson King (musician) as they sit down to talk all things arts grants!
Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Time: 7 PM – 8:30 PM EST
Location: Online via Zoom
Register: For FREE via Eventbrite
Demystifying the Grant: Expert Strategies for Creative Funding
Applying for grants can often feel like a mystery, but it doesn’t have to be. Join us for a candid, no-nonsense conversation as we pull back the curtain on the world of arts funding. Whether you are a musician, a writer, or a multidisciplinary artist, this session is designed to help you navigate the process with confidence and clarity.
We are thrilled to host a powerhouse panel featuring Susan Durnin from the Mississauga Arts Council (MAC), alongside acclaimed writer Manahil Bandukwala and musician Tennyson King.
This is not a dry lecture; it is a real conversation between those who support the arts and those who live the application process every day. Our experts will share their own “lessons learned the hard way” to help you avoid common pitfalls and craft stronger, more competitive applications.
What We Will Cover:
The Landscape: Who are the major funders, and what opportunities are actually out there?
The Fit: How to determine what kinds of projects specific funders are looking to support.
Writing the Narrative: Tips on how to craft your “About You” and “About Your Project” sections so that they resonate with jurors.
Budgeting 101: How to build a realistic, professional budget that funders can trust.
Curating Your Portfolio: What specific artistic support materials should you include to best showcase your work?
Pro Tips for Success: Tried-and-true strategies to strengthen your overall application.
Learn how to translate your creative vision into the language of grant adjudication and discover the secrets to successfully securing these highly competitive funds.
Who Should Attend?
This webinar is open to any artist or creative professional looking to secure funding for their next project. Whether you are a total beginner or a seasoned pro looking for a refresher, you will have the unique opportunity to ask questions directly to experts who have been in your shoes.Read less
NOTE: This webinar will NOT be recorded or shared after the presentation.
About Manahil Bandukwala
Manahil Bandukwala is the author of Heliotropia (Brick Books 2024) and MONUMENT (Brick Books 2022). She has been twice-longlisted for the CBC Poetry Prize, in 2019 and 2024, and was selected as a Writer’s Trust of Canada Rising Star in 2023. She is the co-creator of Reth aur Reghistan, a multidisciplinary project exploring folklore from Pakistan through poetry, sculpture, and community arts.
Manahil is an experienced grant-writer and has served as a juror for the Ontario Arts Council.
See her work at manahilbandukwala.com.
About Tennyson King
Tennyson King 百城 is an award-winning nomadic folk artist blending Western indie-folk with traditional Chinese sounds. Performing in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, he uses the Zhongruan, kick drum, and guitar to create immersive, uplifting live sets. A 2025 Glastonbury performer and Ontario Folk Music Award nominee, he has toured globally with Aysanabee and Lindi Ortega.
Beyond his artistry, Tennyson is an expert grant writer, securing funding from the Canada Council, OAC, FACTOR, SOCAN, and others for himself and various artists.
Learn more: tennysonking.com