FAQs

Who can apply?

If you’re planning on attending SideBurn, you can apply! Art Grant Committee members, Flame Ontario Arts Collective members, and SideBurn event leads are permitted to apply for a SideBurn Art Grant as long as they submit their applications anonymously, do not publicly discuss their application, and abstain from commenting or voting on any personal project.

Do you fund workshops?

Yes! Unless your workshop has very expensive components, a Micro Grant is your best option. We will fund materials for workshops that encourage participants to create something, whether it’s a group art project at the event, an intangible experience, or something they can take home. SideBurn does not fund structures to hold your workshop within (ex. Canopies, tents).

What documents do I need to submit with my application?

An itemized budget, schedule, and drawings/renderings are mandatory for the consideration of your project. For Temple, Effigy, and art you intend to burn, a Burn Plan is required. Please read the Fire page. Please remember to send your supporting documents to art@sideburn.ca before the deadline and please reach out if you have any questions.

How will I know I’ve been awarded a grant?

If you are selected to receive any of our art grants, you will be contacted by your primary email address with your award amount and contract. Your award may include conditions, recommendations, or additional questions that you will need to address before the award is finalized. The contract must be signed between SideBurn and the artist before any funds can be disbursed for any project.

Do I need to provide updates?

Effigy, Temple, and certain Large Grant recipients will be asked to submit a mid-construction update to inform us on progress and help us decide whether we can provide any troubleshooting assistance. Other projects do not need to submit updates, but if there has been a major change to your project, please let us know.

What if my project changes? Will that impact whether I receive my art grant?

We understand that projects may change slightly as you create and execute your vision. You don’t need to let us know about small changes - if your Giant Grasshopper is purple instead of orange, that’s fine! But if it’s 7 inches instead of 7 feet, or now it's suspended to look like it's flying - that’s a major difference. Not sure if your changes are significant? No worries - just email art@sideburn.ca and we can discuss.

What if I want to burn my art or it has a flame effect?

Start by reading our guide on creating a Burn Plan and the FAST required documentation for planned art burns and submit a detailed Burn Plan. Submit as much detail about your project and safety measures as you can. Our FAST crew (Fire Art Safety Team) may reach out prior to awarding the grant if there are any questions or concerns. Your project will also require an inspection by the FAST team on-site.

What can an Art Grant pay for?

An Art Grant is primarily intended to subsidize fabrication costs for your project to appear at SideBurn. You can pay for construction materials like wood, hardware, paint and metal. You can also pay for electronic components like LED strips, transistors, control boards and Arduinos. Fuel for generators or fire arts can also be paid for with your grant.

When will I get the money?

If you are selected to receive an art grant, you will receive 75% of your grant upon award, The remaining 25% will be disbursed within 15 days after the event’s conclusion provided the project has met its build requirements, passed necessary inspections (Fire Art Safety and Leave No Trace), and all receipts submitted. The exception is the Micro Grant, which disburses 100% of the grant to recipients upon award.

What if the grant doesn’t cover the total cost of my project?

SideBurn art grants are not intended to cover the entire cost of projects. We suggest creative ways and fundraisers to meet any planned budget deficit.

Will I get tickets for myself and my art team or do I need to buy tickets?

Yes. Our event is non-profit and 100% volunteer run. That means every single person at the event purchases a ticket. This ensures that every penny goes directly into producing the event and funding more art. All participants - artists, theme camps, DJs, and even the board - pay for their tickets. Artists will receive a direct-purchase link for themselves and a +1. If you need more people to support your art project, they should register for a ticket via our Main Sale. The exception is Effigy and Temple build teams. You will be asked in the application how many core team members you need on site, and we’ll do our best to issue directed tickets.

Does SideBurn help with transportation?

Yes! SideBurn will be organizing transportation for art projects from Toronto and from Montreal. If you’re not from one of these areas, you may also include a line for transportation in your project budget/grant funding request.

Is there anywhere specific for artists to camp?

Not particularly, no. However, if you arrive early to set up your project, you’ll have prime pick of open camping. Effigy and Temple teams may apply for a placed spot for their art support camp when they submit their final project applications.