The IAF follows its General Program Eligibility Policy on confirming Inuit identity for all of its programs, including eligibility for DQAP.
We also understand that there are many different ways to define an artist. We believe that a professional artist makes a significant ongoing commitment to developing their artistic practice, which can be demonstrated in a variety of ways. Generally, that means that you meet at least two of these criteria
- You’ve developed skills through training or practice, consistent with the standards of your artistic discipline(s);
- You’re recognized by other artists working in the same artform as an artist;
- You’re committed to your own artistic vision, retain creative control of your work and are committed to the creation and/or promotion of original work;
- You have a history of public presentation of your artwork in a professional context;
- You seek payment for their work; and/or
- You have created work, over a period of time, that is recognized as artwork by your community.
This doesn't mean that only artists whose work are in museum exhibitions are eligible, though! We strongly encourage emerging artists to apply to help support your practice. So long as you make work regularly and are interested in a career as an artist, you will generally be eligible.
If you have questions or feel that you qualify as a professional artist under different criteria, please reach out to artistservices[at]inuitartfoundation[dot]org with a description of your work and we will review internally.