Artificial Intelligence Policy Announcement
Manitoba Film & Music (MFM) has created a governing policy regarding the usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on applications and funded projects. This policy applies to all applications for all programs, including projects that were approved and are still open.
Please note that the legal and practical issues surrounding the use of AI in the creative industries is continuing to evolve. The policy language will be updated as laws and standards around the use of AI in film, TV and music productions mature.
MFM Artificial Intelligence Policy
MFM’s mandate is to support the Manitoba music and film industries and to champion human creativity and meaningful participation in creation of cultural works. While Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies may offer efficiencies or assist in aspects of production, they also raise ethical, legal, bias-related, and environmental concerns.
AI technologies may be trained on unlicensed or copyrighted works and may present risks of copyright infringement. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all underlying rights for their project are secured and the project does not infringe on the rights of third parties.
Projects that are fully generated by AI or by using AI technology are not eligible for funding.
Projects in which the primary creative content (such as the music recording or musical composition, scripts, audiovisual works, images or other core creative elements) is generated by AI without substantial human authorship and participation are not eligible for funding.
Projects that incorporate AI-assisted elements may be eligible for funding where the applicant can provide evidence that:
- the resulting work is fully copyrightable under Canadian law, and
- substantive human authorship, creative decision-making and control can be demonstrated clearly.
Applications that do not meet these criteria will be deemed ineligible.
All use of AI in the creation of a project must be fully disclosed on the application form and in the project’s final report. MFM will assess AI use on a case-by-case basis in accordance with its mandate, program eligibility criteria, and these guidelines. The use of AI in any creative content may affect eligibility.
MFM reserves the right to request additional information and to decline applications where AI use is inconsistent with these principles.
Artificial Intelligence declaration
Applicants will find a new AI declaration section on the Applicant Information tab on their applications in the SmartSimple grant portal where the use of AI on applications and funded projects can be declared.
Additional note
Previously announced music program guideline changes for the 2026-27 fiscal year can be found here.
Music programs are now open for applications.
Perform – Tour Program
Additional update to the 30-day grace period:
30-day grace period: Any expenses incurred more than thirty (30) days before the application is submitted will not be accepted. Exceptions may be granted if tour related travel or work permit expenses must be incurred in advance of the 30-day window. Please email staff in advance of incurring such expenses for authorization.
Program Deadlines
Produce and Produce OPA, Build, Perform and Promote programs are now open to applications for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. IMPACT will open later in the fiscal.
Produce recording program and Produce—Out-of-Province Artists recording program deadlines
- May 21, 2026 at 5 p.m.
- September 17, 2026 at 5 p.m.
- January 21, 2027 at 5 p.m.
This includes Produce Demo, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 as well as Produce—Out-of-Province Artists Level 1 and Level 2 applications.
Build music program deadline
- June 18, 2026 at 5 p.m.
This includes Build Level 1 and Build Level 2 applications.
Indigenous: IMPACT program deadline
- November 12, 2026 at 5 p.m.
This includes Indigenous: IMPACT Level 1 and Indigenous: IMPACT Level 2 applications.
Please refer to the program guidelines for each program on the MFM website.
Please reach out to music department staff if you have any questions.