Hi Marion -
I poke my head in here from time to time, but mostly don't post a whole bunch. I find I get more out of it than I contribute.
Yup, I'm a Canucklehead. B.C. raised, now living in the second province from the left (that would be a geographical, not political description).
Is that federal moola you're after?
The Canadian equivalent to the NEA that DougR refers to would be the Canada Council. In Alberta we have the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, I don't know about Ontario.
Good luck in your quest Cheers, Bardford