The Chief Ministergi Artistesinggi Tengbang (CMAT) – Scheme of Festival Assistance for Participating in International & National Festivals is implemented by the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur. The scheme provides financial assistance to artists for travel and journey costs when invited to perform at International and National Festivals. This initiative aims to promote Manipur’s rich cultural heritage and help local artists gain global exposure.
Benefits
- For International Festivals:
- Support for 3 individual artists or 3 members of a registered cultural group, once per year.
- For National Festivals:
- Support for 3 individual artists or 3 members of a registered cultural group, once per year.
- Reimbursement of expenses through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) after submission of original bills, vouchers, tickets, and boarding passes.
Eligibility
International Festival Assistance
- Applicant must be a resident/domicile of Manipur.
- Must be an artist.
- Individual or group must have performed at 2/3 recognized National Festivals organized by:
- National Academies
- Zonal Cultural Centres
- Ministry of Culture, Government of India
- Culture Department of State Government
- Participation in 3/4 State Level Programs is mandatory.
- The applicant must not be fully sponsored by another entity.
National Festival Assistance
- Applicant must be a resident/domicile of Manipur.
- Must be an artist.
- Individual or group must have performed at 3/4 recognized National Festivals.
- Participation in 3/4 State Level Programs is mandatory.
- The applicant must not be fully sponsored by another entity.
Method of Selection
- A Screening/Selection Committee constituted by the Government will:
- Select the artists/groups.
- Decide whether an event qualifies as an International or National Festival.
Application Process
Offline Steps
- Download the Application Form:
- Obtain the form from the scheme guidelines or collect it from the Directorate of Art & Culture.
- Fill Out the Form:
- Complete all mandatory fields and attach self-attested copies of required documents.
- Submit the Application:
- Submit the filled form with a cover letter addressed to the Director (Art & Culture) at the following address: Directorate of Art & Culture, Government of Manipur, Palace Compound, Imphal.
- Submit the application one month before the travel date.
Documents Required
- Residential/Domicile Certificate
- Original Invitation Letter
- Copies of Travel Tickets (Bus/Train/Air)
- Bank Account Details (for DBT reimbursement)
- Bio-data of Individual Artist or Activity Report of the Group
- Original Bills, Vouchers, Tickets, and Boarding Passes
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which department manages this scheme?
The Department of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur. - Does the scheme accept online applications?
No, applications must be submitted offline. - Where should the application be submitted?
To the Directorate of Art & Culture, Government of Manipur, Palace Compound, Imphal. - What is the deadline for submission?
Applications must be submitted one month before the travel schedule. - What expenses are reimbursed?
Expenses for travel, journey costs, and related bills are reimbursed after proper verification. - How many artists are supported under the scheme?
- International Festivals: 3 individual artists or group members once per year.
- National Festivals: 3 individual artists or group members once per year.
- Who decides if an event qualifies as International or National?
The Screening/Selection Committee constituted by the Government. - Can applicants from other states apply?
No, the scheme is only for residents/domiciles of Manipur. - Can Scheduled Caste applicants apply?
Yes, there are no caste-based restrictions.