Open

Artists with a disability

Accessibility support for artists with disabilities

Offered by

Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ)

Official source: calq.gouv.qc.ca

Source change captured April 20, 2026

Funding available: $ 500
Deadline: Open continuously
Location: Ontario, Canada
Who can apply: Professional artists in all disciplines supported by the CALQ; See full eligibility

Overview

CALQ’s Aid for people with disabilities for presenting a candidacy or a grant application supports professional artists and curators who face disability-related barriers when preparing applications or candidacies. It helps cover services needed to prepare, draft, and produce a grant usage report.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding: $500
Minimum funding: $500

Financing goals

Increase social or community impact
Conduct research and development activities
Develop workforce skills
Strengthen organizational capacity
Reach a new target audience
Raise awareness or mobilize a population
Conduct research or evaluation activities
Renovate or adapt facilities

Eligible candidates

Location: Ontario
Eligible Industries: All industries
Annual revenue: All revenue ranges
Organisation size: All organization sizes
Audience: Persons with Disabilities
Legal structures: Non-profit

Non-profit candidates

Sector of operation: Culture and Arts
Target groups: People with disabilities, Artists / creatives
Revenue structures: 100% donations / grants
Scope: Provincial

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026

Periods: 1

Latest changes

October 1, 2026

Eligibility and contact updated

The Ontario Arts Council page now states that application-preparation accessibility funds are for Deaf and disabled applicants, and the support contact email has changed.

The Artistes sourds et artistes handicapés page now states that the application-preparation accessibility funds are limited to Deaf and disabled applicants. The support contact email for this assistance has also changed from bgilbert@arts.on.ca to nchorney@arts.on.ca. A related link label was updated to the current grant-recipient requirements wording, but the underlying destination remains the same.

Official source: arts.on.ca

October 1, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

Professional artists in all disciplines supported by the CALQ
Curators in digital arts, visual arts, film-video, crafts and architectural research
Third party nominating a candidate for a CALQ award or for the Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec, if they work in a field covered by the CALQ

Who is not eligible

Applicants whose main project is not eligible under the selected CALQ program
People who do not face disability-related barriers

Eligible expenses

Services needed to prepare and draft the application
Services needed to produce a grant usage report

Ineligible Costs and Activities

Expenses not linked to disability-related accessibility needs
Costs outside the supported CALQ project

Eligible geographic areas

Quebec

Activities funded

Preparing and drafting the application
Producing a grant usage report

How to apply

Step 1: Prepare the main application
- Confirm the project meets the chosen program rules.
- Gather invoices for support services.
Step 2: Complete the assistance section
- Fill in the disability assistance section of the application.
Step 3: Submit together
- Submit the aid request at the same time as the main application.
Step 4: Receive the decision
- CALQ reviews the request internally.
- Payment is issued if the main application is eligible.

Documents Needed

Invoices attesting to payment for support services

Selection criteria

Eligibility under the main CALQ program
Supporting documents for disability-related needs

Processing and Agreement

Applications are reviewed by CALQ program officers based on eligibility conditions and established scales
All eligible applications will receive financial support
The CALQ’s board of directors shall make the final decision about the award of grants
Decisions are final and may not be appealed
Payment will be made in a single instalment in the days following the response to the main application

Additional information

Applications are submitted through Nova.
Application support may be requested in advance.
Final reports are required after funding.

Contacts

info@calq.gouv.qc.ca

416-969-7440

Official sources

Aid for people with disabilities for presenting a candidacy or a grant application

Program guide

Additional financial aid within reach Aid for people with disabilities for presenting a grant application

Supporting document

Juries and committees

Add helloDarwin as a preferred source on Google

Frequently Asked Questions about the Artists with a disability Program

What is the Artists with a disability?

How much funding can be received?

Artists with a disability Funds up to $500 of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who is eligible for the Artists with a disability program?

To be eligible for the Artists with a disability program, you must: Must be eligible for the CALQ The main project must meet the eligibility conditions and rules of the selected CALQ program Must encounter difficulties completing an application because of disability-related barriers