Closed
Source verified July 10, 2026
Excellence Award
Honours outstanding Ontario artists and arts organizations
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Excellence Award recognizes outstanding artists and arts organizations in Ontario, with awards of up to $50,000. It supports artistic practices across disciplines through a nomination-based process managed by the Ontario Arts Council.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop team skills
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Recognition of outstanding artistic achievement.
- Recognition of lasting contribution to arts and culture in Ontario.
Documents Needed
- Nomination letter from the proposer
- Candidate CV or organizational profile
- Supporting documents
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Professional artists.
- Ontario arts organizations.
- Incorporated non-profit organizations.
- For-profit arts companies registered in Ontario.
Who is not eligible
- Previous winners of the Premier's Awards for Excellence in the Arts.
- Artistic organizations whose leader is nominated for the Artist category at the same deadline.
- Ad hoc groups and collectives.
- Government ministries and agencies.
- Colleges, universities, municipalities, school boards, and schools administered by a First Nation or Indigenous school authority.
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Exceptional artistic achievement.
- Lasting contribution to arts and culture in Ontario.
How to apply
- Step 1: Create Nova profiles
- Create Nova profiles for both the candidate and the proposer.
- Step 2: Prepare nomination documents
- Prepare the proposer letter, candidate CV or organizational profile, and supporting documents.
- Step 3: Submit in Nova
- Log in to Nova on grants.arts.on.ca.
- Attach the required documents to the online nomination form.
- Submit the nomination online.
Processing and Agreement
- Nominations are reviewed and evaluated by OAC assessors with arts and culture expertise.
- The OAC administers the nomination and evaluation process on behalf of the Government of Ontario.
- Finalists are notified in advance of the public announcement of results.
- Results are announced to other proposers and candidates by the OAC.
Additional information
- The program was suspended in 2019.
- Nominations are made by proposers, not by candidates themselves.
- The candidate and proposer must both have Nova profiles.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Excellence Award Program
What is the Excellence Award?
The Excellence Award recognizes outstanding artists and arts organizations in Ontario, with awards of up to $50,000. It supports artistic practices across disciplines through a nomination-based process managed by the Ontario Arts Council.
Who is eligible for the Excellence Award program?
To be eligible for the Excellence Award program, you must:
Ontario-based applicant
Professional arts track record
Must be nominated
What expenses are eligible under Excellence Award?
Recognition of outstanding artistic achievement.
Recognition of lasting contribution to arts and culture in Ontario.
Who can I contact for more information about the Excellence Award?
You can contact Canadian Museums Association (CMA) by email at none or by phone at none.
Where is the Excellence Award available?
The Excellence Award program is available the province of Ontario.
Who are the financial supporters of the Excellence Award?
Excellence Award is funded by Canadian Museums Association (CMA)