Open
Music Creation and Audio Recording
Support for Toronto artists creating original music
Last Update: June 18, 2026
Funding available
$ 15,000
Timeline
- Closing date : September 3, 2026
Location
Toronto, Montréal, Ontario, Canada
Overview
Toronto Arts Council’s Music Creation and Audio Recording program supports professional artists in Toronto creating original music. It funds writing, recording, mixing, editing, mastering, packaging, design, and manufacturing for music projects in any genre.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase production or service capacity
- Develop a new product or service
- Develop an online presence
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 15,000 $
Timeline
- Closing date : September 3, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Toronto
- Montréal
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Persons with Disabilities
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Writing and composing original music
- Recording demo, EP, or full-length audio projects
- Mixing, editing, mastering, packaging, design, and manufacturing of recordings
Documents Needed
- Completed online application form
- Support material with two work examples
- Text copy and English translation for lyrics or spoken word, if applicable
- Scores, if applicable
- Signed Letter of Understanding and bank information, if approved
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Individual professional artists
- Canadian artists living in Toronto
- Collaborative projects with a principal applicant
Who is not eligible
- Undergraduate students
- Applicants seeking work related to graduate studies
- Bands and ensembles as direct applicants
- Projects submitted in the name of labels, managers, agents, or lawyers
Eligible expenses
- Writing and composition costs for new music
- Recording, mixing, editing, and mastering costs
- Artist and producer fees
- Packaging, design, and manufacturing costs for recordings
- Web design and online media management tied to the project
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Music videos
- Professional development, training, or study
- Travel and touring
- Expenses outside the City of Toronto
- Fundraising or benefit activities
Eligible geographic areas
- City of Toronto
Selection criteria
- Past artistic work and proposed project
- Competitive review by an independent peer panel
- Equity priority consideration when applications are of equal merit
How to apply
- Step 1: Register in TAC Grants Online
- Create an account in the Toronto Arts Council online grants system.
- Use the correct registration type and a unique email address.
- Step 2: Complete the application
- Fill out the online form and upload all required support material.
- Save your draft as needed before submission.
- Step 3: Submit online
- Submit the application through TAC Grants Online before the deadline.
- Applications are not accepted by any other delivery method.
- Step 4: Receive confirmation
- Watch for the confirmation email after submission.
- Keep the submission confirmation for your records.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by an independent peer assessment panel.
- Results are sent by email, and applicants can also view them in the grants portal.
- Successful applicants receive a Letter of Understanding that must be signed before funding is released.
- Recipients must submit a final report after the project is completed.
Additional information
- Applicants must submit support material with their application.
- Successful applicants receive a Letter of Understanding before funding is released.
- Recipients must acknowledge Toronto Arts Council support in related materials.
- Recipients must keep adequate accounting records for the funds received.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Music Creation and Audio Recording Program
What is the Music Creation and Audio Recording?
Toronto Arts Council’s Music Creation and Audio Recording program supports professional artists in Toronto creating original music. It funds writing, recording, mixing, editing, mastering, packaging, design, and manufacturing for music projects in any genre.
How much funding can be received?
Music Creation and Audio Recording Funds up to $15,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Music Creation and Audio Recording program?
To be eligible for the Music Creation and Audio Recording program, you must:
Professional artists in Toronto
Individual applicants only
Original music projects
What expenses are eligible under Music Creation and Audio Recording?
Writing and composing original music
Recording demo, EP, or full-length audio projects
Mixing, editing, mastering, packaging, design, and manufacturing of recordings
Who can I contact for more information about the Music Creation and Audio Recording?
You can contact Toronto Arts Council (TAO) by email at christy@torontoartscouncil.org or by phone at 416-392-6802 x 202.
Where is the Music Creation and Audio Recording available?
The Music Creation and Audio Recording program is available Montréal, Ontario.
Is the Music Creation and Audio Recording a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Music Creation and Audio Recording is a Grant and Funding