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OAC — Deaf and Disability Arts Projects
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Ontario, Canada
Supports Ontario Deaf and disabled artists' creative and professional projects
Grant and Funding
Overview
The OAC — Deaf and Disability Arts: Materials for Visual Artists grant offers up to $10,000 to support Ontario-based Deaf and/or disabled artists and organizations in activities such as creation, production, and professional development. The program funds research, development, creation of new work, training, mentorship, production costs, and accessibility measures across a range of artistic disciplines.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increasing community impact
- Research and experimental development
- Develop employee skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Persons with Disabilities
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Activities funded
- Creation of new artistic works in one of the disciplines supported by the CAO (media arts, visual arts, crafts, dance, literature, music, theater, multiarts, and interarts).
- Production and presentation of artistic works, including the dissemination of various artistic projects.
- Execution of research projects, development, exploration, or artistic experimentation.
- Implementation of professional development initiatives, such as specialized training, mentorships, internships, or apprenticeships in the arts.
- Professional documentation of the artistic works created or the skills acquired within the project.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 9,700
Creation of a mixed media exhibition on lived disability experiences
$ 9,500
Mentorship and professional training for an emerging disabled visual artist
$ 9,700
Accessible ceramic workshop series for Deaf and disabled community artists
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a professional artist, a deaf and/or disabled arts professional residing in Ontario, or an ad hoc group, collective, or nonprofit arts organization based in Ontario, focused on the practices of deaf and/or disabled artists and led by them.
- The artistic process of the project must be led by deaf and/or disabled artists and/or arts professionals.
- The project must pertain to an arts discipline funded by the Ontario Arts Council (OAC), such as media arts, visual arts, craft, dance, literature, multi-arts, interarts, music, or theater.
- Funded activities must take place in Ontario.
- The application must be submitted via the Nova system, accompanied by the required documents (project information, budget, examples of artistic works, resume, and other supporting documents if necessary).
Who is eligible?
- Ad hoc groups, collectives, and not-for-profit arts organizations led by Deaf artists and/or artists with disabilities
Who is not eligible
- For-profit businesses and commercial enterprises.
- Organizations not primarily led by Deaf artists and/or artists with disabilities.
- Student groups or organizations submitting projects related to studies at any educational level.
- Companies or entities applying for major capital expenditures, building renovations or real estate investments.
Eligible expenses
- Artist fees for yourself or other artists engaged in the project (excluding living and personal expenses).
- Workspace and equipment rental.
- Research materials.
- Transportation and travel costs.
- Accommodation expenses.
- Meal allowances.
- Contribution towards the purchase of small-scale equipment, software, electronics, and related materials necessary for the project.
- Artistic, production, venue, and administrative costs.
- Marketing or promotional costs specific to the project, including hiring an Ontario-based marketing manager or publicist (Production category only).
- Tuition and registration fees for conferences, master classes, workshops, and training courses.
- Mentor and tutor fees.
- Internship and apprenticeship expenses.
- Professional documentation of artworks, skills, training, or abilities.
- Childcare and other dependant care fees enabling participation in the project (excluding regular, ongoing expenses).
- Expenses for making the project accessible to audience members and participants who are Deaf or have a disability (excluding the applicant's expenses).
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
How to apply
1
Check eligibility requirements
- Review the Guide to OAC Project Programs for basic eligibility criteria and restrictions
- Confirm eligibility for your specific project and applicant category
2
Create or update Nova profile
- Create or update your profile in Nova, the OAC online application system
- Ensure all personal and organizational details are accurate
3
Prepare application materials
- Prepare answers to specific application questions
- Develop a detailed project budget
- Gather artistic examples and necessary support documents (CVs, bios, letters of reference if needed)
4
Complete and review application in Nova
- Log in to Nova approximately three months before the deadline
- Complete and review your application form online
- Ensure all attachments and information meet the program requirements before submission
5
Submit application in Nova
- Submit your completed application through Nova before the deadline (October 15, 2025, 1 p.m. ET)
- Confirm receipt of submission via the system
6
Await results notification
- Wait for notification of grant results (expected in February 2026)
Additional information
- Applicants may only apply to one program category per deadline.
- The amount awarded may be less than the amount requested due to limited funding and high application volume.
- Applicants can request supplementary funds for personal accessibility needs through a separate Accessibility Fund: Project Support.
- If the final project budget shows a surplus of more than $250, repayment of the surplus may be required.
