OAC — Deaf and Disability Arts Projects

• Résumés or bios
• Letters of reference or support
• Letters of agreement, if applicable
• Confirmation of enrolment, if applicable

Who is eligible?

• Professional artists and arts professionals who are Deaf and/or have a disability
• Ad hoc groups and collectives
• Not-for-profit disability 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

• Step 1: Review Program Information
  • Read the Guide to OAC Project Programs for eligibility requirements and program restrictions.
  • Check the program page for updated information and deadlines before starting your application.
• Step 2: Set Up or Update Profile in Nova
  • Create or update your profile in Nova, the Ontario Arts Council’s online grant application system.
• Step 3: Prepare Application Materials
  • Gather basic project information for the application form.
  • Respond to all application questions as required in Nova.
  • Develop a project budget detailing planned expenses and revenues.
  • Prepare artistic examples and support materials, such as résumés or bios (mandatory), and optional letters of reference or agreement, or confirmation of enrolment if applicable.
• Step 4: Complete Application in Nova
  • Access the application in Nova (available about three months before the deadline).
  • Upload all required documents and artistic support material.
  • Double-check your application for completeness and accuracy.
• Step 5: Submit Application
  • Submit your completed application in Nova before the deadline (October 15, 2025, 1 p.m. ET).
• Step 6: Confirmation and Follow-up
  • Retain confirmation of your submission from the Nova system.
  • If awarded, complete all reporting requirements in Nova at the end of your project, including final project description, outcomes, and budget, and recognition documentation.

• 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.