Open
Source verified August 11, 2026
OAC — Exhibition Assistance
Support for confirmed public exhibitions
Latest source updateLast Update: August 14, 2026Latest change: Exhibition Assistance now says projects must start on or after January 15, 2026, adds photo printing for exhibition as an eligible expense, and updates final-report guidance to public value and engagement requirements.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: August 14, 2026
Latest change: Exhibition Assistance now says projects must start on or after January 15, 2026, adds photo printing for exhibition as an eligible expense, and updates final-report guidance to public value and engagement requirements.
Exhibition Assistance requirements updated
Exhibition Assistance now requires projects to start on or after January 15, 2026, and the recent-changes note says applications are accepted for projects in 2026 with that start-date floor. The eligible-expenses list also now explicitly includes photo printing for exhibition, and the final-report guidance now points to public value and engagement requirements for grant recipients instead of the former recognition-page reference. The report section still requires an exhibition announcement or other public promotion document.
Funding available
$ 500 - $ 2,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Hamilton Artists Inc. is a recommender for the Ontario Arts Council Exhibition Assistance program in Zone 3. It supports Ontario-based professional visual artists, craft artists, media artists and artist collectives with $500 to $2,000 for presentation costs tied to a confirmed public exhibition. Eligible expenses include framing and installation, transportation, and promotional expenses.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Access new markets
- Reach a new target audience
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 2,000 $
- Minimum amount : 500 $
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
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Presentation of artwork in a confirmed public exhibition
Documents Needed
- Resume or CV
- Letter or document confirming your exhibition
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Professional visual artists
- Craft artists
- Media artists
- Ontario-based artist collectives
Who is not eligible
- Undergraduate or graduate students enrolled full-time at an educational institution
- Incorporated not-for-profit organizations
- For-profit organizations
- Curators
Eligible expenses
- Presentation costs, including framing, display structures, mounting and installation hardware and supplies and construction of structural elements specific to an installation, photo printing for exhibition
- Audio-visual presentation equipment
- Technical and installation expenses and fees, including the cost of preparing or documenting artwork to present in a virtual/online exhibition
- Crating and transportation of works of art
- Exhibition venue rent or booth fee, exhibition promotional expenses, and insurance
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Art materials and other costs related to the creation of artwork
- Artist’s fees for exhibition and installation
- Artist’s travel and accommodation
- Catalogues and documentation of artwork
- Hospitality
Eligible geographic areas
- Zone 3
Selection criteria
- Quality of the artist’s work
- OAC priority groups
- Other funding priorities set by the recommender
How to apply
- Exhibition assistance applications are submitted through OAC’s online granting portal, Nova.
- Emailed or mailed applications are not accepted.
- If you live in Zone 3 and want to apply to Hamilton Artists Inc., create an account in Nova and submit your application directly through the portal.
Processing and Agreement
- You must notify OAC to request approval if your exhibition venue or dates change before any changes take place.
- If you receive a grant, you must complete the project and submit a final report in Nova.
- You must not submit your final report before receiving your grant cheque.
Additional information
- Applicants no longer need to apply before their exhibition start date.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the OAC — Exhibition Assistance Program
What is the OAC — Exhibition Assistance?
Hamilton Artists Inc. is a recommender for the Ontario Arts Council Exhibition Assistance program in Zone 3. It supports Ontario-based professional visual artists, craft artists, media artists and artist collectives with $500 to $2,000 for presentation costs tied to a confirmed public exhibition. Eligible expenses include framing and installation, transportation, and promotional expenses.
How much funding can be received?
OAC — Exhibition Assistance Funds up to $2,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the OAC — Exhibition Assistance program?
To be eligible for the OAC — Exhibition Assistance program, you must:
Ontario residents with a permanent physical address in Ontario
Professional visual artists, craft artists, media artists, and artist collectives
Confirmed, upcoming public exhibition
What expenses are eligible under OAC — Exhibition Assistance?
Presentation of artwork in a confirmed public exhibition
Who can I contact for more information about the OAC — Exhibition Assistance?
You can contact Ontario Arts Council (OAC) by email at ejeffers@arts.on.ca or by phone at 416-969-7461.
Where is the OAC — Exhibition Assistance available?
The OAC — Exhibition Assistance program is available the province of Ontario.