How much funding can be received?

The OAC — Media Artists Creation Projects program provides funding of up to $40,000 to support professional Ontario-based media artists in the production and post-production of independent works in film, video, audio, digital, new media, and related art forms. Eligible activities include animation, documentary, experimental projects, media installations, video or electronic games, and virtual reality art.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

Maximum grant amount of $10,000 for Emerging artists per project.
Maximum grant amount of $40,000 for Mid-Career & Established artists per project.
Total project budgets must not exceed $125,000 for Emerging applications and $300,000 for Mid-Career & Established applications.
Applicants may apply for up to 100% of project costs.

grant_single_labels|projects

Production and post-production of independent film, video, audio art, digital, new media, video and electronic games, and virtual reality projects.
Creation of animation works as independent artistic projects.
Development of documentaries, dramas, comedies, and experimental media arts.
Production of media art installations and media-based performance projects.
Creation of web-based art and innovative media projects utilizing new technology.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 59,000

Upgrading equipment for eco-friendly textile production line

$ 40,200

Launching a delivery service for local organic farmers

$ 28,700

Creating accessible workspace for people with disabilities

$ 34,800

Implementing a digital inventory system for efficiency gains

$ 26,200

Developing a bilingual website for local arts organization

$ 47,700

Expanding bike repair services with mobile workshop vehicle

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The applicant must be an individual professional media artist or director residing in Ontario.
The applicant must have completed the required number of independent media works based on their career stage (at least one for Emerging, at least two for Mid-Career or Established).
The applicant must hold copyright over the proposed work and retain full creative and editorial control.
The applicant must be creating an independent, artist-controlled media work in film, video, audio, digital, new media, video and electronic games, or virtual reality.
The applicant's project must be in the production or post-production phase and not intended for commercial media production.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Individual professional Ontario-based media artists/directors working in film, video, audio, digital, new media, video and electronic games, and virtual reality as independent artist-controlled art forms

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Companies engaged in commercial media production, including commercial film, television, and game industries.
Businesses producing promotional content, commercials, or public service announcements.
Organizations producing educational or instructional media projects.
Private companies, government agencies, or not-for-profits commissioning or contracting projects.
Producers or producer-driven companies.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Artist and project personnel fees.
Travel expenses related to project activities.
Insurance costs specific to the project.
Promotional materials for the project.
Prototyping expenses.
Rights for visuals, sound, and music used in the project.
Facility and equipment rentals necessary for production and post-production.
Purchase of small-scale equipment, software, electronics, and similar materials required for the project.
Childcare and dependant care fees required to enable participation in the project (excluding regular, ongoing expenses).

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

Ontario

grant_single_labels|criteria

Innovation in content, point of view, form, style, technique, or process.
The project’s potential to further the applicant’s development as an artist.
Alignment with the program’s goal to support artist-driven, non-commercial media projects.
Consideration of gender parity and OAC’s priority groups during assessment.

grant_single_labels|apply

Step 1: Review Program Guides and EligibilityRead the Guide to OAC Project Programs to understand basic eligibility requirements and restrictions.
Review the Guide to OAC Assessment and the Evaluation Rubric for information on how applications are rated.
Consult the Guide to OAC Support Material and other relevant guides for detailed requirements.
Step 2: Create or Update Profile in NovaRegister in Nova, the Ontario Arts Council’s online grant application system.
Update your profile information in Nova to ensure it is current and accurate.
Step 3: Prepare Application MaterialsGather details about your project.
Respond to all application questions as outlined in Nova.
Prepare a project budget and a detailed budget.
Compile audiovisual artistic examples (Emerging: one example; Mid-Career & Established: two examples) as required.
Organize support documents, such as résumé/bio, script, storyboards, design documents, visual and sound treatment, and relevant letters of agreement.
If you are a graduate student, obtain a letter from your department head stating the project is not part of your academic program.
Step 4: Complete Online Application in NovaFill out the online application form in Nova.
Attach all required artistic examples and support documents.
Step 5: Review and Submit ApplicationCarefully review your application for completeness and accuracy.
Submit the application in Nova approximately two months before the selected deadline (April 1 or October 8, 1 p.m. ET).
Step 6: Confirmation of ApplicationAwait notification of results, which will be provided approximately four and a half months after the application deadline.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Applicants may apply for up to 100% of project costs but are encouraged to seek additional revenue sources.
Separate assessment panels evaluate Documentary/Narrative and all other categories; choose your category carefully.
Eligible support materials include non-commercial commissioned work, television episodes, and web series.
Collaborators named in one application cannot participate in another application for this program at the same deadline.