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OAC — Media Arts Projects
Last Update: March 24, 2026
Ontario, Canada
Funding for Ontario media arts projects
Grant and Funding
Overview
This program provides up to $15,000 for media arts projects in Presentation, Professional Development, or Publication. It supports Ontario media arts organizations and collectives presenting, documenting, disseminating, or developing professional media arts practice.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increasing community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop employee skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 15,000 $
Timeline
- Closing date : March 3, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
Target groups
- General public
- Children & youth
- People with disabilities
- Artists / creatives
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- Mixed revenue (<50% earned)
Scope
- Provincial
Activities funded
- Media art screening and presentation.
- Professional development activities for media artists.
- Publication and documentation projects for media arts.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 17,000
Installing energy-efficient HVAC systems in a community theatre space
$ 16,000
Retrofitting retail space for accessibility and universal design upgrades
$ 15,000
Implementing a new bilingual e-commerce platform for artisans
$ 18,000
Upgrading bakery equipment to increase production and efficiency
$ 15,500
Developing a training program for green construction skills certification
$ 17,000
Launching an electric cargo bike delivery pilot for local shops
Documents Needed
- Project budget
- Answers to application questions
- Artistic examples
- Support documents such as programs, catalogues, critical writing, press, and promotional items
- Project collaborator bios, CVs, or organization summaries
Eligibility
- Ontario-based applicant.
- Organization, ad hoc group, or collective.
- Media arts experience or expertise.
- Project led by media arts professionals or advisors.
Who is eligible?
- Ontario-based organizations, ad hoc groups, and collectives.
- Media arts organizations with relevant experience or expertise.
- Organizations in other arts disciplines carrying out media arts projects.
Who is not eligible
- Individuals.
- Organizations receiving an OAC operating grant through the Media Arts Organizations: Operating program.
- Organizations receiving another OAC operating grant, except priority-group-mandated organizations.
- Municipalities, universities, and colleges.
Eligible expenses
- Childcare and other dependent care fees.
- Accessibility costs for Deaf participants and people with disabilities.
- Professional fees for artists in presentation projects.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Creation or production projects for new work.
- Commissioning projects and artist residencies.
- Youth or non-professional workshops.
- Tours, prizes, awards, competitions, fundraising, and major capital expenditures.
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Priority is given to projects supporting independent media arts.
- Priority is given to projects supporting Canadian artists and artworks.
How to apply
1
Review eligibility rules
- Read the program page and the Guide to OAC Project Programs to confirm eligibility and restrictions.
- Review the related assessment and support documents, including the evaluation rubric, terms and conditions, and safe programming requirements.
2
Get program guidance
- Contact the program administrator if you have questions about the application process or program details.
- Use the listed resources, including the Nova User Guide and the Guide to OAC Project Programs, to prepare for your submission.
3
Prepare application files
- Create or update your Nova profile before starting the application.
- Prepare the required application materials, including project details, budget, artistic examples, support documents, and any required collaborator information.
4
Complete the Nova application
- Complete the online application in Nova, including the project questions and budget form.
- Ensure the budget balances at $0 and all required sections are complete before submitting.
5
Submit before deadline
- Submit the application in Nova no later than 1 p.m. ET on the deadline date.
- Remember that financial and statistical forms must also be completed as required before the deadline.
6
Await grant results
- Wait for results, which are communicated by email approximately four and a half to five months after the deadline, depending on the program information provided.
- If awarded, acknowledge the notification letter in Nova and complete any required follow-up steps.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after submission through Nova.
- Decisions are communicated about four and a half months after the deadline.
- If funded, the project must be completed and a final report submitted in Nova.
- Approved project changes must be reported and accepted by OAC.
Additional information
- Applications are submitted in Nova.
- The application form opens about two months before the deadline.
- Applicants are informed about results about four and a half months after the deadline.
- Only one grant per calendar year is allowed.
Contacts
ayared@arts.on.ca
416-969-7461
