Open
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : May 5, 2026
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Supports Ontario-based professional composers, songwriters, and music creators in developing original musical works. Maximum funding is $4,000 for self-directed creation and $20,000 for commissioning, for activities such as composing, collaborations, research, and creating electronic music.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : May 5, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Creation of original musical works
- Self-directed composition or songwriting
- Music commissions with a confirmed première
- Electronic music creation and exploratory music work
- Companion pieces, additional movements, and larger works in development
Documents Needed
- Project budget
- Artistic examples
- Artists’ résumés or bios
- Score excerpts or lyrics
- Commissioner letter, if applicable
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Professional composers
- Songwriters
- Music creators
- Ontario residents
Who is not eligible
- Ad hoc groups, collectives, and organizations
- Applicants whose project is part of academic study
- Self-directed applicants enrolled in composition or songwriting studies
- Applicants commissioning their own work
- Record companies, managers, agents, lawyers, and religious institutions
Eligible expenses
- Artist fees, including composer, songwriter, co-creator, librettist, lyricist, and mentor fees
- Score and sheet music copy costs, or self-generated parts for one master set
- Space and equipment rental for creation work
- Small equipment, software, electronics, and similar materials needed for the project
- Archival recording and other eligible recording costs
- Childcare, dependent care, and accessibility-related costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Major capital expenditures, including buildings and major equipment
- Projects that are part of academic study
- Film or television soundtracks
- Video production, including promotional and music videos
- Revisions, rewrites, rearrangements, and incidental theatre music
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed through a peer assessment process
- Assessors evaluate artistic merit and project viability
- Applicants receive a decision about four and a half months after each deadline
- If funded, the project must be completed and a final report submitted in Nova
Additional information
- Program information may change before Nova opens.
- Application materials must be submitted in Nova.
- Final report is required if funded.
- Recognition of OAC and the Government of Ontario must be included in project materials.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the OAC — Music Creation Projects Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the OAC — Music Creation Projects. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the OAC — Music Creation Projects?
Supports Ontario-based professional composers, songwriters, and music creators in developing original musical works. Maximum funding is $4,000 for self-directed creation and $20,000 for commissioning, for activities such as composing, collaborations, research, and creating electronic music.
Who is eligible for the OAC — Music Creation Projects program?
To be eligible for the OAC — Music Creation Projects program, you must:
Ontario-based professional music creator
Ontario resident
Commissioning projects need a commissioner
What expenses are eligible under OAC — Music Creation Projects?
Creation of original musical works
Self-directed composition or songwriting
Music commissions with a confirmed première
Electronic music creation and exploratory music work
Companion pieces, additional movements, and larger works in development
Who can I contact for more information about the OAC — Music Creation Projects?
You can contact Ontario Arts Council (OAC) by email at reception@arts.on.ca or by phone at 416-961-1660.
Where is the OAC — Music Creation Projects available?
The OAC — Music Creation Projects program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the OAC — Music Creation Projects a grant, loan, or tax credit?
OAC — Music Creation Projects is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the OAC — Music Creation Projects?
OAC — Music Creation Projects is funded by Ontario Arts Council (OAC)