OAC — Music Creation Projects

• The applicant must be a professional composer, songwriter, or music creator who is an Ontario resident.
• For commissioning projects, the composer applies and the commissioner must be a professional artist, music group, not-for-profit arts organization, or dance company.
• The project must focus on the creation of original music, either as a self-directed creation or as a commissioned work.

Who is eligible?

• Individual professional composers residing in Ontario
• Individual professional songwriters residing in Ontario
• Individual music creators residing in Ontario

Who is not eligible

• Ad hoc groups, collectives, and organizations (including companies and nonprofits)
• Educational institutions commissioning work for their own faculty
• Record companies/labels, managers, agents, and lawyers commissioning projects
• Religious institutions commissioning projects
• Musical performing organizations or dance companies commissioning work from composers who are their own artistic directors, leaders, administrative heads, or board members

Eligible expenses

• Artist fees, including composer, songwriter, creator, co-creator, librettist/lyricist, and mentor.
• Costs for copying scores or sheet music, or creating master sets of individual parts.
• Space and equipment rental required for the creation process.
• Purchase of small-scale equipment, software, electronics, and similar materials necessary for the project (up to a suggested maximum of $500).
• Modest recording costs for documenting new creation or process (archival recording).
• Higher recording costs for electronic music or commissions for dance/new choreography where necessary.
• Childcare and other dependent care fees to enable participation in the project (not regular ongoing expenses).
• Expenses related to accessibility for audience members and project participants (excluding the applicant).

Eligible geographic areas

• Ontario

• Exceptional creativity in composition and song-writing.
• Enhancement of the range of music available to performers and the public.
• Potential contribution to arts education, public participation, or community involvement in Ontario’s arts sector.

• Step 1: Review Program GuidelinesRead the Guide to OAC Project Programs to understand basic eligibility requirements and program restrictions.
• Familiarize yourself with the Guide to OAC Assessment, Guide to OAC Support Material, and other available resources.
• Step 2: Register and Prepare in NovaCreate or update your profile in Nova, the Ontario Arts Council’s online grant application system.
• Check the program page after the opening of the application period in Nova for any updated information or changes.
• Step 3: Gather Application MaterialsPrepare basic project information, including responses to application questions and an itemized project budget.
• Collect artistic examples (minimum two and maximum three audio or video examples).
• Obtain artists’ résumés or biographies (and bio of the commissioner, for commissioning projects).
• Prepare score excerpts or lyrics.
• Secure a letter from the commissioner (for commissioning applications).
• Step 4: Complete and Submit ApplicationFill out the application form in Nova, uploading all required support documents and artistic samples.
• Review your submission for accuracy and completeness.
• Submit the application through Nova before the published deadline.
• Step 5: Confirmation and ResultsReceive notification on whether your application was successful approximately four and a half months after the deadline.
• Step 6: Final Reporting (if awarded)Complete your project within two years of receiving the grant results.
• Submit a final report in Nova, including a project description, outcomes, final budget, samples of work created, and documentation of OAC recognition.

• The application form becomes available in the Nova system approximately two months prior to each deadline date.
• Applicants should revisit the program webpage for any updates prior to submitting their application.
• If a final report budget shows a surplus over $250, repayment to OAC may be required.
• OAC and Government of Ontario logos must be included on relevant project materials as per recognition requirements.