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OAC — Music Recording Projects
Funding for Ontario music recording projects
Last Update: April 10, 2026
Funding available
$ 10,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program provides up to $4,000 for Demo/EP recordings and up to $10,000 for full-length albums. It supports Ontario-based music recording projects, including recording, mixing, mastering and related release activities.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Reach a new target audience
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Sole proprietorship
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
Target groups
- Artists / creatives
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Recording music for a demo, EP, or full-length album
- Creating recordings for public release or for presenting new work to industry contacts
- Preparing a completed recording for physical or online release
Documents Needed
- Project budget
- Two audio or video examples
- Résumés or bios
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Professional musicians and composers in Ontario
- Professional music ad hoc groups and collectives based in Ontario
- Ontario-based professionally led community orchestras and choirs
- Choral training groups with professional musician or composer fees
Who is not eligible
- Recording studios
- Record companies, labels, managers, agents, and lawyers
- Municipalities, colleges, universities, and schools
- Religious institutions
- Organizations receiving certain OAC operating grants
Eligible expenses
- Recording, mixing, and mastering costs
- Artist and producer fees
- Studio or recording location rental
- Copyright, royalty, packaging, manufacturing, and marketing costs tied to the recording
- Equipment rental, small-scale equipment, software, and accessibility-related costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Activities taking place outside Ontario
- Compilation albums made only of previously released recordings
- Video production, including promotional and music videos
- Composition, songwriting, rehearsal, touring, fundraising, and administrative costs
- Live concert production costs and major capital purchases
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Music created by Ontario composers and songwriters, and other Canadian works
- Projects that expand the range of recorded music available to the public
- Projects that are ready or nearly ready to begin recording
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare your Nova profile
- Create or update your profile in Nova.
- Review the Guide to OAC Project Programs before applying.
- Step 2: Complete the application
- Fill in project information and application answers.
- Prepare the project budget.
- Upload the required artistic examples and support documents.
- Step 3: Submit in Nova
- Log in to Nova and submit the completed application online.
- Submit before the deadline.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after submission in Nova.
- Applicants are notified of the decision about four and a half months after the deadline.
- If funded, the project must be completed and a final report submitted in Nova.
- Projects intended for public release must remain unreleased until grant notification.
Additional information
- Applications are submitted in Nova, OAC’s online granting system.
- The application form is available about two months before each deadline.
- Grant results are released about four and a half months after each deadline.
- Projects must follow OAC recognition requirements if funded.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the OAC — Music Recording Projects Program
What is the OAC — Music Recording Projects?
This program provides up to $4,000 for Demo/EP recordings and up to $10,000 for full-length albums. It supports Ontario-based music recording projects, including recording, mixing, mastering and related release activities.
How much funding can be received?
OAC — Music Recording Projects Funds up to $10,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the OAC — Music Recording Projects program?
To be eligible for the OAC — Music Recording Projects program, you must:
Ontario-based applicant
Professional music project
Recording-focused proposal
What expenses are eligible under OAC — Music Recording Projects?
Recording music for a demo, EP, or full-length album
Creating recordings for public release or for presenting new work to industry contacts
Preparing a completed recording for physical or online release
Who can I contact for more information about the OAC — Music Recording Projects?
You can contact Ontario Arts Council (OAC) by email at ddaniher@arts.on.ca or by phone at 416-969-7451.
Where is the OAC — Music Recording Projects available?
The OAC — Music Recording Projects program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the OAC — Music Recording Projects a grant, loan, or tax credit?
OAC — Music Recording Projects is a Grant and Funding