OAC — Ontario Arts Presenters Projects

Who is eligible?

• Volunteer-led not-for-profit arts organizations located outside of Toronto
• Ad hoc groups and collectives led by volunteers, located outside of Toronto
• Ontario-based municipalities (outside Toronto)
• Ontario-based colleges and universities (outside Toronto)

Who is not eligible

• Organizations that receive an Ontario Arts Council (OAC) operating grant.
• Ad hoc groups and collectives composed mainly of students.
• Ad hoc groups and collectives composed of professional artists or arts professionals.
• Toronto-based ad hoc groups, collectives, and organizations.

Eligible expenses

• Artists’ presentation fees, including those related to non-Ontario artists presented for Ontario audiences.
• Artists’ travel, transportation, per diems, and accommodation.
• Production costs, such as rentals.
• Purchase of small-scale equipment, software, electronics, and similar materials required for the project.
• Marketing and promotional costs specific to the festival, event, or series.
• Childcare and other dependent care fees enabling participation in the project (excluding regular, ongoing expenses).
• Expenses to make the project accessible to audience members and participants who are Deaf or have a disability (not including the applicant).

Eligible geographic areas

• Ontario regions outside of Toronto (all Ontario-based addresses except those with a postal code beginning with ‘M’)

• Applicants must contact the program officer at least two weeks before the deadline, ideally 1–2 months prior, to confirm eligibility, regardless of prior application history.
• Programming does not need to be finalized at the application deadline; applicants should describe the artistic vision guiding proposed activities.
• Grant amounts awarded may be less than the amount requested due to limited funding and application volume.
• Applicants with accessibility needs may apply for supplemental funds via the Accessibility Fund: Project Support.