How much funding can be received?

The OAC – Visual Arts and Crafts – Francophone Projects grant offers up to $15,000 to support the vitality of the Francophone artistic sector in Ontario through funding for creation, exhibition, and curatorial projects in visual arts and crafts. Eligible activities include research, creation, exhibitions, public engagement initiatives, and curatorial work by professional artists, curators, collectives, and nonprofit organizations.

Financing terms and conditions

Maximum grant amounts by project category: up to $5,000 for Creation – Early-career Artists, $7,500 for Creation – Mid-career Artists, $15,000 for Creation – Established Artists, $5,000 for Curatorial Projects, and $10,000 for Exhibitions/Connections.
If the final budget submitted shows a surplus of more than $250, the excess amount must be reimbursed to the Ontario Arts Council.

Eligible projects & activities

Creation and production of new visual arts or crafts projects by emerging, mid-career, or established artists.
Curatorial research and development of exhibition projects in visual arts or crafts.
Presentation of exhibitions or events to showcase works by Ontario-based professional visual artists or craftspeople.
Public engagement activities such as artist talks, residencies, or workshops linked to visual arts or crafts projects.
Production and distribution of catalogues, publications, or online directories related to visual arts or crafts projects.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 32,300

Implementing a sustainable packaging line in food manufacturing

$ 38,000

Upgrading a cooperative’s warehouse with energy-efficient technology

$ 32,300

Expanding NPO programming to offer youth entrepreneurship bootcamps

$ 33,500

Developing an inclusive hiring program for neurodiverse job seekers

$ 29,500

Launching an online platform to digitize local artisan sales

$ 31,800

Renovating a shared kitchen to support new culinary startups

Eligibility criteria of the OAC — Visual arts and crafts – Francophone projects program

The applicant must be a Francophone collective, ad hoc group, or non-profit organization with a head office in Ontario.
At least 50% of the members for collectives or ad hoc groups must reside in Ontario.
The project must involve professional visual artists or craftspeople residing in Ontario.
Applications must be submitted in French.

Who is eligible?

Professional visual arts and crafts artists residing in Ontario
Ad hoc groups and collectives in the visual arts or crafts sector (with at least 50% of members residing in Ontario)
Francophone non-profit organizations based in Ontario

Who is not eligible

Municipalities, colleges, and universities.
For-profit incorporated companies.
Organizations receiving operating grants from the Ontario Arts Council, except those supported under specific francophone arts programs.

Eligible expenses

Professional artist fees.
Curatorial, programming, and design fees.
Travel and transportation expenses related to the project.
Advertising, catalogues, programs, audiovisual documentation, and brochure expenses.
Rental of necessary equipment and venues.
Purchase of small equipment, software, electronic material, or other similar supplies essential for the project.
Contractual remuneration or project-specific administration fees.
Childcare or dependent care costs necessary for participation in the project (distinct from regular ongoing care).
Expenses to ensure accessibility for D/deaf or disabled participants or audience members (excluding the applicant).

Eligible geographic areas

Ontario

Eligibility criteria of the OAC — Visual arts and crafts – Francophone projects program

Artistic merit and impact of the proposed project.
Quality and relevance of the support materials and documentation submitted (such as past works, CVs, or letters of support).
Clarity, feasibility, and thoroughness of the project plan and budget.
Contribution to the vitality of the Francophone visual arts and crafts sector in Ontario.

How to apply to the OAC — Visual arts and crafts – Francophone projects program

Review program guidelines

Review the program guidelines and eligibility criteria
Consult the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) project grant guide
Verify the deadlines and important dates for the program

Create or update Nova profile

Create or update your profile in Nova, the OAC online grants system
Prepare all necessary documentation and information about your project

Complete and prepare application

Complete the online application form in Nova
Answer all questions on the form
Upload your project budget and supporting artistic samples
Attach required documents such as CVs, support letters or recommendations

Validate application information

Review all entered information for accuracy and completeness
Ensure all supporting materials meet the program requirements
Make any necessary corrections or additions before submission

Submit application online

Submit your completed application through Nova before the deadline
Record your application confirmation for reference

Wait for results

Wait for notification from the OAC regarding the assessment results
Typical notification occurs about four and a half months after the deadline

Implement project after approval

If awarded, review the grant agreement and funding conditions
Carry out your funded project according to the guidelines
Maintain documentation for your final report

Submit final report

Complete and submit the final report in Nova upon project completion
Include a project description, final budget, supporting materials and recognition of grant

Additional information

Applications must be submitted in French through the Nova online system.
The application form will become available in Nova approximately two months before the deadline.
Results are announced about four and a half months after the application deadline.
Successful applicants are required to submit a final report, including promotional material displaying the Ontario Arts Council and Government of Ontario logos.