Closed
Source verified July 9, 2026
Visual Arts Projects
Funding for Ontario visual arts projects
Funding available
$ 15,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program supports visual arts projects by Ontario arts organizations, collectives, and independent curators. It offers funding up to $15,000 for exhibitions, festivals, publications, residencies, curatorial research, and sector development initiatives.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 15,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
Target groups
- Artists / creatives
- Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Visual arts exhibitions, festivals, and mural projects
- Catalogues and publications
- Artist residency programs with a public component
- Curatorial research projects
- Professional or sector development initiatives for the visual arts
Documents Needed
- Project budget
- Answers to the application questions
- Artistic examples or documentation
- Resumes or bios of key organizers and participating artists
- Letters of agreement or support
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Incorporated not-for-profit visual arts organizations in Ontario
- Ad hoc groups and collectives of visual artists or arts professionals
- Independent Ontario-based curators
- Other not-for-profit arts organizations presenting visual arts projects
Who is not eligible
- Individual visual artists
- Commercial art galleries
- Municipalities, colleges, and universities
- Organizations already receiving certain OAC operating grants
- Curators in full-time curatorial positions or full-time students
Eligible expenses
- Artist, curator, and programmer fees
- Technical, travel, installation, marketing, and rental costs
- Publication, documentation, and design expenses
- Small equipment, software, and materials needed for the project
- Contract salaries, administrative fees, and accessibility-related expenses
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Commercial gallery activities
- Student projects or academic-credit projects
- Major capital expenses, including building purchases or major equipment
- Permanent public art commissions and fundraising activities
- Media arts projects and ongoing administrative expenses
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Support for Ontario artists and audiences
- Support for artist-driven or emerging programming
- Development of artist-run centres and organizations
- Capacity-building for public galleries and independent curators
How to apply
- Step 1: Review program information
- Read the program page and the Guide to OAC Project Programs.
- Check the application deadline and key dates in Nova.
- Step 2: Prepare your profile and materials
- Create or update your Nova profile.
- Gather the required project details, budget, artistic examples, and support documents.
- Step 3: Complete the application in Nova
- Answer the application questions in the Nova system.
- Upload all required information and supporting material.
- Step 4: Submit before the deadline
- Submit the application in Nova by the deadline time.
- No changes can be made after submission.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed through a peer assessment process.
- Results are sent by email about four and a half months after the deadline.
- Approved applicants must confirm required details in Nova before payment is issued.
- Funding may be held until reporting and other conditions are met.
- Recipients must submit a final report after the project.
Additional information
- Applicants must use Nova, OAC’s online application system.
- Final reports are required for funded projects.
- Project grant recipients must publicly recognize OAC and Government of Ontario support.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Visual Arts Projects Program
What is the Visual Arts Projects?
This program supports visual arts projects by Ontario arts organizations, collectives, and independent curators. It offers funding up to $15,000 for exhibitions, festivals, publications, residencies, curatorial research, and sector development initiatives.
How much funding can be received?
Visual Arts Projects Funds up to $15,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Visual Arts Projects program?
To be eligible for the Visual Arts Projects program, you must:
Ontario-based applicants only
Ontario artists involved
Professional artist fees required
What expenses are eligible under Visual Arts Projects?
Visual arts exhibitions, festivals, and mural projects
Catalogues and publications
Artist residency programs with a public component
Curatorial research projects
Professional or sector development initiatives for the visual arts
Who can I contact for more information about the Visual Arts Projects?
You can contact Ontario Arts Council (OAC) by email at ymartin@arts.on.ca or by phone at 416-969-7455.
Where is the Visual Arts Projects available?
The Visual Arts Projects program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Visual Arts Projects a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Visual Arts Projects is a Grant and Funding