RFPs: Recommender Grants for Theatre Creators in Canada
The Recommender Grant Program provides funding to professional theatre artists and collectives in Ontario to develop new theatre-based work. Grants range from $1,000 to $3,000, with applications reviewed through designated recommender theatre companies before projects are recommended to the Ontario Arts Council for funding.
About the Recommender Grant Program
The Recommender Grant Program supports professional theatre artists and collectives seeking to develop new theatre-based work in Ontario.
The program operates through a third-party recommender system. Instead of applications being assessed directly through a single central process, applicants submit proposals to designated theatre companies. These theatre companies assess applications and recommend projects to the Ontario Arts Council for funding.
Individual recommender theatre companies may have their own priorities or preferences regarding the types of applicants and projects they support. Applicants should review the relevant recommender company’s information when the program is active.
How the Recommender System Works
Applicants submit their project proposals to designated recommender theatre companies.
The process involves:
- Selecting an appropriate recommender theatre company.
- Submitting a project proposal through the required application system.
- Having the proposal assessed by the recommender theatre company.
- Projects recommended by the theatre company being considered for Ontario Arts Council funding.
Each recommender theatre company may establish specific priority areas or applicant preferences.
How Much Funding Is Available?
Grants range from:
- Minimum grant: $1,000.
- Maximum grant: $3,000.
Due to high demand and limited available funds, the final grant amount may be lower than the amount requested.
Applicants should therefore prepare proposals that clearly demonstrate why the requested level of support is needed for the proposed project.
How Many Applications Can an Applicant Submit?
Applicants may submit up to five applications per program year.
An applicant may receive more than one grant during the same program year, either for:
- One project, or
- Different projects.
However, multiple grants received during a program year count as one grant toward the applicant’s annual grant limit.
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to eligible professional theatre practitioners and groups in Ontario.
Eligible applicants include:
- Professional theatre artists who are residents of Ontario.
- Ad hoc groups primarily composed of Ontario residents.
- Theatre collectives primarily composed of Ontario residents.
Applicants should also meet any additional requirements established by the recommender theatre company to which they apply.
Who Is Not Eligible?
The following applicants are not eligible:
- Non-professional applicants.
- Employees of the recommending theatre company.
- Board members of the recommending theatre company.
- Immediate family members of employees or board members of the recommending theatre company.
Applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements before submitting an application.
What Projects Can Be Supported?
The program supports the development of new theatre-based work by professional theatre artists and collectives.
Applicants should demonstrate the artistic purpose of their project and explain how the proposed activities will contribute to the development of new work.
Specific priorities may vary between recommender theatre companies.
Recommender Theatre Company Priorities
Individual recommender theatre companies may have their own:
- Artistic priorities.
- Applicant preferences.
- Areas of interest.
- Project priorities.
These details are provided on the respective recommender theatre company’s page when the program is active.
Applicants should therefore identify a recommender that is appropriate for their proposed work and review its specific requirements before applying.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through Nova, the Ontario Arts Council’s online grant application system.
Applicants should prepare all required information and supporting materials before submitting their proposal.
The application should include:
- Details about the proposed project.
- Responses to the application questions.
- The name of the recommender theatre company.
- Artistic examples, where required.
- Required supporting documents.
Applicants should ensure that the application is complete and follows the requirements of the selected recommender theatre company.
Project Timeline Requirements
Funded activities must not begin before the recommender theatre company’s deadline.
Once applicants receive their grant results, funded activities must be completed within two years.
Applicants should therefore ensure that their proposed project schedule is realistic and complies with these timing requirements.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
Applicants should clearly communicate the artistic purpose and development needs of their proposed theatre project.
A strong application should:
- Clearly describe the new theatre-based work.
- Explain the project’s artistic goals.
- Demonstrate the professional nature of the applicant’s practice.
- Provide relevant artistic examples.
- Clearly answer all application questions.
- Identify the appropriate recommender theatre company.
- Include all required supporting documents.
- Provide a realistic project timeline.
Applicants should also review the specific priorities of their selected recommender theatre company before submitting their proposal.
Key Facts About the Recommender Grant Program
- Program: Recommender Grant Program
- Funder: Ontario Arts Council
- Location: Ontario, Canada
- Purpose: Development of new theatre-based work
- Eligible applicants: Professional theatre artists and eligible collectives
- Minimum grant: $1,000
- Maximum grant: $3,000
- Applications per program year: Up to five
- Application system: Nova
- Assessment: Designated recommender theatre companies
- Funding consideration: Recommender companies recommend projects to the Ontario Arts Council
- Application requirements: Project details, application questions, recommender company name, artistic examples where required, and supporting documents
- Project completion: Within two years of receiving grant results
- Eligible location: Ontario residents
- Organizations: Not eligible
- Non-professional applicants: Not eligible
Frequently Asked Questions About the Recommender Grant Program
What is the Recommender Grant Program?
The Recommender Grant Program supports professional theatre artists and collectives in Ontario developing new theatre-based work through a third-party recommender system.
How does the recommender system work?
Applicants submit proposals to designated theatre companies. These companies assess projects and recommend eligible projects to the Ontario Arts Council for funding.
How much funding can applicants receive?
Grants range from $1,000 to $3,000.
Can applicants receive less than they request?
Yes. Because demand is high and funds are limited, the grant awarded may be lower than the amount requested.
How many applications can an applicant submit?
Applicants can submit up to five applications per program year.
Can an applicant receive more than one grant?
Yes. Applicants may receive more than one grant in a program year, either for the same project or different projects, subject to the program’s annual grant limit.
Who is eligible to apply?
Professional theatre artists who are Ontario residents and eligible ad hoc groups or collectives primarily composed of Ontario residents can apply.
Are organizations eligible?
No. Organizations are not eligible to apply under the program.
Can non-professional theatre artists apply?
No. The program is intended for professional theatre artists and eligible professional collectives.
Where are applications submitted?
Applications must be submitted through Nova, the Ontario Arts Council’s online grant application system.
What should an application include?
Applications should include project details, responses to the application questions, the name of the recommender theatre company, artistic examples where required, and supporting documents.
Can recommender theatre companies have different priorities?
Yes. Individual recommender companies may have their own priority areas or applicant preferences. Applicants should review the relevant information when the program is active.
When can funded activities begin?
Funded activities must not begin before the recommender theatre company’s deadline.
How long do funded projects have to be completed?
Funded activities must be completed within two years of receiving the grant results.
Conclusion
The Recommender Grant Program provides professional theatre artists and collectives in Ontario with an opportunity to obtain $1,000 to $3,000 to support the development of new theatre-based work.
Through its third-party recommender system, the program allows designated theatre companies to assess and recommend projects to the Ontario Arts Council. With up to five applications permitted per program year and the possibility of receiving multiple grants, the programme offers flexible support for eligible theatre practitioners pursuing new creative work.
Applicants should carefully review the priorities of individual recommender theatre companies, prepare the required artistic and project materials, and submit their application through Nova while ensuring that proposed activities meet the program’s timeline requirements.
For more information, visit Ontario Arts Council.
