Submissions open for Ontario Arts Presenters Projects (Canada)

Deadline: 12-Feb-2026

The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) Arts Presenters Projects provides grants to organizations across Ontario outside Toronto to present professional artistic work and strengthen community arts audiences. Funding supports volunteer-led groups, municipalities, and post-secondary institutions to increase access to arts, highlight Ontario artists, and foster public engagement in diverse creative disciplines.

Expanding Arts Access Across Ontario

The Arts Presenters Projects program aims to bring professional artistic work to communities with limited arts access, particularly in isolated or remote areas. The initiative encourages meaningful public engagement, participation, and cultural enrichment across a wide range of artistic disciplines.

Objectives of the Program

• Expand arts access in regions outside Toronto
• Strengthen community engagement and participation in the arts
• Support Ontario-based artists and cultural experiences
• Highlight the role of volunteer-led arts organizations in sustaining local arts activity
• Promote inclusive arts programming in remote and underserved communities

Eligible Applicants

• Ontario-based presenting organizations
• Volunteer-led ad hoc groups and collectives
• Municipalities, colleges, and universities hosting professional arts presentations
• Applicants must present professional artists and provide audience engagement opportunities

Eligible Projects

• Presentations in a variety of artistic disciplines, including:
  • Music
  • Theatre
  • Dance
  • Literature
  • Visual Arts
  • Media Arts
  • Interdisciplinary practices
• Projects should aim to build stronger, more connected arts audiences

Funding Details

• Volunteer-led organizations and groups: Up to $7,500
• Municipalities, colleges, and universities: Up to $5,000
• Funding supports presentation costs, audience engagement activities, and artist fees

How to Apply / How it Works

1. Confirm eligibility as a presenting organization or volunteer-led group
2. Develop a project proposal highlighting the artistic presentation and audience engagement plan
3. Prepare a budget and timeline for the project
4. Submit the application through the Ontario Arts Council portal
5. Upon approval, implement the project and report on audience reach and engagement outcomes

Why This Program Matters

• Increases access to professional arts programming in underserved communities
• Supports regional Ontario artists and cultural diversity
• Encourages volunteer leadership and community-driven arts initiatives
• Strengthens audience development and participation in the arts

Tips for Applicants

• Focus on community engagement and audience-building strategies
• Clearly identify Ontario artists involved in the project
• Include detailed budgets and timelines
• Highlight the impact on regional or remote communities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply?

Ontario-based presenting organizations, volunteer-led groups, municipalities, colleges, and universities outside Toronto.

2. What types of projects are eligible?

Professional arts presentations in music, theatre, dance, literature, visual arts, media arts, and interdisciplinary practices.

3. How much funding is available?

Volunteer-led organizations: up to $7,500; municipalities, colleges, and universities: up to $5,000.

4. Are remote communities eligible?

Yes. Projects in isolated or hard-to-reach areas are strongly encouraged.

5. Can post-secondary institutions apply?

Yes, colleges and universities presenting professional artists to build community engagement are eligible.

6. What is the main goal of the program?

To strengthen arts audiences, increase access to professional artistic work, and foster community engagement across Ontario.

7. Are Ontario artists prioritized?

Yes, projects that highlight Ontario artists and their work are given particular value.

Conclusion

The Arts Presenters Projects program enables Ontario communities outside Toronto to experience professional artistic work, foster audience development, and strengthen volunteer-led arts initiatives, supporting the growth of inclusive, vibrant arts ecosystems across the province.

For more information, visit Ontario Arts Council.