How do I apply for Exhibition Assistance - Ontario Arts Council?

You can apply online through the official program website. Visit the application portal to submit your application.

What industries are eligible for Exhibition Assistance - Ontario Arts Council?

Eligible industries include: visual arts, craft, media arts.

Who administers Exhibition Assistance - Ontario Arts Council?

This program is administered by arts.on.ca.

Are there similar programs to Exhibition Assistance - Ontario Arts Council?

Yes! Canada Grants Database has similar programs in the Arts, Culture & Creative Industries category. Browse our database to find more options that match your needs.

How can I improve my chances of getting approved for Exhibition Assistance - Ontario Arts Council?

Our detailed breakdown covers step-by-step application instructions, required document checklists, and eligible expense breakdowns so you know exactly what to prepare before applying.

Exhibition Assistance - Ontario Arts Council

arts.on.ca

🎨 Arts, Culture & Creative Industries🗺️ Provincial🏪 Small Business🌱 Early-Stage🏘️ Community Partnership

This program supports Ontario-based artists and artist collectives working in visual arts, craft, and media art practices for the presentation of their artwork in a confirmed public exhibition. Grants assist with artists' costs related to the presentation of artwork in a confirmed, public exhibition, up to $2,000. The 2026-2027 program is open from early June 2026 until January 15, 2027.

Funding

$500 - $2,000

Deadline

See website

Status

Accepting Applications

What Benefits Are Offered?

grant

Funding to assist professional visual, craft, and media artists or collectives with presentation costs for confirmed public exhibitions.

Who Is Eligible?

Business Size: small

Industries: visual arts, craft, media arts

Region: Ontario

Demographics: Artists of Colour, Deaf Artists and Artists with Disabilities, Francophone Artists, Indigenous Artists, New Generation Artists (18-30 year olds), Artists Living In Regions Outside Toronto

Other Criteria: professional artists, artist collectives (unincorporated groups of two or more who create collaboratively and exhibit together), have a confirmed, public exhibition (solo, group, DIY, art fairs, studio tours, trade fairs; virtual/online if presented by professional platform), exhibition must start on or after January 15, 2026, exhibition must be completed no more than two years after grant notification, must apply to a recommender located in their zone (or a specialized recommender)

🏆 Detailed Application Guide

Preview of what's included with full access:

📋What Are the Application Steps & Timeline?

📝Steps to Apply: Create or update your profile in Nova, OAC’s online grant application system.
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🌐Application Portal: https://nova.arts.on.ca
📤Submission Method: online
📅Key Dates: early June 2026Application period opens
January 15, 2027, 1:00 p.m. ETApplication deadline
🔄Intake Type: fixed-deadline

📄What Documents Are Required?

✅Required Documents: Completed application form
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📎Optional Documents: Letters of support from collaborators or partners
📐Format Requirements: PDF only, max 10MB
📥Templates Available: Application Form
✉️Supporting Letters: Letters of support are recommended but not mandatory.

💰What Expenses Are Eligible?

🧾Eligible Expenses: presentation costs
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🚫Ineligible Expenses: art materials
studio costs
artist’s fees for exhibition and installation
artist’s travel
artist’s accommodation
catalogues and documentation of artwork
hospitality
💳Payment Model: reimbursement
⏪Retroactive Expenses Eligible: Yes

🤝Is Matching Funding Required?

🔀Matching Required: Yes
📊Matching Ratio: 50%
🏦Eligible Matching Sources: cash
in-kind contributions
📚Stacking Rules: You cannot receive more than one Exhibition Assistance grant to cover the same expenses.
🛡️Proof of Matching Required: Documentation confirming your exhibition (contract, letter of confirmation on letterhead, or email correspondence).

📊What Are the Reporting Requirements?

🗓️Reporting Frequency: final only
📑Reporting Requirements: a description of the project undertaken and its outcomes
final expenses, if different from original application expenses
an exhibition announcement or other document used to promote the exhibition to the public (1 to 3 images or a link)
🔍Audit Requirements: No specific audit requirements mentioned.
📢Branding Requirements: You must describe how you recognized OAC support during or after the exhibition.
🗄️Record Retention Period: null