Indigenous Artists in Communities and Schools Projects
Indigenous Artists in Communities and Schools Projects is a multidisciplinary program supporting projects that bring together Ontario-based, professional Indigenous artists and arts professionals in communities and schools to provide access to the arts and create meaningful art experiences that transmit Indigenous artistic skills and cultural knowledge to participants.
The program is open to emerging, mid-career, and established Indigenous artists and arts professionals.
Offered by Ontario Arts Council (OAC)
Amount
Indigenous Artists in Communities: maximum $15,000; Indigenous Artists in Schools: maximum $15,000; Indigenous Languages Revitalization: maximum $15,000; Indigenous Artists in Northern Fly-in Communities: maximum $17,000
Quick eligibility check
Who can apply
- This program is for Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Métis) applicants only. In the application you will be required to state your Indigenous nation and community and clearly speak to your lived experience.
- Vulnerable sector screenings are required for those working directly with vulnerable groups. For more information visit .
Eligible applicants
- Professional artists and arts professionals (emerging, mid-career, or established) who are First Nations, Métis, or Inuit, and are residents of Ontario
- Ontario-based ad hoc groups and collectives comprised of a minimum of 50 per cent Indigenous members
- Note: All members must be professional artists or arts professionals. At least 50 per cent of members must reside in Ontario (or both members in the case of two-person collectives).
- Indigenous-led Ontario-based not-for-profit Indigenous arts organizations, non-arts organizations, centres and councils
- Culture Carriers who are First Nations, Inuit, or Métis (see definition below)
- Ontario schools run by First Nations or Indigenous Education Authorities, applying to bring in Indigenous artists
Note: Co-applicants are eligible. Both co-applicants must be Indigenous. In such situations, grant amounts awarded will be split equally between the co-applicants.
Read the Guide to OAC Project Programs for more eligibility information.
The activities for which you are requesting funding:
- cannot start before the deadline
- cannot finish before you receive your grant results
- must be completed no more than two years after you receive the grant results. Note: Project completion schedule should consider the time required to fulfill OAC acknowledgement obligations (see Final report requirements section below).
About the funding
- Indigenous Artists in Communities: maximum $15,000
- Indigenous Artists in Schools: maximum $15,000
- Indigenous Languages Revitalization: maximum $15,000
- Indigenous Artists in Northern Fly-in Communities: maximum $17,000
Show all funding details
Due to the number of applications received and the limited funds available, grants awarded may be smaller than the amount requested.
Note: Co-applicants are eligible. Both co-applicants must be Indigenous. In such situations, grant amounts awarded will be split equally between the co-applicants.
- co-creation, production, exhibition and presentation activities in all arts disciplines communities and schools, where community or school members are the audience or participants
- workshop series, art camps, summer programs, experiential arts learning activities, after-school art programs, community pow wows
- arts activities held in schools, community centres, health centres and galleries as well as site specific and land-based projects
- fees and expenses for Indigenous Culture Carriers; this term includes Elders, knowledge keepers, traditional educators and language holders (see definition)
- fees and expenses to support plans for community care and cultural safety (for example, Aunties, Elders, or social workers)
- preparation time, insurance for the project's duration, vulnerable sector checks, and administrative activities
- transportation, accommodations and meals, materials and supplies, and equipment rental (if applicable)
- purchase of small-scale equipment, software, electronics and similar materials required to carry out the project
This program also supports:
- childcare and other dependent care fees enabling individuals to take part in the project (this does not include regular, ongoing expenses)
- expenses related to making the project accessible to audience members and project participants (other than the applicant) who are Deaf or have a disability
- Note: Applicants to this program who identify as Deaf or as having a disability may apply for supplementary funds for their own accessibility expenses through Accessibility Fund: Project Support.
Similar programs
| Program | Type | Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artists in Communities and Schools Projects | Grant | Planning: maximum $7,500 | Open |
| Exhibition Assistance | Grant | Up to $2,000 | Open |
| Indigenous Visual Artists’ Materials | Grant | Grants of $500 or $1,000 to help cover the cost of buying art materials and supplies only | Open |
