Overview
The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) offers the Exhibition Assistance Program. This program, available through the Nova online granting system, supports Ontario-based visual, craft, and media artists and collectives. It aids in presenting their artwork in confirmed public exhibitions. Program details, including deadlines and eligibility, may change, so it’s crucial to check this page regularly, especially after the program opens in Nova.
Purpose
The aim is to support artists in showcasing their artwork. This includes visual arts, craft, and media art practices.
Application Process
Artists apply through Nova, OAC’s online system, to designated galleries and organizations (recommenders). These recommenders evaluate applications and suggest grants to OAC. More information is available in the section “About Recommender Grants.”
Program Priorities
In addition to OAC’s priority groups, recommenders may set their funding priorities.
Deadlines
The 2023-24 program runs from early June 2023 to January 16, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. ET. Each recommender sets their own deadlines or assesses applications continually until their budget is exhausted. Check the “Recommenders for Exhibition Assistance” webpage for specific deadlines.
Notification Process
- Recommenders with set deadlines: Notification occurs up to two months after the deadline.
- Recommenders assessing continuously: Notification comes within two months of application submission.
- Note: Notifications might arrive after the exhibition has started or ended. Retroactive grants are possible.
Grant Amounts
- Minimum: $500
- Maximum: $2,000
- Up to three concurrent applications allowed, each for a different exhibition.
- Maximum $2,000 per year, possibly from multiple recommenders and exhibitions.
- Restrictions apply for multiple grants in a single program year.
Important Guidelines
- Limit of three applications per program year.
- If awarded for the same expenses by different recommenders, contact OAC.
- Review all guidelines carefully, especially regarding eligibility and expenses.
Recent Changes
- No need to apply before the exhibition start date.
- Photo printing is now an eligible expense.
Eligible Applicants
- Professional visual, craft, and media artists residing in Ontario with confirmed exhibitions.
- Ontario-based collectives with confirmed exhibitions.
Collectives
- Defined as groups of two or more artists working and exhibiting collaboratively.
- Application can be in the collective’s name or through an individual representative.
- Grant limits apply to individual representatives.
Ineligible Applicants
- Full-time undergraduate or graduate students.
- Incorporated organizations, both non-profit and for-profit.
- Curators.
Funding Coverage
- Grants cover costs related to presenting artwork in public exhibitions.
- Includes presentation costs, equipment, technical fees, transportation, venue rent, promotional expenses, and insurance.
- Only costs not covered by the gallery or presenter are eligible.
Eligible Exhibitions
- Exhibitions in Ontario, other Canadian provinces, and internationally.
- Various venue types, including public art galleries, artist-run centers, and commercial galleries.
- Solo, group, DIY, and alternative location exhibitions are eligible.
- Art fairs and collective studio tours also qualify.
- Virtual/online exhibitions are eligible under specific conditions.
Exclusions
- Ineligible expenses include art materials, studio costs, artist’s fees, travel, accommodation, catalogues, and hospitality.
- Ineligible exhibitions include private venues, theatrical-style screenings, academic credit exhibitions, and self-presented online shows.
Activity Timing
- The exhibition must start on or after January 13, 2023.
- It must conclude within two years of receiving grant notification.
Final Report Requirements
- Completion of the project and submission of a final report in Nova are mandatory.
- Report must detail the project, expenses, and promotional materials.
- Recognition of OAC support is required.
Application Instructions
- Submit through Nova, including exhibition details, budget, application questions, recommender choice, and artistic examples.
- Support documents, including a résumé and exhibition confirmation, are required.
- See Nova User Guide for detailed instructions.
