Indigenous Artists in Communities

The Indigenous Artists in Communities and Schools Projects program supports Indigenous artists and Elders to lead arts-based projects in collaboration with communities and schools across Ontario, with the goal of sharing Indigenous cultures, stories, and creative knowledge through collaborative engagement.

Ontario Arts Council

Overview of the Indigenous Artists in Communities program:

Indigenous Artists in Communities provides funding for participatory activities that encourage learning, collaboration, and engagement between practicing Indigenous artists and individuals (who are not professional artists) in communities across Ontario. Projects may include workshops, collaborative art-making, storytelling, or other arts-based interactions that foster relationship-building and community connection through Indigenous artistic practice.

Benefits of the Indigenous Artists in Communities program:

Maximum grant amount of $15,000 to create projects that:
- Fosters cultural revitalization, community healing, and intergenerational knowledge sharing
- Connects schools and communities with Indigenous creative practices
- Builds relationships between artists, Elders, teachers, and learners
- Encourages culturally grounded art-making experiences
- Respects Indigenous artistic protocols and local governance

Eligibility criteria of the Indigenous Artists in Communities program:

To apply, you must be First Nations, Metis, or Inuit and based in Ontario. You can apply as:
Individual Indigenous Artists or Arts Professionals
Must be emerging, mid-career, or established
Must reside in Ontario
Ad Hoc Groups or Collectives
At least 50% of members must be Indigenous
All members must be professional artists or arts professionals
At least 50% must live in Ontario (or both, if only two members)
Indigenous-Led Organizations
Ontario-based not-for-profit Indigenous arts or non-arts organizations, centres, or councils
Must be led by Indigenous individuals
Culture Carriers
Recognized First Nations, Metis, or Inuit knowledge holders within their communities
Indigenous-Run Schools in Ontario
Schools operated by First Nations or Indigenous Education Authorities
May apply to bring in Indigenous artists for in-school projects
Co-Applicants
Both must be Indigenous
Grant will be split evenly between them