Indigenous Arts Projects

The Indigenous Arts Projects program provides project-based funding to Indigenous artists, collectives, and organizations in Ontario for the creation, production, and presentation of traditional or contemporary Indigenous arts in any discipline.
  • Ontario Art Council
Overview of the Indigenous Arts Projects program:

The Indigenous Arts Projects program supports First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artists, culture carriers, ad hoc groups, collectives, and Indigenous-led organizations who are creating or sharing arts experiences in Ontario. It is a multidisciplinary, flexible program that funds a wide range of Indigenous arts practices—whether customary or contemporary—including new works, events, exhibits, performances, and community projects. Projects must be Indigenous-led, grounded in Indigenous worldviews, and centered on arts creation, production, presentation, dissemination, or professional development. Applications are assessed by juries of Indigenous artists. The program embraces traditional forms like storytelling, beadwork, song, or drum-making, as well as contemporary practices like film, digital art, and installation. Applicants are encouraged to submit projects that reflect community engagement, cultural revitalization, or artistic innovation.

Benefits of the Indigenous Arts Projects program:
  • Grant amount(s)
  • Indigenous Individuals: maximum $15,000
  • Indigenous Ad hoc groups and collectives: maximum $20,000
  • Indigenous Organizations: maximum $25,000
  • Supports Indigenous-led arts creation, production, and community work
  • Funds projects across all artistic disciplines
  • Encourages the revitalization of Indigenous knowledge, stories, and language
  • Enables artistic and cultural self-determination
  • Can support both traditional and experimental practices
  • Applications are assessed by Indigenous peers to ensure cultural understanding and relevance
Eligibility criteria of the Indigenous Arts Projects program:
  • Eligible Applicants:
  • Professional Indigenous artists or culture carriers (emerging, mid-career, or established)
  • Ad hoc groups or collectives (50% or more Indigenous members, all professional artists)
  • Indigenous-led, not-for-profit Ontario-based organizations
  • Must be First Nations, Metis, or Inuit, and a resident of Ontario
  • Eligible Projects Include:
  • Creation of new works
  • Production, exhibition, or presentation
  • Community-engaged arts projects
  • Mentorships or workshops
  • Dissemination or promotion of Indigenous arts
  • Projects incorporating Indigenous language, knowledge, or ceremony
  • Intergenerational arts learning
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