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