Literary Creation Projects (Works for Performance)

Overview of the Literary Creation Projects (Works for Performance) program:

This program is designed to foster the development of new literary works intended for live performance and is administered by the Ontario Arts Council (OAC). It provides financial assistance to writers who are creating original pieces in genres such as spoken word, storytelling, or hybrid forms that emphasize literary elements within a performance context. Unlike traditional publication-oriented literary grants, this program emphasizes works intended to be shared in a performative space with an audience, highlighting the interaction between literature and performance. The funding is intended to support the creative process, allowing writers to dedicate time and resources to writing, developing, and refining their work. It is not meant for production costs, rehearsals, or performance expenses, but rather to enable creators to concentrate on generating the literary content itself. The program acknowledges the unique creative and cultural role of literary performance in Ontario and supports diverse voices and innovative approaches to storytelling. Eligible applicants include both emerging and established Ontario-based writers, provided they meet the residency and experience criteria. The program aligns with OAC’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, supporting creators from a wide range of communities and backgrounds, including Indigenous, culturally diverse, deaf, disabled, and LGBTQIA2S+ artists.

Benefits of the Literary Creation Projects (Works for Performance) program:

• Financial support to dedicate time and resources to the writing process.
• Encourages the creation of innovative literary works in performance-based contexts.
• Supports diverse genres including spoken word, storytelling, and hybrid performance literature.
• Enables emerging and established writers to expand their practice.
• Recognizes and uplifts underrepresented voices within Ontarios literary arts community.
• Focuses on the creation stage, rather than production or performance expenses, ensuring strong literary foundations.
• Provides recognition through the support of a government-funded arts body.
• Offers potential visibility through the Ontario Arts Council network and funded projects list.
• Validates artistic projects through a competitive peer-assessment process.
• Aligns with OACs broader mandate to foster creativity, equity, and artistic innovation in Ontario.

Eligibility criteria of the Literary Creation Projects (Works for Performance) program:

• Applicants must be professional writers who are residents of Ontario.
• Must have a track record of published or publicly presented literary work.
• Writers may work in spoken word, storytelling, or other literary performance forms.
• Applicants must be Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents and have lived in Ontario for at least one year prior to the deadline.
• Writers who are full-time students are not eligible.
• Only individuals may apply (not collectives or organizations).
• Applicants may submit only one project per deadline.
• Writers must demonstrate the intent to produce work primarily for live performance.
• Work must be original and not previously produced or published.
• Emerging and established writers from equity-seeking communities are encouraged to apply.