Music Creation Projects

Overview of the Music Creation Projects program:

The Music Creation Projects is a funding opportunity which aims to support Ontario-based professional artists in creating original musical works. This is a program by the Ontario Arts Council which assists music creators at all career stages, working in all music genres/styles. The program has two categories: 1. Self-directed creation - Projects where the applicant is an individual creator who is requesting support for composing/writing a new piece of music or body of work (for example, a song set). The applicant is taking their own initiative and making their own decisions about the music to be created. 2. Commissioning - Projects where the applicant is an individual composer/songwriter working with a commissioner. The commissioner can be an individual artist, music group or non-profit arts organization, choreographer or dance company, who makes a commitment to give the proposed commissioned work a première.

Benefits of the Music Creation Projects program:

• The programs priorities are to support:
  • Projects that display exceptional creativity in composition and song-writing
  • Projects that enhance the range of music available to performers and the public
  • Projects that, in addition to the above, may contribute to arts education, public participation and community involvement in the arts in Ontario (for example, composition for childrens choir)
• Grant amount(s)
• Self-directed creation: maximum $4,000
• Commissioning: maximum $20,000

Eligibility criteria of the Music Creation Projects program:

• To apply for this program, the following guidelines must be followed:
• Individuals
• Professional composers, songwriters and music creators, who are Ontario residents
• Note:
  • Eligible songwriters must be creating music and words, or the music in partnership with a lyricist or poet. They cannot write only the song texts.
  • Others may be involved in the creative process. This could include commissioners where applicable, musicians, band members, lyricists, etc.)
• For applicants applying for music commissions only:
• Composers are the applicant and commissioners of the new music are required participants.
• Commissioners can be professional individual artists (music performers, choreographers) music groups, not-for-profit arts organization or dance company. Commissioners not entirely comprised of professional musicians, such as community orchestras or choirs, are also possible.
• Commissioners where music performance is not a primary activity, (e.g. an art gallery), are eligible. However, commissioners must describe their music programming curation and the context in which the new work will be presented to the public.
• Projects with commissioners located outside Ontario are eligible. The world premiere may occur elsewhere, but any plans for the first Ontario performance must be provided.
• Commissions suitable for young performers are eligible if the impact on learners or its potential for future use by the music education community can be demonstrated.