Public Art Galleries: Operating

Overview of the Public Art Galleries: Operating program:

The Public Art Galleries: Operating program is a funding opportunity by the Ontario Arts Council which aims to support the operations of public art galleries in Ontario. This includes ongoing operation of not-for-profit, professional public art galleries that can be found in Ontario and those that demonstrate a commitment to Ontario's visual infrastructure.

Benefits of the Public Art Galleries: Operating program:

• The programs priorities are to support diverse public art galleries that demonstrate a commitment to Ontarios visual arts infrastructure, including exhibition/presentation, production, distribution, artist development, and opportunities created for the public to interact with contemporary visual art.

Eligibility criteria of the Public Art Galleries: Operating program:

• To qualify for this program, the following criteria must be followed:
• Ontario-based, not-for-profit corporations, or national not-for-profit corporations with the head office in Ontario
• Organizations must have:
  • At least $75,000 in total revenues for the last fiscal year, and in projected revenues for the current and requested years (for applicants not currently receiving funding from this program)
  • At least two years of sustained, regular, ongoing programming, as of the application date. If your organization does not meet this requirement, consider applying for project funding
  • A range of revenue sources
  • An active board of directors/governing body
• Public art galleries must:
  • Have a distinct and separate space solely for gallery purposes that is secure and dedicated to exhibitions and interpretation of contemporary visual art. The organizations mandate may also include the collection of visual art
  • Serve the public with visual arts programming for a minimum of 10 months of the year and for a minimum of 1,500 hours. The hours may include hours open to the public, hours reserved for public school tours, and events
  • Employ professional staff, including a full-time director (minimum 35 hours per week). The director is responsible for the gallerys operations, programs and services. This person may also serve as the gallerys curator
  • Meet the physical standards relating to security, environmental control, art storage and collection management set out in the Galeries Ontario / Ontario Galleries (GOG) publication Environmental Standards for Art Galleries
  • Adhere to a code of professional standards, ethics and legal requirements set out by GOG, Canadian Museums Association and the Canadian Art Museum Directors Organization
  • Pay exhibition, copyright and reproduction fees to professional artists