Deadline: 15-Oct-2025
The Ontario Arts Council offers a vibrant opportunity for Ontario’s Deaf artists and artists with disabilities through a special granting program designed to support their creative pursuits.
This initiative invites professional artists, arts professionals, collectives, and disability-led organizations based in Ontario to submit project proposals that are driven and led by Deaf artists or those with disabilities. Funding is available in three streams—creation, production, and professional development—each designed to catalyze artistic exploration and growth.
In the creation stream, applicants might explore new ideas, conduct research, or develop promising concepts into tangible art. Available funds can help cover artist fees, space or equipment rental, travel, accommodation, meals, research materials, and even small-scale equipment or software needed to support the creative process. The production stream builds on this by supporting the actual realization of artworks across disciplines—from music and media arts to theatre, dance, visual art, and beyond—offering support that might include production costs, venue and administrative expenses, and marketing or promotional efforts led by Ontario-based professionals.
For artists keen to expand their practice through learning and growth, the professional development stream funds activities like workshops, mentorships, internships, apprenticeships, or the professional documentation of work. The program recognizes the importance of support systems, offering assistance with childcare, dependent care, and accessibility requirements for participants or audiences. Creators can also apply for supplementary support through a separate accessibility fund to cover their own additional access needs.
Each stream offers up to $10,000 in funding. Applicants can seek grants of up to $10,000 for creation projects, up to $10,000 for production projects, and up to $10,000 for professional development initiatives. These funds aim to give artists the flexibility to bring meaningful projects to life and pursue growth opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach.
Artists who seek assistance in the application process are encouraged to reach out at least four weeks in advance. Award decisions are expected to be communicated approximately three and a half months after the deadline, placing notifications in early 2026.
While the program provides significant support, the number of applicants typically exceeds available resources, meaning that successful grants may fall below the maximum amount. The Council aims to balance its budget across many deserving projects, striving to support a diversity of artistic voices.
This initiative presents a significant chance for Deaf artists and artists with disabilities across Ontario to conceive, develop, and expand their creative projects. Whether developing fresh ideas, bringing work into the world, or building professional skills, this program supports artists in making their visions come alive, while also fostering greater inclusion and equity in Ontario’s vibrant arts landscape.
For more information, visit Ontario Arts Council.
