The Toronto Arts Council (TAC) Music Multi-Year Operating Program provides long-term funding to professional, non-profit music organizations in Toronto. The program supports music creation, production, presentation, artist development, audience engagement, and organizational stability while promoting equity and diversity in the city’s music community.

Program Overview

The Music Multi-Year Operating Program offers sustainable operational funding to professional, non-profit music organizations that contribute to Toronto’s cultural landscape. It is designed to strengthen organizations’ long-term planning, artistic excellence, and capacity to develop artists and audiences.

Key Objectives

• Provide multi-year operational support to professional, non-profit music organizations

• Support creation, production, and presentation of music across genres

• Develop artists and audiences through consistent programming

• Strengthen long-term organizational stability and planning

• Promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in programming, leadership, and audiences

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a professional, non-profit music organization based in Toronto

• Demonstrate strong artistic and administrative leadership

• Maintain diverse revenue sources

• Meet specific requirements for:

  • Choirs: minimum three self-presented concerts per season

  • Opera organizations: minimum two operas or workshops for new works

  • Orchestras, bands, ensembles: minimum three self-presented concerts per season

  • Presenters and festivals: curated professional programming aligned with artistic mandate

• Exclude capital or fundraising costs from budget requests

Application Requirements

• Submit applications online via TAC Grants Online

• Provide financial statements and statistical data through CADAC

• Include audio or video support material of recent work

• Peer assessment process includes equity considerations

Evaluation & Funding

• Applications are reviewed by the Music Committee and approved by the TAC Board

• Equity priorities are applied when multiple applications are equally strong

• Successful applicants receive a Letter of Understanding detailing:

  • Reporting schedules

  • Electronic funds transfer requirements

• Multi-year grants are disbursed in three equal annual installments contingent upon interim reporting and compliance

Obligations for Recipients

• Acknowledge Toronto Arts Council support in all promotional materials

• Adhere to non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies

• Funds must be repaid if:

  • Used for unapproved purposes

  • False information is provided

  • The organization ceases to operate or violates grant conditions

Why It Matters

• Ensures consistent, high-quality music programming in Toronto

• Supports Canadian musical works and diverse musical forms

• Enhances audience development and engagement

• Strengthens organizational resilience and leadership capacity

Conclusion

The TAC Music Multi-Year Operating Program provides a vital platform for professional music organizations in Toronto to grow, innovate, and sustain their artistic and administrative excellence. By offering long-term funding, the program empowers organizations to enrich the city’s cultural life while fostering equity, diversity, and high-quality musical experiences for audiences.