Call for Proposals: Media Artists Creation Projects (Canada)

The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) Media Artists Creation Projects program provides up to $10,000 for Emerging Artists and up to $40,000 for Mid-Career and Established Artists in Ontario. The grant supports independent, artist-controlled media projects in production and post-production across film, video, audio, digital media, games, and virtual reality. Applications are due March 17, 2026 at 1 p.m. ET, and projects must be completed within two years of receiving funding.

What Is the Media Artists Creation Projects Program?

The Media Artists Creation Projects program supports Ontario-based professional media artists and directors working independently in:

• Film

• Video

• Audio art

• Digital and new media

• Video and electronic games

• Virtual reality (VR)

The program funds innovative, original projects that contribute to the applicant’s artistic growth and development.

This grant supports individual, artist-controlled projects in the production and post-production stages. Commercial media production is not eligible.

Program Objectives

The program prioritizes projects that:

• Demonstrate originality in content, point of view, form, style, technique, or process

• Contribute to the applicant’s ongoing artistic development

• Reflect diversity and gender parity

• Align with OAC priority groups

Projects must be creatively led by the applicant, who retains copyright and independent artistic control.

Funding Available

Grant Amounts

• Emerging Artists: Up to $10,000

• Mid-Career and Established Artists: Up to $40,000

Maximum Total Project Budget

• Emerging Artists: Up to $125,000

• Mid-Career and Established Artists: Up to $300,000

Applicants may request up to 100% of project costs, but securing additional revenue sources is encouraged.

Eligible Media Art Forms

Applications are accepted in a wide range of media arts, including:

• Documentary

• Narrative film

• Animation

• Experimental media

• Audio art

• Dance film or video

• Media installations

• New media

• Web-based art

• Video or electronic games

• Virtual reality

Projects must be original and independently directed or led by the applicant.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Reside in Ontario

• Be the director or principal media artist

• Hold copyright over the proposed work

• Make independent creative decisions (with or without a producer)

Emerging Artists

Must:

• Have completed at least one independent media work

• Not be enrolled in a formal media arts education program

Mid-Career Artists

Must:

• Have completed at least two independent works

• Have a minimum of five years of professional practice

Established Artists

Must:

• Have completed at least two independent works

• Have at least fifteen years of professional practice

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following are not eligible:

• Producers (unless they are the principal creative artist)

• Undergraduate and secondary school students

• Individuals without independent directing or lead artist credits

• Applicants awaiting results from or awarded certain other OAC programs in the same year

• Commercial media productions

Eligible Expenses

Funding may cover production and post-production costs such as:

• Artist and personnel fees

• Travel

• Insurance

• Equipment rentals

• Small-scale equipment purchases

• Software

• Accessibility-related costs

• Dependent care expenses directly enabling participation

All expenses must directly support project completion.

Project Timeline Requirements

• Projects must not begin before grant results are announced

• Projects must be completed within two years of receiving the grant cheque

• Results are released approximately 4.5 months after the application deadline

Application Deadline

• March 17, 2026

• 1:00 p.m. ET

Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure you:

• Meet residency requirements

• Qualify as Emerging, Mid-Career, or Established

• Hold copyright

• Are not enrolled as a student (if applying as Emerging)

Step 2: Develop a Strong Project Proposal

Your application should clearly outline:

• Concept and artistic vision

• Innovation and originality

• Artistic development goals

• Production timeline

• Audience or impact considerations

Step 3: Prepare Budget

Include:

• Detailed production and post-production costs

• Clear justification for expenses

• Total project budget within maximum limits

Step 4: Gather Work Samples

Submit high-quality artistic work samples demonstrating:

• Directing ability

• Creative leadership

• Professional standards

Step 5: Submit Through Nova System

Applications must be submitted via the OAC Nova online system and include:

• Project description

• Budget

• Artistic support materials

• Required documentation

Reporting Requirements

Successful applicants must submit:

• A final report describing project outcomes

• A final budget

• Acknowledgement of Ontario Arts Council support

• Documentation of the completed work

Failure to report may affect eligibility for future grants.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Starting the project before funding results are announced

2. Submitting incomplete work samples

3. Applying as a producer without creative leadership

4. Exceeding maximum project budget limits

5. Applying while enrolled in a formal media arts program (Emerging category)

6. Proposing commercial media content

Strong applications emphasize artistic originality and independent creative control.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much funding can I request?

Emerging Artists can request up to $10,000. Mid-Career and Established Artists can request up to $40,000.

2. Can I apply for 100% of project costs?

Yes, but applicants are encouraged to seek additional funding sources.

3. Can I start production before results are announced?

No. Projects must not begin before grant results are released.

4. What is the maximum total project budget?

$125,000 for Emerging Artists and $300,000 for Mid-Career and Established Artists.

5. Are commercial productions eligible?

No. The program supports independent, artist-controlled projects only.

6. How long do I have to complete the project?

Projects must be completed within two years of receiving the grant cheque.

7. How are applications submitted?

Applications must be submitted through the Nova online system.

Conclusion

The Ontario Arts Council Media Artists Creation Projects program provides significant support for independent, Ontario-based media artists working across film, digital media, games, and virtual reality. With grants of up to $40,000 and flexible funding for production and post-production, the program enables artists to pursue innovative and original creative work.

Professional media artists who meet eligibility criteria should prepare a clear, artist-driven proposal and submit a complete application through the Nova system by March 17, 2026 at 1 p.m. ET to be considered for funding.