Deadline: 16-Oct-2025
The Ontario Arts Council presents a remarkable opportunity for Indigenous artists and arts professionals in Ontario to share their stories, skills, and cultural traditions through its Indigenous Artists in Communities and Schools Projects program.
Created exclusively for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artists, this initiative supports creative endeavors that bridge cultural expression and community engagement in both schools and broader communities.
This program invites Indigenous artists to design and lead participatory arts experiences that transmit artistic skills and cultural knowledge across generations. Whether working in a school setting, a community gathering, or within remote northern fly-in locations, the projects foster meaningful exchanges between professional Indigenous artists and participants of all ages, enriching cultural understanding and artistic practice.
Funding is carefully structured to reflect different contexts and needs. Grants of up to $15,000 are available for Indigenous Artists in Communities projects, up to $15,000 for Indigenous Artists in Schools projects, and up to $15,000 for Indigenous Languages Revitalization projects. For those working in northern fly-in communities, the program offers enhanced support with grants of up to $17,000. These resources help cover collaboration, travel, equipment, artist fees, and other essential costs that bring each project to life.
The program’s eligibility is inclusive of professional Indigenous artists in all career stages, as well as artist-led collectives, cultural organizations, language keepers, educators, and First Nations schools. Each applicant is encouraged to introduce their Indigenous identity and lived experience through their proposal, ensuring that the artwork and its impact remain deeply rooted in cultural authenticity and connection.
This initiative stands as a powerful resource for Indigenous artists seeking to strengthen cultural presence, nurture intergenerational learning, and contribute to the vibrant artistic fabric of Ontario. It creates a path for creative leadership that resonates within and beyond Indigenous communities.
For more information, visit Ontario Arts Council.