The Ontario Dance Projects Funding program supports the creation, production, and presentation of live and virtual dance in Ontario, along with mentorship, training, and community development initiatives. Funding ranges from $2,500 to $20,000 across five categories. Eligible applicants include professional Ontario-based dance artists, collectives, and not-for-profit dance organizations.

The Ontario Dance Projects Funding program supports professional dance activity in Ontario by funding:

• Creation of new choreographic work

• Production and public presentation of dance

• Dance series and festivals

• Mentorship for specific communities

• Training and community development initiatives

The program strengthens Ontario’s professional dance sector through artistic development, public engagement, mentorship, and skills-building.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

• Support artistic creation and choreographic research

• Enable live and virtual public presentations

• Strengthen professional development in dance

• Encourage mentorship and equity in access

• Build community capacity within Ontario’s dance sector

Funding Categories and Maximum Grant Amounts

The program offers five distinct categories, each with a defined maximum grant amount.

1. Creation Projects

Maximum: $5,000

Supports:

• Choreography

• Artistic research

• Development of new work

A public showing of the work or work-in-progress is required.

2. Production and Presentation Projects

Maximum: $20,000

Supports:

• Artistic, production, and presentation costs

• Live or virtual public sharing

• Remounting existing work

• Commissions

• Tour preparation

3. Series and Festivals

Maximum: $15,000

Supports:

• Presentation of professional choreographers and dance companies

• Curated programming

Priority is given to projects where applicants do not present their own work.

4. Mentorship – Individuals

Maximum: $2,500

Supports mentorship for:

• Indigenous artists training in Indigenous dance practices

• Deaf artists

• Artists with disabilities

5. Training and Community Development

Maximum: $7,500

Supports:

• Workshops

• Forums

• Master classes

• Equity and access initiatives

• Community-focused dance activities

This category prioritizes initiatives addressing limited training opportunities in Ontario.

Eligible Expenses

Funding may cover costs necessary for project realization, including:

• Artists’ and mentors’ fees

• Production and staging costs

• Marketing and audience development

• Administrative expenses

• Venue or studio rentals

• Virtual platform costs

• Archival recording

• Travel and accommodation for collaborators

• Childcare and dependent care costs

• Accessibility expenses for Deaf participants and participants with disabilities

Expenses must be directly related to the funded dance project.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Professional dance artists who are residents of Ontario

• Ontario-based ad hoc groups and collectives of dance artists or arts professionals with expertise in dance

• Incorporated not-for-profit dance companies

• Dance series and dance festivals

• Other Ontario-based not-for-profit organizations or collectives working in dance or another arts discipline supported by the Ontario Arts Council

Applicants must demonstrate appropriate professional dance expertise in the project through direct involvement or advisory participation.

What Qualifies as a Professional Dance Project?

Within this program, professional dance projects are those that:

• Engage professional artists or arts professionals

• Present work to public audiences (live or virtual) where required

• Contribute to artistic growth, sector development, or public engagement

• Demonstrate professional standards in choreography, production, or presentation

How to Apply

Step 1: Select the Appropriate Category

Choose the funding stream that aligns with your project goals (Creation, Production, Series, Mentorship, or Training).

Step 2: Define Project Scope

Clearly outline:

• Artistic objectives

• Participants and collaborators

• Public showing or presentation (if required)

• Timeline

Step 3: Prepare a Budget

Include eligible costs such as:

• Artist fees

• Production expenses

• Accessibility costs

• Administrative and venue expenses

Step 4: Demonstrate Professional Expertise

Show how qualified dance professionals are directly involved or advising the project.

Step 5: Submit Application

Follow the Ontario Arts Council application process and deadlines.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Selecting the wrong funding category

• Failing to include a required public showing (Creation category)

• Presenting primarily self-produced work under Series and Festivals

• Not demonstrating professional dance expertise

• Including ineligible or unrelated expenses

• Omitting accessibility considerations where relevant

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum funding available?

Funding ranges from $2,500 to $20,000 depending on the category.

2. Can projects be virtual?

Yes. Production and presentation projects may be live or virtual.

3. Is mentorship funding open to all artists?

The Mentorship – Individuals category specifically supports Indigenous artists, Deaf artists, and artists with disabilities.

4. Do Creation projects require a public showing?

Yes. A showing of the work or work-in-progress is required.

5. Can collectives apply?

Yes. Ontario-based ad hoc groups and collectives are eligible.

6. Are childcare and accessibility costs eligible?

Yes. Childcare, dependent care, and accessibility-related costs are eligible expenses.

7. Must applicants be based in Ontario?

Yes. Applicants must be residents or have a head office in Ontario.

Conclusion

The Ontario Dance Projects Funding program provides structured support across five categories to strengthen dance creation, presentation, mentorship, and professional development in Ontario.

With grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000, the program supports professional artists, collectives, and organizations engaged in advancing Ontario’s dance sector through high-quality artistic work and community-focused initiatives.