Applications open for Dance Projects in Canada

Deadline: 24-Sep-2026

The Dance Projects Program provides funding to support the creation, production, presentation, festivals, mentorship, training, and community development of professional dance projects across Ontario. Grants range from CAD 2,500 to CAD 20,000, supporting professional dance artists, collectives, and not-for-profit organizations while strengthening Ontario’s professional dance sector.

Dance Projects Program: Grants of up to CAD 20,000 for Professional Dance Projects in Ontario

The Dance Projects Program supports professional dance artists, collectives, festivals, presenters, and not-for-profit organizations in developing and presenting high-quality dance projects across Ontario. The program invests in artistic creation, professional development, community engagement, and audience growth while strengthening the province’s professional dance ecosystem.

The program encourages innovative dance practices, supports artistic excellence, and expands opportunities for professional choreographers, performers, presenters, and dance organizations.

Focus Areas

The program supports projects related to:

• Dance creation
• Dance production
• Dance presentation
• Dance festivals
• Dance series
• Professional choreography
• Community development
• Dance mentorship
• Professional training
• Dance capacity building
• Audience development
• Accessibility in dance
• Indigenous dance practices
• Urban dance
• Powwow dance
• Virtual dance presentations
• Professional artistic collaboration

Funding Information

Applicants may request funding under the following categories:

• Creation Projects: Up to CAD 5,000
• Production and Presentation Projects: Up to CAD 20,000
• Series and Festivals: Up to CAD 15,000
• Mentorship for Individuals: Up to CAD 2,500
• Training and Community Development: Up to CAD 7,500

Program Overview

The Dance Projects Program supports the full lifecycle of professional dance projects, from artistic development and creation to public presentation and community engagement.

The program also strengthens Ontario’s professional dance community by supporting mentorship, professional learning opportunities, and initiatives that address gaps in dance training across the province.

Priority is given to projects that demonstrate artistic excellence, increase opportunities for professional dance artists, and contribute to the long-term growth of Ontario’s dance sector.

Priority Areas

Preference is given to:

• Creation projects led by professional Ontario choreographers.
• Production and presentation projects featuring professional artists.
• Dance festivals and series that present artists other than the applicant’s own work.
• Training initiatives that address limited professional training opportunities in Ontario.
• Projects that strengthen professional dance practices and collaboration.

Eligible Expenses

Funding may be used for:

• Professional artists’ fees
• Choreographer fees
• Mentor fees
• Elder fees
• Production expenses
• Venue rental
• Studio rental
• Administration costs
• Marketing
• Audience development
• Virtual presentation platforms
• Archival recording
• Childcare expenses
• Dependant care expenses
• Accessibility services for participants
• Accessibility services for audiences
• Travel costs for invited artists
• Transportation
• Accommodation for key artists, collaborators, mentors, and teachers who are not residents of the applicant’s community

Eligible Applicants

The program is open to:

• Professional dance artists who are Ontario residents.
• Ontario-based ad hoc dance groups.
• Dance collectives.
• Dance arts professionals with dance expertise.
• Incorporated not-for-profit dance companies.
• Dance festivals.
• Dance series.
• Dance organizations headquartered in Ontario.
• Other incorporated not-for-profit organizations that engage qualified professional dance expertise.
• Eligible ad hoc groups and collectives delivering professional dance projects.

Mentorship Category

Only the following individuals may apply:

• Indigenous artists
• Deaf artists
• Artists with disabilities

Training and Community Development Category

Eligible applicants also include:

• Dance companies receiving Ontario Arts Council operating grants of CAD 30,000 or less
• Organizations led by:
  • Indigenous artists
  • Artists of colour
  • Deaf artists
  • Artists with disabilities

Ineligible Applicants

The following are not eligible:

• Organizations receiving specified Ontario Arts Council operating grants (except where permitted).
• Choreographers directing organizations already receiving operating funding.
• Members of ad hoc groups applying individually for the same activity.
• Dance studios.
• Dance schools.
• Full-time students.
• For-profit organizations.
• Colleges.
• Universities.
• Municipal governments.
• School boards.
• Public elementary schools.
• Public secondary schools.
• Private schools.
• Schools operated by First Nations or Indigenous Education Authorities.

Ineligible Activities

Funding cannot be used for:

• Activities taking place outside Ontario.
• Touring-related travel costs.
• Projects eligible under other Ontario Arts Council programs.
• Multi-arts projects.
• Interdisciplinary arts projects.
• Graduate degree projects.
• Thesis projects.
• Fundraising events.
• Competition-based dance activities (except urban dance and powwow dance).
• Amateur productions.
• Student productions.
• Pre-professional productions.
• Purchasing buildings.
• Leasing buildings.
• Building renovations.
• Major equipment purchases.
• Capital infrastructure projects.

Why This Program Matters

Ontario’s professional dance community contributes significantly to artistic innovation, cultural diversity, and community engagement. The Dance Projects Program helps artists develop new work, strengthen professional practice, expand public access to dance, and build sustainable careers.

The program also promotes inclusion, accessibility, Indigenous artistic practices, and opportunities for historically underrepresented communities within the professional dance sector.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to prepare a strong application:

1. Confirm your eligibility under the appropriate funding category.
2. Select the project stream that best matches your proposed activity.
3. Prepare a detailed project description.
4. Develop a realistic project budget.
5. Identify all eligible project expenses.
6. Gather supporting documentation.
7. Demonstrate professional artistic leadership and expertise.
8. Submit your completed application before the program deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of success:

• Clearly describe the artistic vision of your project.
• Demonstrate professional dance experience.
• Present a realistic and balanced budget.
• Show meaningful community or audience impact.
• Explain why the project is important to Ontario’s dance sector.
• Include experienced collaborators and mentors where appropriate.
• Address accessibility and inclusion within your project.
• Demonstrate effective project planning and implementation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

• Applying under the wrong funding category.
• Including ineligible project expenses.
• Proposing activities outside Ontario.
• Submitting incomplete budgets.
• Failing to demonstrate professional artistic involvement.
• Requesting support for student or amateur productions.
• Including major capital purchases.
• Missing required supporting documents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Dance Projects Program?

Professional Ontario-based dance artists, collectives, not-for-profit dance organizations, festivals, presenters, and eligible arts organizations.

What is the maximum funding available?

Funding ranges from CAD 2,500 for Mentorship projects to CAD 20,000 for Production and Presentation projects.

Can individual artists apply?

Yes. Professional Ontario-based dance artists may apply, while only Indigenous artists, Deaf artists, and artists with disabilities may apply under the Mentorship category.

What expenses are eligible?

Eligible expenses include artists’ fees, production costs, venue rental, marketing, accessibility services, childcare, travel for invited artists, and virtual presentation costs.

Are projects outside Ontario eligible?

No. Activities taking place outside Ontario are not eligible for funding.

Can dance schools apply?

No. Dance studios and dance schools are not eligible applicants.

Does the program fund building renovations or equipment purchases?

No. Major capital expenses such as purchasing buildings, renovations, leasing property, or buying major equipment are not eligible.

Conclusion

The Dance Projects Program provides CAD 2,500 to CAD 20,000 in funding to support professional dance creation, production, presentation, mentorship, festivals, and community development across Ontario. By investing in artistic excellence, accessibility, professional development, and innovative dance practices, the program strengthens Ontario’s professional dance community while expanding opportunities for artists and audiences alike.

For more information, visit Ontario Arts Council.