Call for Applications: Multi and Inter-Arts Projects (Canada)

The Multi and Inter-Arts Projects Program provides funding support to professional Ontario artists, collectives, ad hoc groups, and organizations for projects that combine two or more artistic disciplines. The program supports artistic creation, production, festivals, and professional development initiatives with grants of up to $20,000 depending on the funding category.

This program aims to strengthen Ontario’s professional arts sector by encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, experimentation, and community-focused artistic activities.

Multi and Inter-Arts Projects Program Overview

The Multi and Inter-Arts Projects Program supports professional artists and arts organizations in Ontario that create, produce, and present projects involving multiple artistic disciplines.

The program focuses on projects where different art forms work together in meaningful ways to create unique artistic experiences.

Supported activities include:

Development of new multi-arts and interdisciplinary artworks
Production and presentation of artistic projects
Arts festivals and recurring creative events
Professional development and sector-building initiatives

The program benefits Ontario’s professional multi- and inter-arts community by supporting innovative approaches to artistic creation and presentation.

What Are Multi and Inter-Arts Activities?

Multi- and inter-arts activities are projects where two or more artistic forms are equally important in the creation, production, or presentation of the work.

These projects may involve different disciplines such as:

Theatre
Dance
Music
Literature
Visual arts
Media arts
Digital and experimental arts

Artistic forms can either:

Work together while maintaining their individual identities, or
Combine to create a new artistic form or experience

A multi-arts project should demonstrate collaboration between disciplines rather than simply including different types of artists.

Examples include:

A theatre production combining live music, digital media, and visual installations
A festival integrating dance, literature, and multimedia performances
An interactive community project combining technology and performance art

Program Funding Categories and Grant Amounts

The program provides funding through four major categories.

Creation

Maximum Grant: $10,000

The Creation category supports the early development stages of new multi- and inter-arts projects.

Funding may support:

Artistic research
Creative exploration
Experimentation
Concept development
Initial artistic development costs

This funding helps artists explore and develop innovative ideas before production.

Production and Presentation

Maximum Grant: $20,000

The Production and Presentation category supports the creation, production, and public presentation of multi- and inter-arts works.

Eligible activities may include:

Artistic production costs
Public performances
Exhibitions
Presentations
Technical and production requirements

This category provides the highest funding amount under the program.

Series/Festivals

Maximum Grant: $15,000

The Series/Festivals category supports arts activities presented:

At regular intervals, or
During a defined and concentrated period

Funding may support:

Festival programming
Event presentation
Audience engagement activities
Promotion and marketing expenses

Development Initiatives

Maximum Grant: $8,000

The Development Initiatives category supports projects that strengthen Ontario’s multi- and inter-arts sector.

Examples include:

Professional development workshops
Training programs
Conferences
Community-building activities
Knowledge-sharing initiatives

Who Is Eligible?

The program is open to professional artists, groups, collectives, and organizations that meet the eligibility requirements.

Eligible applicants include:

Professional Ontario Artists

Applicants must:

Be professional artists
Live in Ontario
Be actively engaged in professional artistic practice

Ad Hoc Groups and Collectives

Groups and collectives are eligible if:

At least 50% of members reside in Ontario
Members are professionally involved in artistic activities

Incorporated Not-for-Profit Arts Organizations

Organizations must:

Be based in Ontario
Have their head office located in Ontario
Operate as incorporated not-for-profit arts organizations

Non-Arts Organizations

Non-arts organizations may apply if:

Professional artists, arts professionals, or curators are directly involved in programming decisions
The proposed project has a strong professional arts focus

Why This Program Matters

The Multi and Inter-Arts Projects Program supports the growth of Ontario’s cultural and creative ecosystem.

The program helps:

Encourage artistic innovation
Promote collaboration between different creative disciplines
Provide financial support for professional artists
Increase access to diverse cultural experiences
Strengthen community connections through arts activities
Support new and experimental artistic approaches

By funding interdisciplinary projects, the program allows artists to explore new methods of storytelling, performance, and creative expression.

Eligible Expenses

The program supports project-related costs that directly contribute to artistic activities.

Eligible expenses include:

Artistic and Production Costs

Artist fees
Production expenses
Staging costs
Technical equipment
Costume expenses

Project Operations

Venue rental
Studio rental
Marketing and promotion
Administrative expenses

Technology and Materials

Small-scale equipment purchases
Software required for project delivery

Accessibility and Participation Support

Funding may cover:

Accessibility services for Deaf audiences
Disability-related participation supports
Expenses that improve access for artists and audiences with disabilities
Childcare and dependent care costs that enable participation

How to Apply for the Multi and Inter-Arts Projects Program

Applicants should follow these steps when preparing an application.

Step 1: Select the Appropriate Funding Category

Choose the category that matches your project:

Creation for early-stage artistic development
Production and Presentation for completed works and public presentation
Series/Festivals for recurring or concentrated arts events
Development Initiatives for sector-building activities

Step 2: Confirm Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, ensure that:

You meet Ontario residency requirements
Your organization meets eligibility criteria
Your project involves professional artistic activity
Multiple artistic disciplines are central to the project

Step 3: Prepare a Strong Project Description

Your proposal should explain:

Artistic objectives
Disciplines involved
Creative process
Community impact
Expected outcomes
Project timeline

Step 4: Create a Detailed Budget

Include:

Artist payments
Production costs
Venue expenses
Marketing expenses
Accessibility costs
Administrative expenses

The budget should clearly connect expenses with project activities.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Applicants should provide complete information about:

Applicant background
Artistic project details
Funding category
Budget requirements
Supporting materials

A clear and well-organized application improves the understanding of the project’s artistic value.

Common Mistakes and Tips for Applicants

Mistake 1: Applying With a Single-Art Project

Projects focused only on one discipline may not qualify.

Tip: Clearly explain how multiple art forms contribute equally to the project.

Mistake 2: Weak Explanation of Collaboration

Simply involving different artists does not automatically make a project interdisciplinary.

Tip: Describe how artistic disciplines interact and influence each other.

Mistake 3: Choosing the Wrong Funding Category

Submitting a project under an unsuitable category can reduce eligibility.

Tip: Match your project stage and goals with the correct funding stream.

Mistake 4: Including Ineligible Expenses

Avoid including costs that the program does not support.

Tip: Review eligible and ineligible expenses before preparing your budget.

Activities Not Supported by the Program

The program does not fund:

Projects or activities taking place outside Ontario
Projects eligible under other Ontario Arts Council programs
Amateur projects
Student projects
Faculty projects
Pre-professional activities
Events where artistic programming is not the main purpose
Fundraising activities
Tours
Major capital expenses
Building purchase, leasing, or renovation
Major equipment purchases

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Multi and Inter-Arts Projects Program?

The program provides grants to professional Ontario artists, collectives, and organizations creating projects that combine two or more artistic disciplines.

2. What is the maximum funding available?

The maximum grants are:

Creation: $10,000
Production and Presentation: $20,000
Series/Festivals: $15,000
Development Initiatives: $8,000

3. Who can apply for this funding?

Eligible applicants include professional Ontario artists, ad hoc groups, collectives, incorporated not-for-profit arts organizations, and eligible non-arts organizations.

4. What types of artistic disciplines can be combined?

Projects may combine theatre, dance, music, literature, visual arts, media arts, digital arts, and other professional artistic practices.

5. Are accessibility costs eligible for funding?

Yes. Expenses related to accessibility for Deaf audiences and participants with disabilities may be supported.

6. Can student or amateur projects receive funding?

No. The program only supports professional artistic projects and does not fund amateur, student, or pre-professional activities.

7. Can non-arts organizations apply?

Yes. Non-arts organizations can apply if professional artists, arts professionals, or curators are directly involved in programming decisions.

Conclusion

The Multi and Inter-Arts Projects Program provides important financial support for Ontario’s professional arts community by encouraging collaboration between multiple creative disciplines.

Artists, collectives, and organizations can use this funding to develop innovative projects, present interdisciplinary works, organize arts events, and strengthen the cultural sector.

Applicants should carefully review eligibility requirements, select the correct funding category, and create a clear proposal that demonstrates artistic quality, collaboration, and community impact.