Deadline: 07-Oct-2026
The Curatorial Projects: Indigenous and Culturally Diverse Program supports Ontario-based Indigenous curators and curators who are people of colour in developing and presenting visual arts, media arts, and craft exhibitions in partnership with eligible Ontario arts organizations. The program offers up to $30,000 per project to strengthen curatorial practice, foster community partnerships, and increase representation in Ontario’s arts sector.
Curatorial Projects: Indigenous and Culturally Diverse Program
The Curatorial Projects: Indigenous and Culturally Diverse Program provides financial support to Ontario-based Indigenous curators and curators who are people of colour to develop and present curatorial projects in collaboration with eligible Ontario arts organizations.
The program aims to expand opportunities for public galleries, artist-run centres, and not-for-profit arts organizations across Ontario to present projects led by Indigenous curators and curators who are people of colour. It also encourages meaningful relationships between curators, artists, organizations, and audiences while supporting inclusive and culturally relevant artistic practices.
Program Objectives
The program is designed to:
- Support the development and presentation of curatorial projects led by Indigenous curators and curators who are people of colour.
- Increase opportunities for Ontario public galleries, artist-run centres, and not-for-profit arts organizations to present diverse curatorial work.
- Strengthen partnerships between curators and arts organizations.
- Promote culturally relevant exhibitions and public engagement.
- Support professional development through mentorship and skill-building.
- Encourage broader community participation through outreach and educational activities.
Funding Categories
The program is delivered through two funding categories:
Curatorial Projects by Indigenous Curators
Supports curatorial projects developed and presented by Ontario-based Indigenous curators in partnership with eligible Ontario arts organizations.
Curatorial Projects by Curators Who Are People of Colour
Supports curatorial projects led by Ontario-based curators who are people of colour in collaboration with eligible Ontario arts organizations.
Grant Amount
Applicants may request up to $30,000 for each eligible project.
Funding may be used for:
- Curator fees of up to $10,000
- Mentor fees of up to $2,000
- Artist fees
- Publication expenses of up to $5,000
- Exhibition production costs of up to $10,000
Curator fees paid must not be lower than the amount approved in the project budget. Any reduction in proposed artist fees requires prior approval, and artist fees must continue to meet or exceed applicable CARFAC standards.
Eligible Projects
The program supports projects that include:
- Visual arts exhibitions
- Media arts exhibitions
- Craft exhibitions
- Exhibition-related publications
- Public education activities
- Community outreach programs
- Curatorial research and exhibition development
- Professional mentorship opportunities
Projects must be presented in Ontario.
Mentorship Opportunities
The program encourages Indigenous curators and curators who are people of colour to work with experienced mentors throughout the project.
Mentorship may support skills such as:
- Curatorial research
- Exhibition writing
- Publication development
- Exhibition design
- Project administration
- Professional networking
- Documentation and archiving
International or non-Ontario artists and mentors may participate when applicants provide a clear rationale demonstrating the value of their involvement.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be an Ontario-based professional, independent Indigenous curator or curator who is a person of colour.
- Be a resident of Ontario.
- Partner with an eligible Ontario public art gallery, artist-run centre, or other not-for-profit arts presenter.
- Work with a partner organization whose head office is located in Ontario.
- Meet all Ontario Arts Council eligibility requirements throughout the application and project period.
Partnership Requirements
Applications are jointly prepared by the curator and the partnering organization.
Either the curator or the organization may act as the lead applicant.
The lead applicant is responsible for:
- Initiating the application
- Receiving grant funds if approved
- Managing project administration
- Completing and submitting the final report
Both partners share responsibility for ensuring the project complies with all program requirements.
Eligible Organizations
Eligible partner organizations include:
- Ontario public art galleries
- Artist-run centres
- Not-for-profit arts presenters
- Other eligible Ontario arts organizations with a head office in Ontario
Supported Activities
Funding can support a variety of activities related to curatorial practice, including:
- Exhibition planning and presentation
- Artist collaboration
- Publication production
- Community engagement initiatives
- Educational programming
- Exhibition installation and production
- Professional mentoring
- Documentation and project development
Benefits of the Program
The program helps strengthen Ontario’s arts sector by:
- Increasing representation of Indigenous and culturally diverse curators.
- Expanding public access to diverse artistic perspectives.
- Building long-term partnerships between curators and arts organizations.
- Supporting professional growth through mentorship.
- Encouraging inclusive, community-focused exhibitions.
- Promoting cultural diversity across Ontario’s visual arts sector.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the program?
Ontario-based professional, independent Indigenous curators and curators who are people of colour may apply in partnership with an eligible Ontario public gallery, artist-run centre, or not-for-profit arts organization.
How much funding is available?
Applicants may request up to $30,000 per project.
What expenses are eligible?
Funding may support curator fees, mentor fees, artist fees, publication costs, exhibition production, and related outreach or educational activities.
Can international artists or mentors participate?
Yes. International or non-Ontario artists and mentors may participate if applicants provide a clear justification for their involvement.
Who receives the grant?
The lead applicant—either the curator or the partnering organization—receives the grant, administers the project, and submits the final report.
Are partnerships required?
Yes. Every project must be developed and presented through a partnership between an eligible Ontario curator and an eligible Ontario not-for-profit arts organization.
Conclusion
The Curatorial Projects: Indigenous and Culturally Diverse Program provides valuable funding to support Indigenous curators and curators who are people of colour in developing innovative exhibitions and public engagement initiatives across Ontario. By encouraging collaboration with eligible arts organizations, supporting mentorship, and funding exhibitions, publications, and outreach activities, the program helps strengthen cultural diversity, professional development, and inclusive artistic representation throughout Ontario’s visual arts sector.
For more information, visit Ontario Arts Council.