Dance Projects Grants for Professional Dance Development (Canada)

Deadline: 04-Aug-2026

The Toronto Arts Council (TAC) Dance Projects program provides funding to professional dance artists, collectives, and organizations to support creation, production, presentation, and professional development in Toronto. Grants cover choreographic research, live performance, festivals, and dance field development, with additional accessibility support for artists with disabilities.

The Toronto Arts Council (TAC) Dance Projects Program supports professional dance artists, collectives, and organizations in Toronto. The program provides funding to develop, produce, present, and advance dance projects, helping artists move work from concept to public presentation.

Program Focus Areas

The program supports four main categories:

1. Creation

• Supports choreographic development, including research, commissions, and presentations.
• Covers collaborative contributions from mentors, composers, or other creative professionals.
• Eligible expenses: studio and production costs, artist fees, and administrative support.
• Grant Amount: Up to $10,000 per calendar year (full project funding possible).

2. Production and Presentation

• Supports rehearsal, staging, and live performances.
• Covers artistic, production, and administrative costs such as venue hire, publicity, marketing, and audience engagement.
• Grant Amount: Up to $20,000.

3. Dance Series and Festivals

• Supports events presenting Toronto-based choreographers, dance artists, and companies.
• Eligible costs: artist engagement fees, production, administration, marketing, and outreach.
• Grant Amount: Up to $10,000.

4. Dance Field Development

• Advances professional dance practices through workshops, labs, and initiatives benefiting groups of dance professionals.
• Only organizations or collectives can apply (individual artists are ineligible).
• Eligible activities: short-term workshops, choreographic labs, or events that expand dance techniques or movement styles.
• Grant Amount: Up to $8,000.

Accessibility Support

Projects involving Deaf artists and artists with disabilities may apply for the TAC Accessibility Grant, covering up to $5,000 for:

• Interpretation and captioning
• Support workers and attendant care
• Equipment rentals and other accessibility needs

The Accessibility Grant can be applied for at any time during the project via a separate application process.

Eligible Applicants

• Individual professional dance artists, not-for-profit organizations, and collectives.
• Must meet professional criteria and ensure the project takes place in Toronto.
• One grant per applicant per calendar year.
• Most categories require demonstration of additional revenue sources.

Eligible Expenses

• Mandatory artist fees
• Production and technical costs
• Marketing and outreach expenses
• Administrative costs
• Childcare costs
• Projects for digital platforms are eligible under all categories

How to Apply

1. Determine Appropriate Category
   • Select from Creation, Production and Presentation, Dance Series and Festivals, or Dance Field Development.
2. Prepare Application Materials
   • Project proposal including objectives, expected outcomes, and timeline
   • Detailed budget including other revenue sources
   • CV or portfolio demonstrating professional practice
3. Submit Application
   • Apply via the Toronto Arts Council online portal.
4. Review Process
   • Applications are evaluated for artistic merit, feasibility, and community impact.
   • Funding decisions are communicated to successful applicants.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying for multiple grants in the same calendar year
• Submitting incomplete budgets or proposals
• Not demonstrating professional experience or additional revenue sources
• Forgetting to include mandatory artist fees
• Neglecting accessibility considerations when relevant

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is eligible to apply?
Individual professional dance artists, not-for-profit organizations, and collectives with projects based in Toronto.

2. Can I apply for more than one category?
Applicants may only receive one grant per year, regardless of category.

3. What costs are eligible for funding?
Artist fees (mandatory), production, technical, administrative, marketing, outreach, childcare, and digital projects.

4. Is there additional support for accessibility needs?
Yes, the TAC Accessibility Grant provides up to $5,000 for Deaf artists and artists with disabilities.

5. Are individual artists eligible for Dance Field Development?
No, this category is limited to organizations or collectives benefiting groups of dance professionals.

6. Can digital dance projects receive funding?
Yes, projects designed for digital platforms are eligible under all categories.

7. Is revenue from other sources required?
Yes, most categories require applicants to demonstrate additional funding or revenue sources.

Conclusion

The Toronto Dance Projects Program provides professional dance artists, collectives, and organizations with financial support across all stages of creative work. By funding creation, production, presentation, and field development, along with accessibility initiatives, the program strengthens Toronto’s dance ecosystem and promotes inclusive, innovative, and vibrant artistic practice.

For more information, visit Toronto Arts Council.