Deadline: 15-Oct-2026
The Toronto Arts Council (TAC) Media Arts program provides funding of up to $15,000 for professional media artists to develop new works or complete projects in progress. The program supports a wide range of media, including film, video, audio, digital, VR/AR, and multimedia installations, with additional accessibility funding available for artists with disabilities.
The Toronto Arts Council (TAC) has opened applications for its Media Arts Program, designed to support professional media artists in creating new work or completing ongoing projects. The program covers production and post-production costs and provides funding for innovative media-based artistic practices.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Professional media artists with an independent practice and recognized artistic history.
- Canadian citizens, permanent residents, individuals with pending permanent residency, or protected persons.
- Residents of Toronto for at least one year prior to the application deadline.
- Applicants must retain full creative and financial control of their project.
- Applicants must have previously created at least one media artwork.
- Students cannot apply for projects related to academic work.
- For film or video projects, only the director may apply.
- Collaborative applications are allowed if all participants meet eligibility criteria.
Program Focus
The program supports:
- Creation of new media artworks across genres including film, video, audio, digital works, electronic games, VR/AR, and multimedia or technology-based installations.
- Completion of works in progress, covering production and post-production activities.
- Eligible costs include direct production, post-production, and materials.
- Ineligible costs: promotion, marketing, or retroactive expenses.
Funding Details
- Maximum Grant: $15,000 per project
- Accessibility Grant: Up to $5,000 for Deaf artists or artists with disabilities, covering accessibility-related costs during the project.
- Project Duration: Projects must start after mid-December and be completed within two years of funding notification.
How to Apply
- Prepare Application Materials
- Project description and objectives
- Detailed budget covering production and post-production costs
- Portfolio demonstrating previous media artworks
- Submit Online
- Apply via the Toronto Arts Council portal before the application deadline.
- Selection Process
- Applications are evaluated for artistic merit, feasibility, and adherence to eligibility criteria.
- Collaborative applications must show all applicants meet professional and residency requirements.
Why This Program Matters
The program supports media artists in Toronto by:
- Enabling innovation in digital and multimedia arts
- Advancing the completion of high-quality media projects
- Supporting inclusive practices through accessibility funding
- Strengthening Toronto’s professional media arts ecosystem
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting projects with promotion or retroactive costs
- Including work created for academic purposes
- Not demonstrating previous professional media practice
- Collaborative applications where all participants do not meet eligibility requirements
- Applying without Toronto residency or citizenship status
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is eligible to apply?
Professional media artists with recognized independent practice, residency in Toronto, and prior media artworks.
2. What types of projects are funded?
Creation or completion of works in film, video, audio, digital media, VR/AR, and multimedia installations.
3. What are the maximum funding amounts?
Up to $15,000 per project, with an additional Accessibility Grant of up to $5,000.
4. Can students apply?
No, projects related to academic studies are ineligible.
5. Can multiple artists apply collaboratively?
Yes, if all participants meet professional and residency eligibility criteria.
6. What costs are ineligible?
Promotion, marketing, and retroactive expenses cannot be funded.
7. What is the project timeline?
Projects must start after mid-December and be completed within two years of notification.
Conclusion
The Toronto Arts Council Media Arts Program provides essential support for professional media artists in Toronto, helping them develop and complete innovative media works. By funding production and post-production and offering accessibility support, the program fosters a diverse, inclusive, and vibrant media arts community.
For more information, visit Toronto Arts Council.
