RFAs: Indigenous Arts Projects Grant (Canada)

Deadline: 06-Oct-2026

The Indigenous Arts Projects program provides funding for professional First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artists, arts groups, and organisations in Ontario to research, develop, create, and present new artistic work. The program supports both traditional and contemporary Indigenous artistic practices across multiple disciplines while strengthening Indigenous cultural expression and community connections.

The funding helps Indigenous artists bring creative projects to life, share cultural experiences with audiences, and expand access to Indigenous arts throughout Ontario.

Overview of the Indigenous Arts Projects Program

The Indigenous Arts Projects program supports professional Indigenous artists and arts organisations undertaking creative projects in Ontario.

The program recognises the importance of Indigenous artistic expression and supports projects that:

Develop new Indigenous artworks.
Preserve and strengthen Indigenous cultural practices.
Support contemporary Indigenous creativity.
Encourage connections within Indigenous communities.
Increase public access to Indigenous artistic experiences.
Provide opportunities for Indigenous artists to develop professionally.

The program supports a wide range of artistic disciplines, including customary, traditional, and contemporary practices.

Purpose of the Indigenous Arts Projects Program

The main purpose of the program is to strengthen Indigenous arts and cultural expression by providing financial support for creative development and presentation.

The program aims to:

Support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artists in Ontario.
Encourage the creation of new artistic work.
Support cultural knowledge sharing.
Increase visibility of Indigenous artistic practices.
Provide opportunities for Indigenous artists to connect with communities and audiences.
Promote accessibility and inclusion within Indigenous arts projects.

Supported Artistic Disciplines

The program supports projects across a broad range of Indigenous arts disciplines.

Eligible disciplines may include:

Dance.
Literature.
Media arts.
Music.
Theatre.
Visual arts.
Craft.
Other Indigenous artistic practices.

Projects may involve customary, traditional, contemporary, or hybrid artistic approaches.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The Indigenous Arts Projects program is available to professional Indigenous artists, arts professionals, groups, and organisations based in Ontario.

Eligible applicants include:

Professional First Nations artists.
Professional Inuit artists.
Professional Métis artists.
Indigenous arts professionals.
Ontario-based ad hoc groups and collectives.
Ontario-based not-for-profit Indigenous arts organisations.
Indigenous-led professional arts and literary publishers based in Ontario.

Applicants must demonstrate their Indigenous identity, artistic practice, and connection to Indigenous communities.

Individual Artist Eligibility Requirements

Professional Indigenous artists applying individually must:

Be First Nations, Inuit, or Métis.
Be residents of Ontario.
Identify their Indigenous nation and community.
Demonstrate lived experience as part of the application process.
Show professional involvement in their artistic practice.

Group and Collective Eligibility Requirements

Ad hoc groups and collectives must:

Be based in Ontario.
Have Indigenous leadership or participation.
Demonstrate that their project is Indigenous-led.
Include members who actively contribute to the proposed artistic work.

Indigenous Organisation Eligibility Requirements

Eligible Indigenous arts organisations must:

Be based in Ontario.
Operate as a not-for-profit organisation.
Have at least 50% Indigenous membership.
Support Indigenous artistic activities or cultural expression.

Indigenous-led professional arts and literary publishers based in Ontario may also apply.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The program does not support:

Non-Indigenous applicants.
Organisations based outside Ontario.
Most for-profit businesses.
Non-Indigenous-led organisations that do not meet Indigenous membership requirements.

The only exception for for-profit applicants is Indigenous-owned professional arts and literary publishers based in Ontario.

Funding Amount Available

Maximum funding amounts depend on the applicant type.

Available funding includes:

Up to $15,000 for individual Indigenous artists.
Up to $20,000 for ad hoc groups and collectives.
Up to $25,000 for Indigenous organisations.

Funding amounts are determined based on project needs, eligibility, and assessment outcomes.

What Costs Can the Funding Support?

The Indigenous Arts Projects grant may support a variety of creative and project-related expenses.

Eligible expenses may include:

Research and Development

Funding may support:

Artistic research.
Concept development.
Creative exploration.
Planning and preparation.

Creation and Production

Funding may cover:

Artist fees.
Materials and supplies.
Production costs.
Creative development activities.

Presentation and Dissemination

Support may include:

Exhibitions.
Performances.
Public presentations.
Sharing artistic work with audiences.

Community-Based Activities

Eligible activities may include:

Community gatherings.
Cultural sharing events.
Artist residencies.
Mentorship opportunities.

Accessibility and Inclusion Costs

Funding may support accessibility expenses, including:

Accessibility services for participants.
Support for Deaf artists or audience members.
Expenses that improve participation for people with disabilities.

The program also supports:

Childcare costs.
Dependent care expenses.

These supports help reduce barriers and make artistic participation more accessible.

Types of Projects Supported

Eligible projects may include:

Creation of new Indigenous artworks.
Development of traditional art practices.
Contemporary Indigenous art projects.
Community-based arts initiatives.
Artist residencies.
Mentorship programmes.
Research-based creative projects.
Public presentations of Indigenous artistic work.

Projects should demonstrate artistic value and connection to Indigenous cultural expression.

How the Indigenous Arts Projects Application Process Works

Applicants should follow these steps when preparing their application:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Applicants should ensure they:

Meet Indigenous identity requirements.
Are based in Ontario.
Meet professional artistic requirements.
Fit the applicant category requirements.

Step 2: Develop the Project Proposal

Applicants should explain:

The artistic concept.
The discipline and creative approach.
The cultural significance of the project.
The project timeline.
The expected outcomes.
How funding will support the work.

Step 3: Submit the Application

Applications should include:

Artist or organisation details.
Indigenous identity and community information.
Project description.
Budget information.
Supporting materials where required.

Applicants with limited internet access or accessibility needs may use alternative submission options, including oral applications.

Step 4: Application Review

Applications are assessed by juries made up of Indigenous artists.

Assessment considers:

Artistic merit.
Cultural relevance.
Project feasibility.
Contribution to Indigenous arts.
Community or audience impact.
Appropriate use of funding.

Step 5: Complete the Project and Submit a Final Report

Successful applicants must provide a final report outlining:

Completed project activities.
Outcomes achieved.
Final budget information.
Use of grant funds.

Applicants may be required to repay surplus funding if the completed project has a significant budget surplus.

Why the Indigenous Arts Projects Program Matters

Indigenous artists play an important role in preserving cultural knowledge, sharing stories, and creating new artistic expressions.

The program supports:

Stronger Indigenous cultural identity.
Greater visibility for Indigenous artists.
Increased access to Indigenous arts experiences.
Community connection and cultural exchange.
Growth of Indigenous creative practices in Ontario.

By investing in Indigenous artists, the program helps ensure Indigenous voices remain central within Ontario’s arts sector.

Benefits for Indigenous Artists and Communities

Funding can help artists:

Develop new creative work.
Expand professional opportunities.
Share cultural knowledge.
Connect with audiences.
Build artistic networks.
Access resources needed for creation and presentation.

Communities benefit through:

Increased access to Indigenous arts.
Cultural learning opportunities.
Stronger connections between artists and audiences.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:

Clearly explaining their Indigenous artistic perspective.
Describing the cultural importance of the project.
Providing a realistic budget.
Explaining community or audience benefits.
Demonstrating professional artistic experience.
Including clear project timelines and outcomes.
Highlighting accessibility considerations.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Failing to clearly identify Indigenous nation and community.
Submitting projects unrelated to Indigenous artistic practice.
Providing unclear budgets.
Not explaining the project’s cultural significance.
Applying without meeting residency or eligibility requirements.
Forgetting to include accessibility or support costs where needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Indigenous Arts Projects program?

The Indigenous Arts Projects program provides funding for professional First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artists, groups, and organisations in Ontario to develop and present Indigenous artistic work.

Who can apply for this funding?

Professional Indigenous artists, Indigenous arts groups, collectives, not-for-profit Indigenous arts organisations, and Indigenous-led professional arts publishers based in Ontario may apply.

How much funding is available?

Individuals can receive up to $15,000, ad hoc groups and collectives can receive up to $20,000, and Indigenous organisations can receive up to $25,000.

What types of art forms are supported?

The program supports dance, literature, media arts, music, theatre, visual arts, craft, and other Indigenous artistic practices.

Can funding support accessibility and childcare costs?

Yes. Eligible expenses may include accessibility costs, childcare fees, and dependent care expenses that help remove participation barriers.

Who reviews applications?

Applications are assessed by juries made up of Indigenous artists.

What happens after receiving funding?

Successful applicants must complete the approved project and submit a final report explaining outcomes and financial details. Surplus funds may need to be repaid in certain circumstances.

Conclusion

The Indigenous Arts Projects program provides essential support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artists and arts organisations across Ontario. By funding the research, development, creation, and presentation of Indigenous artistic work, the program strengthens cultural expression, supports professional growth, and increases access to Indigenous arts experiences.

Eligible applicants should develop proposals that clearly demonstrate their artistic vision, cultural connection, community impact, and commitment to sharing Indigenous stories and creative practices.

For more information, visit Ontario Arts Council.