The Ontario Arts Council is now offering funds for Indigenous Artists in Communities and Schools Projects.
Purpose
The program supports projects that bring together Ontario-based Indigenous artists or Elders to:
Work with individuals or groups of people from a community on collaborative activities that create a meaningful arts experience and transmit artistic skills and knowledge
Teach arts workshops in schools during the upcoming school year, engaging children and youth in creative, active, hands-on and in-depth arts experiences
The program has five categories:
Community arts projects: to help cover the costs of participatory activities that promote learning, collaboration and/or engagement in the arts
Indigenous languages through the arts: to help cover the costs of artistic and community-engaged projects in which the primary purpose is the transmission of Indigenous languages through the arts
Training for community artists and animators: to help cover the costs of Indigenous artists and animators working in community and non-arts settings to seek training and mentorship opportunities that will strengthen their community arts, arts training or arts education practice
Indigenous artists in school projects: to help cover the costs of activities that promote learning, collaboration and/or engagement in the arts
Indigenous artists in northern fly-in communities: supports (a) applicants from fly-in communities working anywhere in Ontario, and (b) applicants from anywhere in Ontario working in fly-in communities.
Funding Information
Community arts projects: maximum $15,000.
Indigenous languages through the arts: maximum $15,000.
Training for community artists and animators: maximum $15,000.
Indigenous artists in school projects: maximum $15,000.
Indigenous artists in northern Ontario fly-in communities: maximum $17,000.
What this program funds
Community-engaged co-creation, production, exhibitions and presentations, in all arts disciplines
Workshop series, art camps, summer programs, experiential arts learning activities and after-school art programs
Community-based arts activities held in schools, community centres, health centres, home studios, galleries, site specific and on the land
Training for artists who wish to improve their skills and work in community settings
Hands-on workshops in schools that engage students in a creative process
Fees and expenses for Elders and language/knowledge keepers who are engaged in an artistic practice, and helpers
Mentorship of emerging Indigenous artist educators, aged between 18 and 30
Preparation time, insurance, vulnerable-sector checks, administrative activities of artists.
Transportation, accommodations and meals, materials and supplies, and equipment rental (if applicable)
Purchase of small-scale equipment, software, electronics and similar materials required to carry out the project
Childcare and other dependant care fees enabling individuals to take part in the project (this does not include regular, ongoing expenses)
Expenses related to making the project accessible to audiences and project participants (other than the applicant) who are Deaf or have a disability
Note: Applicants to this program who identify as Deaf or as having a disability may apply for supplementary funds for their own accessibility expenses through Accessibility Fund: Project Support.
Eligibility Criteria
Professional artists and Elders who self-identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit, and are Ontario residents.
Ad hoc group and collectives comprised of individuals, of whom at least 50 per cent identify as Indigenous.
Not-for-profit Indigenous organizations, centres and councils.
Elders and language/knowledge keepers who are engaged in an artistic practice.
Helpers may be co-applicants or named in the project and included in the budget.
Ontario schools run by First Nations or Indigenous Education Authorities, applying to bring in Indigenous artists.
Part-time teachers.
Note: They may only apply for a project happening at the school where they are employed if a letter from the school is provided stating that they are doing the project outside of employment hours.
