Northern Arts Projects
Also known as: Northern Arts
The Ontario Arts Council's Northern Arts Projects grant gives up to $15,000 per category (New Works, Presentation, Skills and Career Development, Working with Community) to professional artists, collectives, and not-for-profits based in Northern Ontario, the Manitoulin, Parry Sound and Nipissing districts and everywhere north. Two deadlines a year (April 30 and October 29 in 2026, 1 p.m. ET); decisions take about 4.5 months.
Key facts
- Amount
- Up to $15,000
arts.on.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
- Instrument
- Grant (non-repayable)
- Status
- Open closes Oct 29, 2026 (13:00)
- Who qualifies
- Individual professional artist, nonprofit organization, ad hoc group or collective, professional arts publisher, first nations school · operating history: Artists: resident in Northern Ontario at least 1 year before applying, maintaining 8 months/year residence
- Not-for-profits must have their head office in Northern Ontario
- Ad hoc groups and collectives need a minimum 50% professional artists from the region
- Northern Ontario-based First Nations and Indigenous Education Authority schools are eligible
- OAC's Northern Ontario definition: Manitoulin, Parry Sound and Nipissing districts and all regions north of these districts (Muskoka is NOT included)
arts.on.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
Intake windows
| Cycle | Opens | Closes | Status | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (Oct deadline) | - | Oct 29, 2026 13:00 | Open | arts.on.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Reported, verification pending |
Application process
- Application opens ~2 months before deadline
- Submit by deadline (2026: April 30 and October 29, 1 p.m. ET)
- Assessment
- Decision ~4.5 months after each deadline
arts.on.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
Common questions
Who counts as a Northern Ontario artist for this grant?
A professional artist who has lived in Northern Ontario (Manitoulin, Parry Sound, Nipissing districts or anywhere north of them) for at least one year before applying and who lives there at least eight months a year. Muskoka is not included in OAC's northern region.
Can groups or organizations apply, or only individuals?
Both. Not-for-profits with a Northern Ontario head office, professional arts publishers with northern offices, ad hoc groups and collectives (at least 50% professional artists from the region), and Northern Ontario First Nations and Indigenous Education Authority schools are all eligible.
What won't it fund?
Fundraising activities, competitions and contests, major capital expenditures, portfolios, and music videos (except documentation of live performance). Small-scale equipment, software and electronics purchases ARE eligible.
How long until I hear back?
OAC says decisions arrive about four and a half months after each deadline. Applications open roughly two months before the deadline.
Apply
Apply on the funder’s site and confirm current terms there: