Ontario Arts Council Exhibition Assistance Program

Craft Ontario is a third-party recommender for the Ontario Arts Council Exhibition Assistance Program. The program provides individual artists with $500 to $2000 to assist with the cost involved in producing, or taking part in an upcoming exhibition.

As an OAC Exhibition Assistance program recommender, Craft Ontario reviews and recommends craft-related applications via the Nova Application Portal. Approved applications are reviewed by a committee and forwarded to the OAC once the grant recipients are chosen. 

Please note that you do not need a Craft Ontario membership in order to apply for Exhibition Assistance. 

Stay tuned for the 2025 Submission Deadlines

To submit your application to Craft Ontario, all applications must be received through the OAC Nova application system. 

APPLY here - oac application portal


Tips to completing your application successfully:

• Complete the online application form.
• Include a resume that outlines your artistic training, accomplishments, and past exhibitions. 
• Include a copy of an exhibition confirmation document. This document must indicate the location and the opening/closing dates of your upcoming show. Acceptable documents must include a letter signed by the gallery director, curator, or organizer, an exhibition contract, rental agreement, or insurance document. 
  
• Provide a selection of 10 digital images of your current work. Submit a corresponding list identifying the date, title, technique/medium, and dimensions of each work. 
• For your budget, include a breakdown of expenses that are your responsibility when preparing and producing the exhibition. Ensure that all expenses you include are eligible according to the Ontario Arts Council guidelines. 
• Please ensure that you are applying under Craft, as we are not able to grant funding to Visual Arts applications. 

For more information, please contact Elycia SFA, Member Relations + Programs Manager esfa@craftontario.com