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. 

DEADLINES: August 15, and November 14, 2025

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