Ontario Arts Council
Exhibition Assistance Programme

NAC usually receives notification of how much money they can recommend from the OAC around July. A maximum of 60% of the recommender gallery’s allocation may be recommended for exhibitions in its own programme; the purpose of this guideline is to ensure that all artists feel they have access to all recommenders within their region and to eliminate any suspicion of a ‘closed shop’. The minimum grant given to one artist is $500 and the maximum is $1000.

The NAC Exhibition Assistance Committee will only consider applications received before the exhibition’s opening date. Applications will be reviewed at or around the dates of September 15, and January 15.  Please contact NAC at 905-641-0331 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for confirmed deadlines.

This is a competitive grant and you are evaluated on your past performance and the merits of your proposal. You are not guaranteed a grant. If you do not receive a grant, contact other recommender galleries (see the OAC Exhibition Assistance Guidelines).


What is the Exhibition Assistance program?
The Exhibition Assistance program provides grants of $500 to $1,500 to assist individual artists with costs related to presenting their work in a confirmed, upcoming exhibition. Grant decisions are made by third-party recommender organizations located throughout the province.


What kind of exhibitions and expenses does this program fund?
Eligible exhibitions must be confirmed and scheduled to take place in a location that is open to the public. The following are eligible:

• exhibitions taking place in Ontario, other provinces and international locations
• exhibitions in public art galleries, artist-run centres and commercial art galleries
• solo and group shows
• DIY / self-presented public exhibitions
• exhibitions in alternative locations such as community centres,restaurants, rented space, on-line, etc.
• art or craft exhibitions, art fairs, collective studio tours.

Exhibition Assistance grants can be used towards the following exhibition expenses, if they are your responsibility and not covered by the gallery.

• framing and the cost of other materials to prepare your work for exhibition
• crating and transportation of works of art
• rental of audio-visual equipment to present your work
• exhibition promotional expenses
• fees and rental costs
   

The following are not eligible for Exhibition Assistance funding:

• exhibitions that have opened before you submit your application to a
• recommender;
• the cost of materials used in creation of your work;
•  your travel costs (eligible only in exceptional circumstances, e.g.
• performance art, installation of site-specific art work);
• capital expenses e.g. purchase of equipment
• catalogues;
• opening hospitality expenses;
• photographic or audio-visual documentation of your work.
• The grants cannot be used to cover costs that the gallery is responsible for, and do not replace exhibition fees that a gallery may pay you to exhibit your work.
  
  For more information visit the OAC's website