About us
The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) is an arm's-length agency of the Ontario Ministry of Culture. OAC's grants and services to professional, Ontario-based artists and arts organizations support arts education, Aboriginal arts, community arts, crafts, dance, Franco-Ontarian arts, literature, media arts, multidisciplinary arts, music, theatre, touring, and visual arts.
The Ontario Arts Council is directed by 12 volunteer board (council) members who come from communities throughout the province. They are appointed by the Government of Ontario for a three-year term and may be reappointed for one additional term. OAC's board is responsible for setting OAC's policies and oversees the organization's operation.
In 2008-2009, OAC funded 1,443 individual artists and 1,006 organizations for a total of $47.7 million. These grants were of benefit to artists and arts organizations in 200 communities across Ontario.
Mission Statement
The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) was established in 1963 to foster the creation and production of art for the benefit of all Ontarians.