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Ontario Arts Council (OAC)
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Recommenders for Exhibition Assistance

The 2025-26 program is open from early June 2025 until January 15, 2026. Note that the list of participating recommenders is posted when the program opens and is subject to updates and changes during the program year.


You must apply to a recommender located in the zone where you live. To find your zone, see the Map of Exhibition Assistance Zones.

You may also be eligible to apply to a specialized recommender. These recommenders can accept applications from artists in any zone.

Recommenders with (F) next to their name only accept applications in French, and will assess them in French.  If you apply in French to any other recommender, it is likely that your application will be translated and assessed in English.

To find a recommender:
  • Check the box for the zone you live in.
  • Check boxes for any specialized recommenders that you are eligible for.

Find a Recommender

Currently accepting applications

Currently accepting applications

Zone

Specialization

Accepting applications
A Space Gallery
Zone
Zone 3
Specialization
None
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Priorities
  • Projects that address issues of social and political relevance
  • Applicants from Indigenous and historically under-represented communities
  • Significance of the exhibition in the development of the artist’s career, particularly exhibitions at artist-run venues.
Deadline(s)
  • September 19, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • December 12, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • January 09, 2026, 1 p.m. ET
Contact
Vicky Moufawad-Paul
A Space Gallery
Toronto
416-979-9633
vicky@aspacegallery.org
Accepting applications
Agnes Etherington Art Centre
Zone
Zone 4
Specialization
None
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Priorities
Aesthetics engage in dialogue with contemporary and recent practice, and subject matter is relevant to the contemporary moment
First-time applicants demonstrating artistic merit
Significance of the exhibition and/or venue in the development of the artist’s career (e.g.: major gallery exhibitions are a higher priority than venues charging rental fees)
Culturally diverse applicants

Deadline(s)
  • September 12, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • January 05, 2026, 1 p.m. ET
Contact
Kate Ducharme
Agnes Etherington Art Centre
Kingston
613-533-2190
aeadmin@queensu.ca
Accepting applications
Agnes Jamieson Gallery
Zone
Zone 4
Specialization
None
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Priorities
Priorities include artists with a strong artist statement and those exhibiting at a public art gallery or equivalent non-commercial venue.
Deadline(s)

We accept and assess applications on an ongoing basis until funds are spent.

Contact
Shannon Kelly
Agnes Jamieson Gallery
Minden
705-286-1260 x552
skelly@mindenhills.ca
Accepting applications
Art Gallery of Burlington
Zone
Zone 3
Specialization
None
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Priorities
The AGB will maintain a regional focus in supporting contemporary artists who are dedicated to placing critical conversations at the fore.
Deadline(s)

We accept and assess applications on an ongoing basis until funds are spent.

Contact
Suzanne Carte
Art Gallery of Burlington
Burlington
905-632-7796 ext. 303
suzanne@agb.life
Accepting applications
Art Gallery of Guelph
Zone
Zone 2
Specialization
None
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Priorities
The AGG prioritizes artists from the Guelph region working in any media who are addressing issues and ideas with social and public relevance, have a research-based art practice that is community-focused, and represent Indigenous or historically under-represented communities.
Deadline(s)

We accept and assess applications on an ongoing basis until funds are spent.

Contact
Erin Szikora
Art Gallery of Guelph
Guelph
519-837-0010 ext. 5
eszikora@artgalleryofguelph.ca
Accepting applications
Art Gallery of Hamilton
Zone
Zone 3
Specialization
None
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Priorities
  • Support for established and emerging artists in the Hamilton region
  • Importance of the exhibition to the artist’s career.
  • Work that demonstrates critical engagement with contemporary practice.
  • Encourage applications from Indigenous or historically under-represented communities.
Deadline(s)

We accept and assess applications on an ongoing basis until funds are spent.

Contact
Melissa Bennett
Art Gallery of Hamilton
Hamilton
905-527-6610 ext. 257
melissa@artgalleryofhamilton.com
Accepting applications
Art Gallery of Peterborough
Zone
Zone 4
Specialization
None
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Priorities
  • Artistic merit
  • Significance of exhibition to the artist’s career
  • Public impact of exhibition (including location and duration of exhibition)
  • OAC priority groups and artists living within our catchment area
Deadline(s)
  • September 12, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • December 12, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
Contact
Briar Sutherland
Art Gallery of Peterborough
Peterborough
705-743-9179 x 2024
bsutherland@peterborough.ca
Accepting applications
Art Gallery of Sudbury/Galerie d'art de Sudbury
Zone
Zone 5
Specialization
None
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Priorities
Supports and recommends Indigenous artists, emerging and regional artists and artists with disabilities working in a variety of disciplines including craft, photo-based, traditional and new media works. 
Deadline(s)

We accept and assess applications on an ongoing basis until funds are spent.

Contact
Nancy Gareh
Art Gallery of Sudbury/Galerie d'art de Sudbury
Sudbury
705-698-4408
ngareh@artsudbury.org
Accepting applications
Art Museum at the University of Toronto
Zone
Zone 3
Specialization
None
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Priorities
We support the many, varied and diverse media explored in contemporary art with an emphasis on critical research and experimentation. We welcome applications for projects taking place in non-traditional, artist-affiliated and/or outdoor, public spaces.
Deadline(s)
  • June 30, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • October 31, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
Contact
Noa Bronstein
Art Museum, University of Toronto
Toronto
416-946-7089
noa.bronstein@utoronto.ca
Accepting applications
Art Windsor-Essex
Zone
Zone 1
Specialization
None
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Priorities
Art Windsor Essex (formerly Art Gallery of Windsor) supports professional artists from Windsor-Essex and Southern Ontario at various levels of their career through this grant. It is a valuable resource for Windsor-Essex artists intending to develop a professional practice. AWE prioritizes the work’s artistic merit, impact on the artist’s career and viability of the project as well as diversity, equity and inclusion.
Deadline(s)

We accept and assess applications on an ongoing basis until funds are spent.

Contact
Nicole McCabe
Art Windsor-Essex
Windsor
519-977-0013
nmccabe@artwindsoressex.ca
Accepting applications
Artcite Inc.
Zone
Zone 1
Specialization
None
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Priorities
  • Artistic excellence
  • Contemporary visual arts
  • Significance of exhibition and/or venue in the development of the applicant’s career
  • Priority support to first-time applicants demonstrating artistic merit.
  • Regional activity
  • Culturally diverse projects and applicants
  • Experimentation and risk-taking
  • Artist’s contribution to, and participation in their local artistic community
  • Priority support to BIPOC/LGBTQIA2+/Femme applicants demonstrating artistic merit
Deadline(s)

We accept and assess applications on an ongoing basis until funds are spent.

Contact
Stephen Mueller
Artcite Inc.
Windsor
(647) 335-5543
programs@artciteinc.ca
Accepting applications
Artspace
Zone
Zone 4
Specialization
None
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Deadline(s)
  • September 05, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • January 09, 2026, 1 p.m. ET
Contact
Leslie Menagh
Artspace
Peterborough
705-748-3883
gallery@artspaceptbo.ca
Accepting applications
Centre d'artistes Voix Visuelle (F)
Specialization
Francophone
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Priorities
Support the region’s Francophone and Francophile professional artists.
Submission Instructions
Accepts French-language applications only.
Deadline(s)

We accept and assess applications on an ongoing basis until funds are spent.

Contact
Ruth Egue
Le Centre d'artistes Voix Visuelle
Ottawa
613-748-6954
voixvisuelle@gmail.com
Accepting applications
Conseil des Arts de Hearst (F)
Specialization
Francophone
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Priorities
Galerie 815 will give priority to emerging artists and artists who show creativity, innovation and uniqueness in their practice and exhibition techniques. Nevertheless, applications will be accepted from artists at all career levels and in all disciplines to encourage all Francophone artists in Ontario.
Submission Instructions
Accepts French-language applications only.
Deadline(s)

We accept and assess applications on an ongoing basis until funds are spent.

Contact
Valérie Picard
Conseil des Arts de Hearst
Hearst
705-362-4900
dg@conseildesartsdehearst.ca
Accepting applications
Craft Ontario
Specialization
Craft
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Priorities
Applications are assessed according to excellence in the field of professional craft practice.
Deadline(s)
  • August 15, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • November 14, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
Contact
Elycia SFA
Craft Ontario
Toronto
416-925-4222
esfa@craftontario.com
Accepting applications
Culture Services, City of Timmins
Zone
Zone 5
Specialization
None
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Priorities
Priority will be given to solo exhibitions in public galleries and artist-run centres. A reasonable budget must be presented outlining project costs and the amount requested. Priority will be given to artists in underserved areas.The importance of the exhibition to the development of the artist’s career will be taken into consideration.
Deadline(s)

We accept and assess applications on an ongoing basis until funds are spent.

Contact
Karen Bachmann
Culture Services, City of Timmins

7053602600 ext 6605
karen.bachmann@timmins.ca
Accepting applications
Definitely Superior Art Gallery
Zone
Zone 6
Specialization
None
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Priorities
The gallery fosters contemporary multidisciplinary artistic initiatives, artistic and cultural experimentation, and dialogue within the arts community. To promote and assist emerging and established artists from Northwestern Ontario in developing their professional artistic careers, priority is given to exhibitions and works presented in professional galleries, as well as to artists who demonstrate artistic excellence in their genre in professional exhibitions at the regional, national, or international level.
Deadline(s)

We accept and assess applications on an ongoing basis until funds are spent.

Contact
David Karasiewicz
Definitely Superior Art Gallery
Thunder Bay
807-344-3814
defsup@tbaytel.net
Accepting applications
Digital Arts Resource Centre (DARC) - formerly SAW Video
Specialization
Media arts
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Priorities
Open to media artists at all levels of their career and throughout the province. DARC supports installation, performance, and online exhibitions of all forms of media art: video, film, new media, digital and audio.
Deadline(s)
  • September 02, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • December 01, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
Contact
Emily Ramsay
Digital Arts Resource Centre (DARC) - formerly SAW Video
Ottawa
613-238-7648
director@digitalartsresourcecentre.ca
Accepting applications
Ed Video Media Arts Centre
Specialization
Media arts
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Priorities
We prioritize artists working within smaller budgets, those who are self-funding the presentation of their work and first-time applicants for Exhibition Assistance. We support the exhibition of media art: single channel, installation, audio art, performance, and cross-disciplinary presentations involving media art. We are open to non-gallery presentation venues.
Deadline(s)
  • July 11, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • December 19, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
Contact
Elia Morrison
Ed Video Media Arts Centre
Guelph
519-836-9811
programming@edvideo.org
Accepting applications
Forest City Gallery
Zone
Zone 1
Specialization
None
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Priorities
  • Emerging artists
  • Importance of the body of work and the exhibition in the artist’s career
  • Artistic merit
Deadline(s)
  • July 20, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • October 10, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • January 05, 2026, 1 p.m. ET
Contact
Adi Berardini
Forest City Gallery
London
226-289-4025
info@forestcitygallery.com
Accepting applications
Galerie du Nouvel-Ontario (F)
Specialization
Francophone
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Priorities
The GNO recommends exhibitions by Francophone professional artists in all disciplines and from all parts of Ontario. Special consideration is given to artists from Northern Ontario.
Submission Instructions
Accepts French-language applications only.
Deadline(s)

We accept and assess applications on an ongoing basis until funds are spent.

Contact
Danielle Tremblay
Galerie du Nouvel-Ontario
Sudbury
705-673-4927
direction@gn-o.org
Accepting applications
Gallery 44 Centre for Contemporary Photography
Specialization
Photography
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Priorities
Ontario-based artists with a confirmed exhibition of photography or photo-based work.
Deadline(s)
  • July 31, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • November 28, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
Contact
Sameen Mahboubi
Gallery 44 Centre for Contemporary Photography
Toronto
416-979-3941
sameen@gallery44.org
Accepting applications
Gallery Stratford
Zone
Zone 2
Specialization
None
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Priorities
  • First-time applicants
  •  Importance of exhibition in the artist’s career
  • Exhibitions in a public art gallery and museum 
Deadline(s)

We accept and assess applications on an ongoing basis until funds are spent.

Contact
Robert Windrum
Gallery Stratford
Stratford
519-271-5271 ext. 222
rwindrum@gallerystratford.on.ca
Accepting applications
Gendai
Specialization
Artists of colour
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Priorities
  • emerging to mid-career artists, priority given to culturally diverse applicants or applicants from marginalized communities
  • experimental projects and platforms for collaborative research and knowledge-production
  • we encourage projects with capacity for long-term engagement with contemporary socio-political issues and resonance beyond the art community
Deadline(s)
  • September 29, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • January 05, 2026, 1 p.m. ET
Contact
Petrina Ng
Gendai
Toronto
647-294-0434
gendaiclub@gmail.com
Accepting applications
Grimsby Public Art Gallery
Zone
Zone 2
Specialization
None
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Priorities
  • First-time applicants or applicants who have not recently received a grant
  • Importance of the exhibition to the artist’s career
  • Extent of the public access to the exhibition
Deadline(s)
  • September 05, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • January 09, 2026, 1 p.m. ET
Contact
Alexandra Hartstone
Grimsby Public Art Gallery
Grimsby
905-945-3246
ahartstone@grimsby.ca
Accepting applications
Hamilton Artists Inc.
Zone
Zone 3
Specialization
None
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Priorities
Hamilton Artists Inc. focuses on critical, unconventional, and challenging contemporary art practices that contribute to regional and national discourses. We accept applications from artists of all career levels and working in across disciplines. 
Deadline(s)
  • October 01, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • January 09, 2026, 1 p.m. ET
Contact
Sanaa Humayun
Hamilton Artists' Inc.
Hamilton
(905) 529-3355
programming@theinc.ca
Accepting applications
Harbourfront Centre
Specialization
Craft
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Priorities
To support the exhibitions of craft and design artists in formal and alternative presentations.
Deadline(s)
  • September 15, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • January 15, 2026, 1 p.m. ET
Contact
Janna Hiemstra
Harbourfront Centre
Toronto
(416) 973-4600
jhiemstra@harbourfrontcentre.com
Accepting applications
InterAccess
Specialization
Media arts
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Priorities
Excellence in the fields of new media, electronic and kinetic art, sound art, computer-driven works, code-based art, bio art, and other emerging art forms.
Deadline(s)
  • September 26, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • December 12, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
Contact
Evangeline Brooks
InterAccess
Toronto
art@interaccess.org
Accepting applications
Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery
Zone
Zone 2
Specialization
None
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Priorities
Priority given to projects that represent a significant opportunity for the applicant’s career. Decision will take into consideration the strength of the applicant’s visuals, exhibition history, CV, and demonstrated commitment to professional development. We will also take into consideration OAC's priority groups and supporting historically under-represented voices and practices. 
Deadline(s)

We accept and assess applications on an ongoing basis until funds are spent.

Contact
Darryn Doull
Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery
Kitchener
519-579-5860 ext. 215
ddoull@kwag.on.ca
Accepting applications
Le Labo (F)
Specialization
Francophone
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Priorities

Le Labo welcomes submissions from emerging and established Francophone artists and collectives that identify with any community and diversity of genres, with an emphasis on the following criteria:

  • Importance of the exhibition to the artist’s career
  • Quality of the artistic practice
  • Thoroughness of the portfolio and budget presented
Submission Instructions
Accepts French-language applications only.
Deadline(s)

We accept and assess applications on an ongoing basis until funds are spent.

Contact
Dyana Ouvrard
Le Labo
Toronto
647-352-4411
dyana@lelabo.ca
Accepting applications
MacLaren Art Centre
Zone
Zone 5
Specialization
None
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Priorities
Promotion of regional artists to national attention; supporting the development of emerging artists regionally; and supporting the development of artists from culturally diverse, historically underrepresented, and Indigenous communities.
Deadline(s)

We accept and assess applications on an ongoing basis until funds are spent.

Contact
Tyler Durbano
MacLaren Art Centre
Barrie
705-720-1044 x 260
tyler@maclarenart.com
Accepting applications
McIntosh Gallery
Zone
Zone 1
Specialization
None
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Priorities
  • Cultivation and support of practicing artists including emerging artists
  • Potential impact of the exhibition on the artist’s career
  • artists from underrepresented groups
  •  
Deadline(s)

We accept and assess applications on an ongoing basis until funds are spent.

Contact
Helen Gregory
McIntosh Gallery
London
519-661-2111 x84601
hgregory@uwo.ca
Accepting applications
McMaster Museum of Art
Zone
Zone 3
Specialization
None
Toggle Expand
Priorities
Artists who demonstrate an interest and consideration of art as a medium for social change and action.
Deadline(s)

We accept and assess applications on an ongoing basis until funds are spent.

Contact
Mary Reid
McMaster Museum of Art
Hamilton
905-525-9140 ext. 26452
reidm47@mcmaster.ca
Accepting applications
Mercer Union
Zone
Zone 3
Specialization
None
Toggle Expand
Priorities
  • Contemporary art across all disciplines with priority given to a strong artist statement and a demonstrated commitment to artistic practice
  • Significance of the exhibition in the development of the artist’s practice, particularly invitational exhibitions at artist-run venues, public art gallery or equivalent non-commercial venues
  • Potential impact of the exhibition on the critical public reception of the artist's work including significance of the project and/or venue in the development of the artist’s career (e.g.: major gallery exhibitions are a higher priority than projects hosted at venues charging rental fees.)
Deadline(s)
  • September 12, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • December 19, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
Contact
Theresa Wang
Mercer Union
Toronto
416-536-1519
office@mercerunion.org
Accepting applications
Modern Fuel Artist-Run Centre
Zone
Zone 4
Specialization
None
Toggle Expand
Priorities
Support emerging artists, first-time applicants, diverse regional practices, artists from OAC's priority groups, and work that is experimental or adventurous in nature.  
Deadline(s)
  • September 26, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • December 05, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
Contact
Maddi Andrews
Modern Fuel Artist-Run Centre
Kingston
613-548-4883
director@modernfuel.org
Accepting applications
Museum London
Zone
Zone 1
Specialization
None
Toggle Expand
Priorities
Quality of application 
Deadline(s)

We accept and assess applications on an ongoing basis until funds are spent.

Contact
Cassandra Getty
Museum London
London
519-661-0333 ext. 4227
cgetty@museumlondon.ca
Accepting applications
Nia Centre for the Arts
Specialization
Artists of colour
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Priorities

Nia Centre is a recommender for Black-Canadian artists.

Priorities:
  • First-time applicants to the program
  • Project’s capacity to support the applicant's career development and artistic practice
  • Project's ability to expand and push Black visual aesthetics and cultural development
Deadline(s)
  • September 12, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • January 09, 2026, 1 p.m. ET
Contact
Rika Mpogazi
Nia Centre for the Arts
Toronto
4165352727 ext 2
info@niacentre.org
Accepting applications
Niagara Artists Centre
Zone
Zone 2
Specialization
None
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Priorities
Original and innovative, engaging and compelling, reflective of our diverse and changing community, challenging to the intellect, stimulating to the imagination, and multi-faceted in its ability to communicate.
 
Deadline(s)
  • October 15, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • January 09, 2026, 1 p.m. ET
Contact
Natasha Pedros
Niagara Artists Centre
St. Catharines
905-641-0331
natasha@nac.org
Accepting applications
Ojibwe Cultural Foundation
Specialization
Indigenous
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Priorities
  • Indigenous artists from Northern Ontario.
  • Local exhibitions, as well as further in Canada and abroad.
Deadline(s)

We accept and assess applications on an ongoing basis until funds are spent.

Contact
Naomi Recollet
Ojibwe Cultural Foundation
M'Chigeeng
705-377-4902
naomi@ojibweculture.ca
Accepting applications
Robert McLaughlin Gallery
Zone
Zone 3
Specialization
None
Toggle Expand
Priorities
Contemporary art - all media.
Deadline(s)

We accept and assess applications on an ongoing basis until funds are spent.

Contact
Leila Timmins
Robert McLaughlin Gallery
Oshawa
905-576-3000 ext. 111
ltimmins@rmg.on.ca
Accepting applications
SAW
Zone
Zone 4
Specialization
None
Toggle Expand
Priorities
  • Artistic excellence
  • Diversity
  • Impact of exhibition on artist’s career 
Deadline(s)

We accept and assess applications on an ongoing basis until funds are spent.

Contact
Jason St-Laurent
SAW
Ottawa
613-236-6181 ext. 4
jason@saw-centre.com
Accepting applications
SAW (Francophone)
Specialization
Francophone
Toggle Expand
Priorities
Artistic excellence.
Diversity.
Impact of the exhibition on the artist’s career.
Submission Instructions
Accepts French-language applications only.
Deadline(s)

We accept and assess applications on an ongoing basis until funds are spent.

Contact
Jason St-Laurent
SAW
Ottawa
613-236-6181, poste 4
jason@saw-centre.com
Accepting applications
South Asian Visual Arts Centre (SAVAC)
Specialization
Artists of colour
Toggle Expand
Priorities
  • Contemporary visual and media art by artists of colour
  • Projects that offer a multitude of perspectives on the contemporary world through experimental, challenging, or critical approaches to form, medium, and/or subject matter
  • Significance of the presentation opportunity in the development of the artist’s career
Deadline(s)

We accept and assess applications on an ongoing basis until funds are spent.

Contact
Abedar Kamgari
South Asian Visual Arts Centre (SAVAC)
Toronto
416-542-1661
abedar@savac.net
Accepting applications
Station Gallery
Zone
Zone 3
Specialization
None
Toggle Expand
Priorities
  • Regionally significant works
  • Some consideration is given to print-based practices, honouring the Station Gallery’s commitment to the history of printmaking in Canada as represented in our permanent collection.
  • Priority is given to first-time applicants.
Deadline(s)
  • September 15, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • January 15, 2026, 1 p.m. ET
Contact
Olexander Wlasenko
Station Gallery
Whitby
905-668-4185 ext. 1796
Olexander.Wlasenko@stationgallery.ca
Accepting applications
Sur Gallery/Latin American Canadian Art Projects
Specialization
Artists of colour
Toggle Expand
Priorities
Recommender for Latin American Canadian artists.
LACAP is a physical place for inspiration, interpretation, teaching, learning, sharing, and exploring various approaches to engaging with Latin American art. Our vision is to find innovative ways to interpret and showcase Latin American art by offering opportunities for audiences to understand its relevance in today's global context.
Deadline(s)
  • July 25, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • November 26, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
Contact
Cecily Ou
Latin American Canadian Art Projects
Toronto
416-654-7787
operations@surgallery.ca
Accepting applications
Tangled Art + Disability
Specialization
Deaf artists and artists with disabilities
Toggle Expand
Priorities
  • Deaf & Disability Arts, Deaf artists and artists with disabilities, including Mad Art & Artists
  • Artistic merit: contribution to the growth and development of Deaf & Disability Art
Deadline(s)
  • September 15, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • December 08, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
Contact
Nicole Crawford
Tangled Art + Disability
Toronto
647-725-5064
nicole@tangledarts.org
Accepting applications
The Muse: Douglas Family Art Centre
Zone
Zone 6
Specialization
None
Toggle Expand
Priorities
  • Northern Ontario artists
  • Indigenous artists
  • Variety of media
Deadline(s)

We accept and assess applications on an ongoing basis until funds are spent.

Contact
Sophie Lavoie
The Muse: Douglas Family Art Centre
Kenora
807-467-2201
slavoie@themusekenora.ca
Accepting applications
Thinking Rock Community Arts
Zone
Zone 5
Specialization
None
Toggle Expand
Priorities
We support contemporary art practices and presentations/projects across all disciplines, with special priority given to artists and collectives living in the Algoma District of Zone 5, at all stages of their careers. We accept and assess applications at two deadline dates annually (October 1 and January 15).
Deadline(s)
  • October 01, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • January 15, 2026, 1 p.m. ET
Contact
Miranda Bouchard
Thinking Rock Community Arts

(705) 542-1100
miranda@thinkingrock.ca
Accepting applications
Thunder Bay Art Gallery
Zone
Zone 6
Specialization
None
Toggle Expand
Priorities
We welcome applicants from all artists residing in Zone 6. Our main priorities are supporting Northwestern Ontario artists with exhibitions outside their home communities and/or first time applicants to the program.
Deadline(s)

We accept and assess applications on an ongoing basis until funds are spent.

Contact
Penelope Smart
Thunder Bay Art Gallery
Thunder Bay
807-577-6427
curator@theag.ca
Accepting applications
Tom Thomson Art Gallery
Zone
Zone 1
Specialization
None
Toggle Expand
Priorities
We will assess applications based on artistic excellence and innovation, appropriate budget, and the impact of the proposal on the artist's career. This year, we will especially support: (1) new works (2) projects that address topics relating to the environment (3) projects that embody diverse representation.
Deadline(s)
  • August 27, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • November 26, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
Contact
Shannon Bingeman
Tom Thomson Art Gallery
Owen Sound
519-376-1932
sbingeman@tomthomson.org
Accepting applications
Varley Art Gallery
Zone
Zone 3
Specialization
None
Toggle Expand
Priorities
We encourage applications from artists from York Region, as well as focus on artistic merit and professional context of the project. We encourage applications from artists that reflect the cultural diversity of our region.
Deadline(s)
  • July 07, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • December 15, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
Contact
Anik Glaude
Varley Art Gallery
Unionville, Markham
905-477-7000 ext. 3262
aglaude@markham.ca
Accepting applications
Whippersnapper Gallery
Specialization
New generation artists (ages 18 to 30)
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Priorities
We prioritize emerging artists under OAC's New Generation priority group aged 18-30 years who demonstrate clear artistic development, critical approaches to exhibition-making, and potential for meaningful community engagement. We value artists who can connect with diverse audiences, particularly those from racialized, queer, disabled, and working-class communities. Ideal candidates will show how this opportunity would significantly expand their practice in ways not otherwise accessible, and demonstrate the capacity to execute their proposed projects effectively. Our gallery offers a platform for experimentation and social transformation, supporting the "underdog artist" who might not find space elsewhere in the traditional art world. If you fall outside of the 18-30 age range, please visit our collaborate page (https://whippersnapper.ca/collaborate) to learn about other ways we can work together.
Deadline(s)
  • July 7, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • October 6, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • January 12, 2026, 1 p.m. ET
Contact
Mitra Fakhrashrafi
Whippersnapper Gallery
Toronto
apply@whippersnapper.ca
Accepting applications
White Water Gallery
Zone
Zone 5
Specialization
None
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Priorities
In addition to the OAC program priorities and criteria, the Gallery prioritizes applications from artists at a significant point in their practice, helping them to disseminate their work beyond their locality and increasing the public’s capacity to view contemporary art across Ontario.
Deadline(s)

We accept and assess applications on an ongoing basis until funds are spent.

Contact
Alex Maeve Campbell
White Water Gallery
North Bay
7054762444
director@whitewatergallery.com
Accepting applications
Woodland Cultural Centre
Specialization
Indigenous
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Priorities
Our program supports Indigenous artists, including emerging, mid-career, and established artists showcasing exhibitions significant to their careers. This includes but is not limited to first time solo exhibitions, group exhibitions, international exhibitions, and retrospectives. Artists can be showcasing their work in a variety of mediums and venues including digital exhibitions.
Deadline(s)

We accept and assess applications on an ongoing basis until funds are spent.

Contact
Jake Jamieson
Woodland Cultural Centre
Brantford
519-759-2650 x255
jg.jamieson@woodlandculturalcentre.ca
Accepting applications
Woodstock Art Gallery
Zone
Zone 2
Specialization
None
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Priorities
The Woodstock Art Gallery is committed to the promotion of practising artists who are exhibiting their work in professional spaces for periods of time greater than three weeks. Preference will be given to non-profit exhibition venues/organizations.
Deadline(s)

We accept and assess applications on an ongoing basis until funds are spent.

Contact
Stephanie Porter
City of Woodstock Art Gallery
Woodstock
519-539-6741
sporter@cityofwoodstock.ca
Accepting applications
Workman Arts
Specialization
Deaf artists and artists with disabilities
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Priorities
Workman Arts is happy to receive Exhibition Assistance applications from artists who self-identify as Deaf and/or having a disability. We particularly welcome applications from artists who have lived experience of mental health and/or addiction issues.
Deadline(s)
  • September 15, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • January 15, 2026, 1 p.m. ET
Contact
Fatma Hendawy
Workman Arts
Toronto
416-583-4339 ext. 6
fatma_hendawy@workmanarts.com
Accepting applications
YYZ Artists' Outlet
Zone
Zone 3
Specialization
None
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Priorities
Priority will be given to first-time applicants. 
Deadline(s)
  • October 14, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
  • January 12, 2026, 1 p.m. ET
Contact
Ana Barajas
YYZ Artists' Outlet
Toronto
416-598-4546
abarajas@yyzartistsoutlet.org