In recognition of the two official languages and the distinct arts and cultural contributions of Ontario’s Francophone artists, the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) has a suite of French-language programs specifically for Francophone artists and organizations. Ontario is home to the second largest Francophone population in North America and we believe the arts are an important link to exploring the intersections of language and identity. Read more
 
Applicants who are Francophone are encouraged to apply to any program in which their activities are eligible. In addition, OAC has a number of programs that specifically meet the needs of Francophone artists, ad hoc groups/collectives and organizations.

Only French-language applications will be accepted for the following programs. Please note that Francophone artists can also apply (in French or English) to OAC programs outside Francophone Arts.

Additional Information

Ontario’s Francophone population is culturally diverse and includes people from countries all over the French-speaking world. For many Francophones, the arts are a critical link between language and cultural identity, and Ontario’s Francophone artists are deeply valued by their communities. Because Francophone individuals and communities are dispersed throughout Ontario, Francophone artists and arts organizations may face particular challenges.
 
Francophone is based on the Government of Ontario’s Inclusive Definition of Francophone (IDF), which includes “those persons whose mother tongue is French, plus those whose mother tongue is neither French nor English but have a particular knowledge of French as an Official Language and use French at home.”
 

OAC’s Equity Statement

We are inspired by and value Ontario’s artists, who help shape our thriving and diverse society and express the richness of our stories, histories and cultures. Therefore, as a public agency, funder and employer, OAC will lead and be responsive and inclusive in supporting diverse artists, artistic practices, arts communities and our own organization. See our Equity Plan for more information.
 

Assessment

Peer assessment is an important principle for OAC. We are committed to assembling panels of artists and arts professionals that reflect the rich diversity of Ontario, OAC priority groups, and a wide range of perspectives. All assessors receive a fee for reading the applications and for participating in the assessment meetings. The OAC covers travel, meals and accommodation for assessors who come from out-of-town, as well as accessibility and childcare needs. If you would like to be considered to serve as an OAC peer assessor, you may nominate yourself by completing the form on this page. 
 
The OAC staff and assessors adhere to the Ontario Human Rights Code. Assessors are asked to consider who is telling whose story and who has the right to develop and share cultural expressions and knowledge from any community, particularly historically underrepresented groups or individuals. Assessors may consider the impact of the artistic work in the context of historic or continuing barriers faced by the applicant and the communities engaged by the work, when accessing opportunities for producing and participating in the arts. In cases where two applications have an equal score when funding runs out, the applicant who is a member of a priority group will be awarded the grant.