TAC Indigenous Arts Projects
$15,000
Grant
Description:
The Indigenous Arts Projects program is an annual multi-disciplinary project grant specifically for Indigenous artists, collectives and organizations. For the purpose of this program, “Indigenous” refers to people who self-define as a First Nations (Status or Non-status), Inuit, or Métis person of Canada. TAC recognizes Indigenous peoples are the original inhabitants of what is now known as Toronto, which has great historical and cultural significance as a place for ceremony, gathering, trade, and exchange. This program is designed to increase participation in and access to Toronto Arts Council funding by Indigenous artists, while increasing the creation and presentation of high-quality Indigenous art in the City. The City of Toronto supports this program through a funding allocation approved annually by Toronto City Council.
The program recognizes a diverse range of art practices. You may apply in one of four categories described below. Grants awarded may be less than the full amount requested. With the exception of the Project Development and Creation categories, TAC will not fund 100% of a project: applicants must indicate other revenue sources, which may include donated goods and services.
Comments on Funding:
Funding Amount
1. Project Development: The maximum grant in this category is $3,000. TAC may fund 100% of a project
2. Creation: The maximum grant in this category is $10,000. TAC may fund 100% of a project
3. Exhibition, Presentation and Dissemination: The maximum grant in this category is $15,000.
4. Indigenous Arts Sector Development: The maximum grant in this category is $15,000.
Rolling deadline
Eligibility:
Applicants must:
1. identify as an Indigenous (Status or Non-Status First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) professional artist,
a. Individuals must be Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents or have an application pending for Permanent Resident status or be a Protected Person (approved refugee claimant) and, if requested, be able to provide documentation to verify this.
B. Individuals must have been a resident of the City of Toronto for at least one year prior to the deadline, and live and work in Toronto for at least 8 months a year. A Post Office Box address cannot be used to meet the residency requirement. Note: Temporary absences of up to one year may be considered, subject to written explanation and special permission. Please contact TAC’s Indigenous Arts Program Manager.
c. Professional artists who are pursuing a graduate degree may not apply for work related to their thesis. Note: A letter from the graduate program director confirming that the project is not related to the graduate student’s thesis may be required. Please contact TAC’s Indigenous Arts Program Manager.
2. incorporated or unincorporated not-for-profit organizations or collectives.
a. Organizations and collectives must be incorporated non-profit organizations or unincorporated collectives which operate on a non-profit basis. A collective is defined as two or more artists working together under a group name, either on a single project (ad hoc) or on an ongoing basis. For collectives of two artists, both must be City of Toronto residents. For collectives of more than two artists, the majority of members must be City of Toronto residents and Indigenous.
b. Organizations must be artistically and financially led by an Indigenous person, as defined above or provide proof via letter from a board that is primarily Indigenous that the Organization is artistically and financially governed by the board and guided by membership; must have 51% majority of Indigenous members on its Board of Directors; and 51% majority of Indigenous members on the Board Executive.
c. Organizations and collectives must be located in the City of Toronto. A Post Office Box address cannot be used to meet this requirement.
Application Steps:
Applicants register and submit the application on TAC Grants Online (https://tac.smartsimple.ca)
Documentation Needed:
Applicants must submit:
1. The Artistic Statement is a two-part statement from the lead artist(s) of the project
2. The Project Description covers: Project Goal, Work Plan, Public Impact, Outcome and Project
Contributors.
3. In Budget Information you will fill out a table that shows the proposed Revenues (Earned Revenue,
Private Sector Revenue, Government Revenue) and Expenses (Artistic/Production Expenses,
Administration/Marketing Expenses) for your project. You will also need to upload a PDF file with
supplementary budget information, breaking down how expenses, such as artist fees, will be spent
4. The Support Material is an important section where you will upload Audio-visual files/links to support the
assessment of your application. Applicants in all categories are encouraged to contact the Indigenous
Arts Program Manager by email to determine what, if any support material is necessary. Audio-visual
support material must be accessible through an external website where your work has already been
uploaded, such as Vimeo, YouTube, personal website, etc. Do not submit material through Google
drive. If it is password protected, please include the password. Keep in mind that the Peer Assessors
will have a maximum of 5 minutes to watch all your support material. Written support material, like
letters of support or press clippings must be uploaded in PDF format.
Other Things to Note:
About the author
Maurice