Artist Resources

Indigenous Visual Artist Materials

Purpose
The program supports Ontario-based First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists working in the visual arts, crafts or traditional/customary Indigenous art forms to create artwork. Grants of $500 or $1,000 help cover the cost of buying art materials and supplies.

This is a third-party recommender program. Using Nova, OAC’s online grant application system, an artist applies to an Indigenous organization designated as a recommender for the program. These recommenders assess applications and submit grant recommendations to OAC. See About recommender grants below for more information on the grant application process.

Deadline Dates
The 2022-2023 program is open from July 2022 until January 31, 2023.

Creating Knowing and Sharing: Up to $300,000

This program supports Indigenous individuals, groups, Indigenous-led arts organizations and arts/cultural sector development organizations that foster a vital and resilient Indigenous arts ecosystem.

First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, groups and organizations may apply to Creating, Knowing and Sharing (or to the other 5 Canada Council programs) for funding for artistic and cultural activities. Canada Council stands by Indigenous artists through a variety of programs and initiatives, such as {Re}conciliation. This program functions using a self-determined, Indigenous-centred approach. This means that it will be guided by Indigenous values and worldviews, administered by the staff of First Nations, Inuit and Métis heritage, and assessed by First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals.

Collaborations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, that are led by Indigenous artists/organizations are encouraged and facilitated in Creating, Knowing and Sharing.

Toronto Arts Council Indigenous Arts Program: Up to $15,000
There is no single application deadline in 2021. You may submit applications on an ongoing basis until November 1, 2022. You will be notified with the application results approximately 3 to 4 months after the submission date.

Toronto Arts Council’s 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” is defined as a Canadian Aboriginal person who self-defines as First Nations (Status or Non-status), Métis, or Inuit. TAC recognizes that in the diverse mosaic of Toronto, Indigenous people are the original inhabitants of the City, which has great historical and cultural significance as a place for ceremony, gathering, trade, and exchange.

The 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.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Catherine Tammaro, Indigenous Arts Program Manager
Email: catherine@torontoartscouncil.org

45 Minute Watch Parties for Artists/ Elders/ Knowledge Keepers: $1000

The Association for Native Development in the Performing and Visual Arts (ANDPVA) is Canada’s oldest Indigenous arts service organization. Artists can apply to showcase their craft, skill, knowledge and experience on a Facebook live and receive $1000 compensation.

Food Gift Card Support: $100

ANDPVA offers food gift cards to Indigenous artists, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Survivors who lost gigs due to COVID-19

What is Iontkahthóhtha’?

Iontkahthóhtha’ (A Place To Look) is an annual event showcasing contemporary and traditional artwork created by Onkwehón:we. 2021 was exhibition format. 2022 will be an art fair format. Iontkahthóhtha’ is happening October 12th to 17th, 2022. (Wednesday to Sunday) and will take place on the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawà:ke.

What type of artwork is accepted?

We accept artworks of all forms. Beadwork, Sculpture, Photography, Painting, Sketchings, Woodwork, Basket Weavings, ect. Craftsmanships such as textiles and clothing will be eligible for the vendor sections.

How much does it cost to register for the art fair?

It is free for artists and vendors to participate in this art fair.

What is the timeline for the art fair?

Day 1 and 2
Wednesday October 13th and Thursday October 14th. Reserved for setup and artist interaction. A big part of this art fair is to bring Indigenous artists together.

Day 1 will be for artists to take their time setting up their work.We encourage artists to help each other install their work. There will also be helpers on site during the installation days.

Day 2 will be a day for networking, meeting and mingling with other artists while viewing their work.

Day 3 and 4
Friday October 15th and Saturday October 16th. Open to the public. Outdoor vendors will set up in the morning.

Day 5
Sunday October 17th. Take down and wrap up!

Exhibits for the Centre’s art collection must have material significance, historical and contemporary, with a particular interest in works of art from our support communities, reflecting the community’s diversity. In a period when theory has dominated contemporary art, our exhibitions often represent the First Nations community in Canada and the personal relationships that the artists have with history and their surroundings, be it a reserve or urban setting.

We believe our exhibitions are more compelling than ever before and with the creation of multi-media surrounding the works, our objective of bringing art to a wider public is further enhanced.

First Nations artists wanting to exhibit their works at the Woodland Cultural Centre should espouse high standards of excellence and meet the following criteria in a submitted proposal:

The proposal should include a statement of intent, 10 current visual representations of the artwork (slides, photocopies, computer prints or CDs – NO original artwork please), a resume and any other relevant materials about the work such as critical reviews, catalogues, etc. Also include an appropriately-sized self-addressed stamped return envelope if you are mailing in your submission and wish them returned. The Centre also accepts email proposals, but please ensure the application is in PDF format, and images are no larger than 1000 x 1000 pixels at 100 dpi.

Be aware that we receive numerous exhibition requests throughout the year and while they are considered on a quarterly basis, responses to proposals may take up to 3 months due to the volume of submissions. Ordinarily, the Woodland Cultural Centre plans its exhibitions well in advance and aims to have an upcoming exhibition schedule in place for the next 3 years. This provides us with sufficient time to plan and organize major exhibitions as well as related educational, marketing and fundraising initiatives.