Ontario Arts Council
The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) is a publicly funded Canadian organization in the province of Ontario whose purpose is to promote and assist the development of the arts for the enjoyment and benefit of all Ontarians. Based in Toronto, OAC was founded in 1963 by Ontario's Premier at the time, John Robarts.[1]
OAC plays a vital role in fostering the stability and growth of Ontario's arts community. An arm's-length agency of the Ministry of Culture, OAC offers more than fifty funding programs for Ontario-based artists and arts organizations. Grants provide assistance for a specific activity, support for a period of time, or for ongoing operations. OAC also offers awards, prizes and scholarships from private funds, and further supports Ontario's arts community by conducting research and statistical analyses of the arts and culture. OAC staff manage granting programs, while a 12-member volunteer board of directors oversees the fulfilment of the organization's mandate. The board of directors is appointed by the Government of Ontario for a three-year term (and may be re-appointed for one additional term).
OAC provides grants in three ways:
- Artistic discipline: crafts, dance, theatre, literature; music; visual and media arts.
- Artistic or other activity: arts education; community arts; touring; residencies; and capacity building/professional development.
- Cultural practice: Aboriginal Arts and Franco-Ontarian Arts.