Music Production and Presentation Projects

This is the grant for putting music in front of people, live or virtual. Six categories: rehearsal and repertoire development including first-stage opera workshops, single concerts, concert series, music festivals, opera productions, and second-stage opera workshops. Composing is not eligible here — that sits with Music Creation Projects — and neither is recording.

Applicants must be Ontario-based: individual professional musicians, programmers, composers and curators; ad hoc groups, collectives, bands, choirs, orchestras and festivals operating not-for-profit with at least two professionals; or incorporated not-for-profit presenters with a head office in Ontario. Colleges, universities, schools, municipalities, religious institutions, labels, managers and agents cannot apply, nor can organisations already holding an OAC operating grant in music.

Maximums depend on who you are: $20,000 for individuals, professional groups and organisations, and for northern semi-professional and community orchestras; $15,000 for other semi-professional and community orchestras; $5,000 for semi-professional, community and choral training organisations. Eligible costs cover artist fees, production, venue and equipment rental, marketing and administration, small equipment to $500, archival recording, dependant care and accessibility expenses.

Two conditions catch people out. Projects must pay fees to professional musicians, and — apart from rehearsal work and second-stage opera workshops — must show a range of revenue sources. Nothing can happen outside Ontario, and no public performance can take place until roughly four and a half months after the deadline, when results land.

Applications go through Nova with a budget, one to three audio or video examples, bios and a repertoire list.