The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) is a publicly-funded
Canadian organization in the
province of
Ontario whose purpose is to foster the creation and production of
art for the benefit of all Ontarians. Based in
Toronto, OAC was founded in 1963 by Ontario's
Premier at the time,
John Robarts.[1]
Operation
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 administers the Premier's Awards for Excellence in the Arts,[2] offers additional prizes as well as
scholarships from private funds, and further supports Ontario's arts community by conducting research and statistical analyses of the arts and culture.
Grant programs
OAC staff manage granting programs, while a 12-member
volunteerboard 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).
Heinz Unger Award, given to young professional conductors;
John Hirsch Director's Award, given to a promising theatre director ;[4]
K.M. Hunter Artist Award, an annually awarded grant of $8000 (2021) to six individual artists in the areas of visual art, dance, theatre, literature, film and video, and music, who have demonstrated both talent and the potential for further development.[5] Recommendations for the award are made by OAC;