Grants, subsidies and contributions - Arts and media

Table of contents

Introduction
General arts
Film and television
Music
Publishing
Festivals
Other resources

Introduction

If you are starting or running an arts or media business, this guide can help you learn about the federal and provincial financing options available in Ontario.

An arts or media business may include any of the following areas:

  • Illustration, painting and photography
  • Radio and television production
  • Online media production
  • Dance
  • Theatre and film
  • Video games

You can also contact your local municipal office for information on financing and support that may be available for your area. You can find links to your municipality’s website at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.

Read online:
Association of Municipalities of Ontario

General arts

The following organizations provide support and financing to the arts industry in general.

Ontario Creates

If you are one of Ontario’s cultural entrepreneurs from the book and magazine publishing, film and television production, sound recording or interactive digital media content production industries, Ontario Creates has funding programs that may help you grow your business. Your arts business may also qualify for tax credits or other incentives.

Contact Ontario Creates:
1-416-314-6858
Ontario Creates

Canada Council for the Arts

If you are a professional artist, you may be eligible to receive grants, endowments or awards to help with various project costs, including production, travel and residency costs. Arts collectives and other Canadian arts organizations may also be eligible.

Contact the Canada Council for the Arts:
1-800-263-5588
Canada Council for the Arts – Grants

Ontario Arts Council

As an Ontario-based artist, you may be eligible for funding to cover your operating expenses. Artist collectives, groups and organizations may also be eligible for funding.

Contact the Ontario Arts Council:
1-800-387-0058
Ontario Arts Council - Grants

Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport

If you run an arts or cultural group, or if you are a member of a creative industry, you may be eligible for government funding or grants. You can access a list of the available programs on the ministry’s website.

Contact the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport:
1-855-216-3090
Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport

Film and television

The following financing programs and tax incentives apply to Canadian film and television businesses. Eligibility criteria vary for each program.

Telefilm Canada - Canada Feature Film Fund

If your film production business is a Canadian-owned and controlled corporation, you may be eligible for financial assistance.

Funding is available through a variety of programs, including the following:

  • Production Program
  • Development Program
  • Marketing Program
  • Festivals, activities and cinemas
  • Indigenous Initiatives
  • Export assistance program
  • Talent to Watch Program
  • European Cinema Support Fund (EURIMAGES)

Various Canadian content conditions apply. See the website for financing details. 

Contact Telefilm Canada:
1-800-567-0890
Telefilm financing

Film or Video Production Services Tax Credit (PSTC)

You may qualify for a tax credit of 16% on salaries and wages paid to Canadian residents working on an eligible film or video production. You can check on the eligibility of your business with your local Film Services Unit before filling out an application.

  • There is no cap on the tax credit.
  • The credit is available to both Canadian and foreign-owned businesses with permanent establishments in Canada.
  • There is an application fee.

Other conditions apply.

Contact Canadian Heritage (Canadian Audio-Visual Certification Office):
1-888-433-2200
Film or Video Production Services Tax Credit (PSTC)

Canadian Film or Video Production Services Tax Credit (CPTC)

You may qualify for a tax credit of 25% of the qualified labour cost for an eligible film or video production.  

You can check your eligibility with your local Film Services Unit before filling out an application.

  • The tax credit cannot exceed 15% of the total cost of production (net of assistance).
  • The credit is only available to a taxable Canadian corporation (as defined in the Income Tax Regulations).
  • There is an application fee.

Other conditions apply.

Contact Canadian Heritage (Canadian Audio-Visual Certification Office):
1-888-433-2200
Canadian Film or Video Production Services Tax Credit (CPTC)

Ontario Film and Television Tax Credit

If your Canadian-controlled corporation is established in Ontario and files an Ontario corporate tax return, you could qualify for a tax credit based on labour expenses for your Ontario film and television production. The producer must also have been an Ontario resident, for tax purposes, for the two years prior to beginning production.

Contact Ontario Creates:
1-416-314-6858
Ontario Film and Television Tax Credit

Ontario Production Services Tax Credit

You may be entitled to a tax credit based on your film or video production costs. Your business must be an incorporated production company with a permanent business location in Ontario.

Contact Ontario Creates:
1-416-314-6858
Ontario Production Services Tax Credit

Computer Animation and Special Effects Tax Credit

You may qualify for a refundable tax credit on labour costs for computer animation and special effects. Your business must have a permanent location in Ontario, file an Ontario corporate tax return and use digital technology to create animation or visual effects.

Contact Ontario Creates:
1-416-314-6858
Ontario Computer Animation and Special Effects Tax Credit

Music

The following financing programs and tax incentives apply to Canadian musicians, composers, managers and producers. The eligibility criteria vary for each program.

Canada Music Fund

You may qualify for funding to create, promote and preserve Canadian music. The fund has four components, two of which are administered through MUSICACTION and FACTOR mentioned below. Generally, funding is for Canadian organizations and artists.

Contact Canadian Heritage (Canada Music Fund):
1-866-811-0055
Canada Music Fund

MUSICACTION

As a French-language songwriter, composer, musician or recording business owner, you may be eligible for financing to help pay for:

  • Recordings and production
  • Artistic development
  • Marketing and promotion
  • Domestic and international business development

Financing amounts range depending on the activity.

Contact MUSICACTION:
1-800-861-5561
MUSICACTION (French only)

FACTOR

If you have a recording business or if you are a songwriter, composer or musician and you record in English, you may be eligible for financing to help pay for:

  • Sound recording
  • Business development
  • Marketing and promotion
  • Business travel and tours
  • Creation of a music video
  • Workshops for songwriters

Financing amounts range depending on the program. Most programs offer loans, but grants are also available for some programs. For more information, visit the website.

Contact FACTOR:
1-877-696-2215
FACTOR

Publishing

The following financing programs and tax incentives apply to Canadian publishers. The eligibility criteria vary for each program.

Canada Book Fund

Your Canadian-owned and controlled book publishing house could be eligible for funding to assist with the production, marketing and distribution of Canadian books. Support is also available for literary organizations and associations.

Contact Canadian Heritage (Canada Book Fund):
1-866-811-0055
Canada Book Fund

Canada Periodical Fund

If you have a Canadian print magazine, non-daily newspaper or digital periodical business, you may be eligible for financial assistance to help expand into new markets and promote Canadian periodicals.

The fund has four components: Aid to Publishers, Business Innovation, Collective Initiatives and Special Measures for Journalism. Your organization must be majority Canadian-owned and controlled. In some circumstances your business must be incorporated. Consult the application guides for more information on eligibility requirements.

Contact Canadian Heritage (Canada Periodical Fund):
1-866-811-0055
Canada Periodical Fund

Ontario Book Publishing Tax Credit

You may be entitled to a 30% refundable tax credit, to a maximum of $30,000 per literary work, if you publish or promote work by a Canadian author. Your organization must be a Canadian-controlled corporation that operates in Ontario and files an Ontario corporate tax return. Other conditions apply.

Contact Ontario Creates:
1-416-314-6858
Ontario Book Publishing Tax Credit

Festivals

The following financing programs and tax incentives apply to Canadian arts festivals. The eligibility criteria vary for each program.

Telefilm Canada - Participation to international festivals and events support program

If your business is a Canadian-owned and controlled corporation and specializes in the production, distribution and sales of Canadian films or co-productions officially selected at an international festival supported by the program, you may be eligible for financial assistance. 

Various Canadian content conditions and other requirements apply. You need to submit your application online. See the website for more information and for the program contact in your region.

Note: You can also explore the programs offered for festivals, activities and cinemas under the Telefilm Canada - Canada Feature Film Fund above.

Contact Telefilm Canada:
1-800-567-0890
Telefilm Canada – Participation to international festivals and events support program

Canada Arts Presentation Fund

You could be eligible for financial and administrative support to present an arts event or festival that promotes Canadian art. There are two main components to the funding: Programming and Development. To qualify, your organization must be a Canadian, not-for-profit corporation. Other conditions apply.

Contact Canadian Heritage (Canada Arts Presentation Fund):
1-866-811-0055
Canada Arts Presentation Fund

You may also wish to contact your local industry association or broadcaster to enquire about private funding possibilities.

Other Resources

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