Toronto Arts Council Theatre Projects Grant 2026

The Theatre Projects program provides funding to professional, non-profit theatre organizations and collectives for the creation, production and presentation of theatre works and other projects that support the development of professional theatre in Toronto. The City of Toronto supports this program through a funding allocation approved annually by Toronto City Council. The Theatre Program is strongly committed to the development and performance of works by Canadian artists.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: March 2, 2026 & August 4, 2026
2. Value: Up to $20,000 (depending on category)
3. Sponsor: Toronto Arts Council
4. Course to Study: Theatre creation, production & presentation projects
5. Eligible Country: Canada

Eligibility Criteria for Toronto Arts Council Theatre Projects Grant 2026

If you are a first-time applicant, or if you have any questions about the eligibility of your project, please contact the Theatre Program Manager.

To be eligible for this funding, an applicant must:¹

1. To apply to Theatre Projects applicants must be either an incorporated non-profit organization or an unincorporated collective operating on a not-for-profit basis.
2. A collective is defined as two or more artists working together under a group name, either on a single project or on an ongoing basis.
3. Organizations and collectives must be located in the City of Toronto. A Post Office Box address cannot be used to meet this requirement. Organizations with a regional Toronto office must have operated in the City of Toronto for at least one year prior to the deadline.
4. For collectives of two artists, both must be City of Toronto residents. For collectives of more than two artists, the majority of members must be City of Toronto residents.
5. Artists must be professional. A professional artist is someone who has developed their skills through training and/or practice; is recognized as such by artists working in the same artistic tradition; actively practices her/his/their art; seeks payment for her/his/their work; and has a history of public presentation.
6. The project for which the funding is requested must take place in the City of Toronto.
7. Applicants may receive only one grant per calendar year through the Theatre program and may not apply to other TAC discipline programs. However, TAC offers other types of granting opportunities through its Strategic Initiatives envelope, and you may be eligible to apply to one of these programs. Please consult TAC’s website for other granting opportunities.

Benefits of Toronto Arts Council Theatre Projects Grant 2026

1. Full Production: supports rehearsal, production and presentation of a fully developed work. The maximum grant in this category is $20,000.
2. Production in a Festival: supports the rehearsal, production and presentation of a work in an established festival in Toronto. Confirmation of festival participation is required before the application is approved for funding. The maximum grant in this category is $10,000.
3. Workshop: supports the development of a work and involves artists and playwrights in the workshop process and must include a reading or a presentation. Activities eligible for the TAC Playwrights grant program are not eligible in this category. The maximum grant in this category is $15,000
4. Special Initiatives: supports projects that develop and advance the practice of theatre in Toronto and/or contribute to an understanding and appreciation of theatre. Projects can include festivals, opportunities that benefit the theatre community, conferences, forums, symposiums, etc. The maximum grant in this category is $15,000. Contact Theatre Program Manager to discuss the project.
5. Works conceived for digital platforms are eligible in all categories.
6. Grants awarded may be less than the full amount requested. In all categories, TAC will not fund 100% of a project: applicants must indicate a range of revenue sources, which may include donated goods and services. For all categories, project expenses could include: artists fees, production and technical fees, marketing and outreach costs, administrative costs, childcare costs, etc. The payment of artist fees is a requirement in this program.

How to Apply

Applicants register and submit the application through TAC Grants Online. Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm on the deadline dates. TAC does not accept applications by any other means of delivery. You will receive a confirmation email when your application is submitted. Check your spam/junk mail folder if it doesn’t arrive in your in-box.

Please download the full Program Guidelines for complete program details and application specifics.

For more information, kindly visit Toronto Arts Council Theatre Projects Program Funding

Application Deadline

2 March, 2026

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Toronto Arts Council Theatre Projects Grant 2026