Ontario Creates — OMIF Live Music

Insider Tip

First-time applicants to any Ontario Creates program must contact the Ontario Music Office at least two weeks before the deadline — they offer a pre-submission review that significantly improves application quality. The funding formula (40% of 2-year average revenue) means your financial statements directly determine your maximum ask — accurate, up-to-date statements are critical. Outcome framing matters: applications that demonstrate specific, measurable outcomes (audience development targets, Canadian-artist percentage, revenue projections) outperform vague artistic goals. The $10,000 minimum and $125,000 cap are both hard limits — do not request outside this range.

Success Profile

An Ontario-based festival producer or concert series operator with annual revenues between $25,000 and $500,000, presenting two or more events annually featuring Canadian artists. Strong candidates have an established track record with audience data and marketing plans that target new audience development. Non-profit arts organizations with a live music presenting mandate and small/mid-size for-profit promoters are equally eligible.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed on: alignment with OMIF Live Music stream objectives, demonstrated return on investment and measurable outcomes, track record of the organization, strength of the marketing and audience development plan, Canadian-artist content, diversity and inclusion in programming, and financial need relative to organizational size. Ontario Creates may also consider geographic distribution of funded events across the province.

Application Steps

Required Documents 7

Eligible Expenses 6

• Marketing and promotional costs for eligible festivals or concert series (advertising, digital marketing, print, PR)
• Artist fees for Canadian artists performing at funded events
• Event production costs (staging, sound, lighting directly attributable to eligible events)
• Audience development and engagement activities
• Accessibility initiatives to broaden audience reach
• Administrative costs directly attributed to the funded activities (at approved rate)

Ineligible Expenses 6

• Capital expenditures (equipment purchases)
• International travel for artists or staff
• Costs for activities taking place outside Ontario
• Events or series featuring no Canadian artists
• Activities already completed before the eligible activity window opens
• Recoverable taxes (GST/HST)

Intake Periods

Annual single intake per cycle. The 2026-27 cycle opens the week of August 24, 2026 with a deadline of October 22, 2026. The previous cycle (2025-26) had similar timing. Subscribe to Ontario Creates updates for future cycle announcements.

Deadline Notes

The October 22, 2026 deadline (5:00 PM ET) is for activities from December 1, 2026 to November 30, 2027. Guidelines are published when applications open in the week of August 24, 2026. Subscribe to Ontario Creates notifications for exact dates each cycle. First-time applicants should contact OMO at least two weeks before the deadline.

Open Application Portal →

Ineligible Organizations

• Organizations not based in Ontario
• Organizations with annual revenues under $25,000
• Government bodies or government-funded institutions applying for operating costs
• Individual artists (this stream funds presenters and promoters, not artists directly — artists apply through Music Creation)

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

Medium Risk

If funded activities are not completed as described or actual results significantly fall short of projections, Ontario Creates may require repayment of all or part of the grant. Unused funds must be returned.