From September 2025 to fall 2026, a major artistic and community initiative will bring together artists, organizations, and communities from across Ontario.
Participation and Francophonie +
Who can participate?
Everyone is welcome—individuals, informal groups, organizations, schools, and institutions. Projects must be connected to Ontario’s Francophone community and include an artistic and community component.
Do I need to be affiliated with an organization?
No. You can apply as an individual, as a collective, or in partnership. What matters is the connection with the Francophone community and the involvement of an artist.
Can Francophiles and Anglophones, or newcomers take part?
Yes. The initiative values diversity and intercultural dialogue. Projects must keep Ontario’s Francophone community at their core.
Does my project have to focus on the Franco‑Ontarian flag?
No. The flag’s 50th anniversary is the symbolic starting point. The goal is to create a living portrait of Ontario’s Francophone community of today—your realities, cultures, and aspirations.
Does my project need to be in French?
Not necessarily. Projects must highlight Ontario’s Francophone identity. French and bilingual projects are encouraged. Projects in English or other languages may also be accepted if they show a meaningful link to Franco‑Ontarian life (e.g., an Anglophone ally, a mixed‑language family, a multicultural group).
Projects and Support +
What types of projects are eligible?
All art forms are welcome: visual arts, poetry, music, dance, theatre, installations, digital creations, interactive works, and more.
Examples:
- Community photo exhibit
- Textile installation
- Recorded dance, theatre, poetry, or music performance
- Podcast or audio storytelling project
- Interdisciplinary projects (e.g., video and poetry, visual arts and music)
- Video clips, multimedia works, or virtual exhibitions
Not eligible:
- Projects without a connection to Ontario’s Francophonie
- Purely commercial or promotional projects
- Projects completed before September 25, 2025
- Projects with no community involvement
How much funding and support is available?
Each project may receive up to $10,000, depending on scope and needs.
- Small project: school workshop, mini-exhibit, local video clip
- Medium project: community creation with an artist, public installation
- Large project: intergenerational, intercultural, or interdisciplinary work
Support may also include:
- Guidance from a regional liaison officer
- Mentorship from experienced artists
- Practical tools (guides, templates, communication models)
- Local, provincial, national, and international visibility
Can I include equipment or accessibility expenses?
- Yes, if directly linked to the creative process (e.g., paint, canvas, textiles, creative software, installation materials).
- Yes, for accessibility measures that are essential to community participation or to the artistic outcome (e.g., LSO interpretation during creative workshops, adapted materials, accessible transportation).
- No, for electronic or digital equipment (e.g., cameras, microphones, computers) or to cover an organization’s regular programming expenses (e.g., making an already scheduled performance accessible).
Project Steps & Timeline +
Why fill out an Expression of Interest form?
It’s a simple, inclusive way to:
- Share your ideas, even if they’re still in development
- Connect with a regional liaison officer
- Receive guidance, documentation, and support
- Explore different ways to get involved
What are key dates related to the project?
- Sept. 25 – Nov. 21, 2025: Call for Expression of Interest (form)
- Oct. 14, 2025: Info webinar (French)
- Oct. 15, 2025: Info webinar (English)
- Nov. 2025 (TBC): Bilingual thematic webinar
- Nov. 3 – Dec. 19, 2025: Official project submissions
- Jan. 2026: Selection by independent jury
- Early Feb. 2026: Announcement of selected projects
- Feb. – June 2026: Project implementation with support
- July – Dec. 2026: Collective exhibition and digital showcase, followed by presentation at the Francophonie Summit (Cambodia)
Can I submit more than one idea?
Yes, but each project will be evaluated separately.
How will projects be selected?
The selection committee will consider:
- Clarity of vision
- Local grounding
- Community participation
- Artistic, cultural, or social value
- Feasibility
- Diversity of backgrounds, regions, and disciplines
- Innovation and originality
- Commitment to inclusion and cooperative creation
Highlighting the Works +
How will my project be showcased?
- In a collective exhibition in Ontario and beyond
- On a bilingual online platform
- At the 2026 Francophonie Summit in Cambodia
After 2026, works (or excerpts) may be featured in educational tools, presented at festivals, and preserved in a lasting digital showcase.
Who owns the rights to the works?
Creators keep full ownership of their works. To allow for exhibition, distribution (including online), promotion, and archiving, project leads and rights holders will be asked to sign a non-exclusive authorization.
This authorization applies only to Celebrating 50 Years! Shaping the Future Together initiative. It does not transfer rights—creators remain free to use and share their work elsewhere.
What if I don’t have technical skills to document my project?
A practical guide will be provided (photos, videos, simple testimonials). Regional liaison officers will also give advice and connect you with local partners.
Follow the project
Want to take part?
Our team will guide you every step of the way.