Click here to go back to the main Awards & Scholarships page.

The OCC's Awards & Scholarships are divided into several categories. To access more detailed infromation about each individual award and their application requirements click the categories below or download the entire Award List here: "OCC Awards & Scholarships Description List". Alternatively, see the large chart below which gives an at-a-glance breakdown of all the awards available, in alphabetical order.

Award, Grant, Scholarship name	Category	Discipline	Career Level
A & M Wood Specialty Inc. Wood Supply Grant*	Grant, specific discipline	Wood	Emerging
Adamson/Palmer Photography Grant*	Grant, all disciplines	na	Emerging
ArtExe Web Marketing Grant*	Grant, all disciplines	na	All
ArtExe Web Marketing Grant for Undergraduates*	Grant, all disciplines	na	Student
Bruce Cochrane Ceramic Talent Award*	Award, specific discipline	Ceramic	Established
Don McKinley Award for Excellence in Wood*	Award, specific discipline	Wood	Student
Helen Copeland Memorial Award*	Award, specific discipline	Ceramic	All
Helen Frances Gregor Scholarship for a Fibre Artist*	Scholarship	na	All
James H McPherson Award in Woodworking*	Award, specific discipline	Wood	All
Jean Johnson/ Melanie Egan Award for Curatorial Excellence	Award, support of craft	Curatorial	All
John Mather Award for Lifetime Achievement	Award, support of craft	Lifetime Achievement	Established
Kingcrafts/Lady Flavelle Scholarship*	Scholarship	na	All
Lacy & Co. Ltd Jewellery Supply Grant*	Award, specific discipline	Jewellery, metal	Emerging
Lily Yung Memorial Award*	Award, all disciplines	na	Established
Mary Diamond Butts Scholarship for Embroidery and Needlecraft*	Scholarship	na	All
Mary Robertson Textile Scholarship*	Scholarship	na	All
OCC Craft Curator Award	Award, support of craft	Curatorial	All
OCC Scholarship*	Scholarship	na	All
OCC Scholarship for Undergraduates*	Scholarship	na	Student
OCC Studio Set Up Grant*	Grant, all disciplines	na	Emerging
OCC Volunteer Committee Emerging Professional Grant*	Grant, all disciplines	na	Emerging
OCC Volunteer Committee Scholarship*	Scholarship	na	All
RBC Emerging Artists Studio Setup Award*	Grant, all disciplines	na	Emerging
RBC-Lakatos Craft Career Award*	Award, all disciplines	na	Emerging
The Pottery Supply House Clay or Glass Supply Grant*	Grant, specific discipline	Ceramic or Glass	Emerging
Tuckers Pottery Supplies Ltd. Clay Supply Grant*	Grant, specific discipline	Ceramic	Emerging
Women’s Association of the Mining Industry of Canada Scholarship for Jewellery Design*	Scholarship	Jewellery, metal	Emerging

Additionally, as an applicant for any of the above awards, you can indicate your interest in being considered for nomination for the following award:

One of a Kind Show Craft Community of Canada Award*

Nomination only, all disciplines

Emerging

* You must be an OCC Student or Craft Professional (this includes subsidized Craft Professional Members) to apply for most of our awards. For more information on OCC Membership please click here. Should you need to purchase an OCC membership, simply indicate your desired level of membership on your the Award and Scholarships Standard Application and enclose the appropriate fee with submission. No additional application is necessary.

Back to top of page

AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIP LIST

Growing the Future: SCHOLARSHIPS

The following scholarships apply to all craft disciplines. NOTE: You must be an OCC Student or Craft Professional (this includes subsidized Craft Professional Members) to apply. For more information on OCC Membership please click here.

Helen Frances Gregor Scholarship

Number of awards given: 1
Amount awarded: $500
Application requirements:
Standard application plus a study/development plan of 100 words or less.
Description:
Established by family, friends and colleagues, this scholarship for $500 celebrates the life of Helen Frances Gregor, an internationally renowned textile artist and teacher. It is awarded annually to provide funds for a fibre artist to pursue further study or further development of their body of work.

Kingcrafts/Lady Flavelle Scholarship

Number of awards given: 1
Amount awarded: $1,000
Application requirements:
Standard application plus a study plan of 100 words or less.
Description:
Kingcrafts established this scholarship in 1983, in memory of their founder, Lady Muriel Flavelle. The scholarship is granted to a person who intends to either continue their education in a current program of study or to pursue further education. The recipient is required to donate a set of images to Kingcrafts for promotional and archival purposes and may be required to give a presentation at a future Kingcrafts meeting.

Mary Diamond Butts Scholarship in Embroidery and Needlecraft

Number of awards given: 1
Amount awarded: $375
Application requirements:
Standard application plus a study plan of 100 words or less.
Description:
Established by family, in memory of London, Ontario embroiderer Mary Diamond Butts, this scholarship was established to recognize excellence in embroidery and needlecraft by providing assistance to either pursue self-directed study (cost of books, travel, etc.) or participate in an established course of study. Candidates must practice either hand or machine embroidery or another form of needlecraft that is executed by means of a threaded needle. In reflection of the fact that Mary Diamond Butts was over 40 when she embarked on her studies in embroidery, preference will be given to mature candidates.

Mary Robertson Textile Scholarship

Number of awards given: 1
Amount awarded: $500
Application requirements:
Standard application plus a study plan of 100 words or less.
Description:
Honouring the memory of Toronto weaver Mary Robertson, this scholarship was established by family to recognize excellence in the medium of textiles through assisting a person intending to pursue further education in textiles. This includes the study of textile printing, surface embellishments, weaving, basketry, and embroidery.

Ontario Crafts Council Undergraduate Scholarship

Number of awards given: 1
Amount awarded: $500
Application requirements:
Standard application plus a study plan of 100 words or less.
Description:
The Ontario Crafts Council Undergraduate Scholarship is awarded to undergraduate students in a craft program to continue their study in their respective discipline.

Ontario Crafts Council Scholarship

Number of awards given: 1
Value of award: $1,000
Application requirements:
Standard application plus a study plan of 100 words or less.
Description:
The Ontario Crafts Council Scholarship is awarded to a craftsperson for further study in their respective discipline.

OCC Volunteer Committee Scholarship

Number of awards given: 1
Amount awarded: $1,500
Application requirements:
Standard application, a study plan of 100 words or less and a valid letter of acceptance.
Description:
The OCC Volunteer Committee Scholarship is awarded to a craftsperson for further study in their respective craft discipline.

Women's Association of the Mining Industry of Canada Scholarship

Number of awards given: 1
Amount awarded: $500
Application requirements:
Standard application plus a study plan of 100 words or less.
Description:
The Women's Association of the Mining Industry of Canada offers this scholarship to an emerging woman metal artist. The recipient will have plans to pursue further studies in jewellery design and making.

Back to top of page

Recognizing Excellence: AWARDS and GRANTS for all craft disciplines

NOTE: You must be an OCC Student or Craft Professional (this includes subsidized Craft Professional Members) to apply. For more information on OCC Membership please click here.

Adamson-Palmer Photography Grant

Number of awards given: 1
Valued at: $650
Application requirements:
Standard application plus marketing plan of 100 words or less outlining how future images will be used. You must be an OCC Student or Craft Professional Member to apply.
Description:
This grant will provide the necessary tools for a craftsperson looking to produce digital images of their body of work, or improve their photography skills. The award provides the recipient with funds ($300), donated by Leslie Adamson, toward the purchase of equipment necessary as well as a 2-3 (TBD) hours' worth of one-on-one instruction, donated by commercial photographer Dean Palmer.

ArtExe Web Marketing Grant for Undergraduates

Number of awards given:    1
Valued at:    $1,000
Application requirements:
Standard application plus a website promotion plan of 100 words or less outlining how a website would assist in advancing their careers, including anticipated outcomes. This grant is only available to undergraduate students currently enrolled in a craft program.
Description:
This grant is intended to enable an undergraduate student to promote his or her work through the World Wide Web. Students working in any craft medium are eligible to apply. The award provides the recipient with a basic 5-page web site (including a maximum of 20 images) using an existing template, as well as a one year basic hosting package provided by ArtExe Design. Domain name registration and site maintenance are the responsibility of the recipient. Recipient must be prepared to submit proposed site content and structure within one month of receiving this award. Click here to see the Grant Guidelines.

ArtExe Web Marketing Grant

Number of awards given:     1
Valued at:    $1,000
Application requirements:
Standard application plus a website promotion plan of 100 words or less outlining how a website would assist in advancing their careers, including anticipated outcomes. Similar to the Undergraduate Grant of the same name, this award is open to artists at any career level.
Description:
This grant is intended to enable a practicing craft artist to promote his or her work through the World Wide Web. Students working in any craft medium are eligible to apply. The award provides the recipient with a basic 5-page web site (including a maximum of 20 images) using an existing template, as well as a one year basic hosting package provided by ArtExe Design. Domain name registration and site maintenance are the responsibility of the recipient. Recipient must be prepared to submit proposed site content and structure within one month of receiving this award. Click here to see the Grant Guidelines.

Lily Yung Memorial Award

Number of awards given: 1
Amount awarded: $1,000
Application Requirements:
Standard application. Applicants must have been practicing in their field for at least 10 years, have mounted one solo exhibition and shown in at least 5 collaborative or group exhibitions. Applicants must be also be a OCC Student or Craft Professional Member to apply.
Description:
Established in 2011 by family, fans and friends, this award honours the memory of Lily Yung, who’s unflagging energy and creativity as a mentor, innovator and advocate was so influential in shaping a contemporary craft discourse. Open to artists in any craft discipline, this yearly award of $1000 acknowledges excellence and innovation in craft as demonstrated by an established professional. Donations to the award will be received by the Ontario Crafts Council, with tax receipts issued for all donations over $10. For more information please click here.

OCC Studio Setup Grant

Number of awards given : 1
Amount awarded: $1,000
Application requirements:
Standard application plus a studio development plan of 100 words or less which details items to be purchased/ leased and their cost. If the award does not cover the total expense, the candidate must indicate how the balance will be funded. The award will be based on confirmed estimates up to a maximum of $1,000, and a signed work order/invoice will be required prior to the release of funds. You must be an OCC Student or Craft Professional Member to apply.
Description:
This award is intended to enable craftspeople that are in their first 5 years of professional practice to establish or expand their studio and/or facilities. Candidates must have a full-time practice in Ontario. The award is to be applied to the cost of securing a lease, leasehold improvements and/or acquisition of equipment.

OCC Volunteer Committee Emerging Professional Grant

Number of awards given: 1
Amount awarded: $1,000
Application requirements:
Standard application plus a studio development plan of 100 words or less which details items to be purchased/ leased and their cost. If the award does not cover the total expense, the candidate must indicate how the balance will be funded. The award will be based on confirmed estimates up to a maximum of $1,000, and a signed work order/invoice will be required prior to the release of funds. You must be an OCC Student or Craft Professional Member to apply.
Description:
This award is intended to enable craftspeople that are in their first 5 years of professional practice to establish or expand their studio and/or facilities. Candidates must have a full-time practice in Ontario. The award is to be applied to the cost of securing a lease, leasehold improvements and/or acquisition of equipment.

RBC Emerging Artists Studio Setup Award

Number of awards given:    1
Value of award:    $7500
Application requirements:
Standard application plus a studio development plan of 500 words or less which details items to be purchased/ leased and their cost. If the award does not cover the total expense, the candidate must indicate how the balance will be funded. The award will be based on confirmed estimates up to a maximum of $7,500, and a signed work order/invoice will be required prior to the release of funds. You must be an OCC Craft Professional Member in your first 5 years of professional practice to apply.
Description:
This award is intended to enable craftspeople that are in their first 5 years of professional practice to establish or expand their studio and/or facilities. Candidates must have a full-time practice in Ontario. The award is to be applied to the cost of securing a lease, leasehold improvements and/or acquisition of equipment.

RBC - Lakatos Craft Career Award

Number of awards given: 1
Amount awarded: $450
Application requirements:
Standard application plus a craft show plan of 100 words or less outlining the list of shows you are planning to attend. You must be an OCC Student or Craft Professional Member to apply.
Description:
This award is intended to enable emerging craftspeople in their first 5 years of professional practice to participate in a craft show, trade show, or exhibition in Ontario. The award is to be applied only to the direct costs of participation, such as space and booth rental, display accessories, transportation of goods, and registration.

Recognizing Excellence: AWARDS and GRANTS for specific craft disciplines.

NOTE: You must be an OCC Student or Craft Professional (this includes subsidized Craft Professional Members) to apply. For more information on OCC Membership please click here.

* NEW IN 2012* Bruce Cochrane Ceramic Talent Award

Number of awards given: 1
Amount awarded: $250
Application Requirements:
Standard application plus a description of community involvement of 100 words or less.
Description:
Established by colleagues and peers in recognition of Bruce’s long-standing commitment to the field of ceramics, this award recognizes a ceramicist with a maximum of 10 years experience after formal training. The recipient will be one who is actively involved in a studio practice, marketing and exhibiting their work on a regular basis. They must demonstrate participation within the craft community through activities such as workshops, lectures, volunteer work and membership.

* NEW IN 2012* Helen Copeland Memorial Award in Ceramics

Number of awards given: 1
Amount awarded: $1000
Application Requirements:
Standard application plus a description of community involvement of 100 words or less.
Description:
Established by family and friends in memory of Toronto potter Helen Copeland, this award recognizes excellence in ceramics and is open to artists at all career levels. In reflection of Helen’s exceptional contributions to the community through her work as an organizer, preference will be given to those candidates who demonstrate a high level of involvement in the crafts community.

A & M Wood Specialty Inc. Wood Supply Grant

Number of awards given: 1
Value of award: $250
Application requirements:
Standard application.
Description:
A & M Wood Specialty Inc. provides funds for students or emerging craft professionals to purchase equipment and/or materials to establish their studios.

Don McKinley Award for Excellence in Wood

Number of awards given: 1
Value of award: $300
Application requirements:
Standard application.
Description:
This award honours the late Don McKinley, acclaimed woodworker, former president of the Ontario woodworkers' Association and long-time faculty member at Sheridan College, School of Crafts and Design. This award was established in 1986 by the Ontario Woodworkers' Association to recognize excellence in woodworking design. It is awarded annually to a woodworking student studying at one of the OCC's affiliated educational institutions.

James H. McPherson Award in Woodworking

Number of awards given: 1
Value of award: $500
Application requirements:
Standard application.
Description:
Established by family, this award is in memory of St. Thomas, Ontario woodworker, James H. McPherson. The award recognizes excellence in woodworking, especially in lathe and inlay work.

Lacy and Co. Ltd. Jewellery Supply Grant

Number of awards given    1
Value of award:    $200
Application requirements:
Standard application.
Description:
Lacy and Co. Ltd. Supply provides funds for students or emerging craft professionals to purchase equipment and/or materials to establish their studios.

The Pottery Supply House Clay or Glass Supply Grant

Number of awards given: 1
Value of award: $500
Application requirements:
Standard application.
Description:
PSH The Pottery Supply House provides funds for students or emerging craft professionals to purchase equipment and/or materials to establish their studios.

Tuckers Pottery Supplies Ltd. Clay Supply Grant

Number of awards given: 1
Value of award: $500
Application requirements:
Standard application.
Description:
Tucker Pottery Supplies Ltd. provides funds for students or emerging craft professionals to purchase equipment and/or materials to establish their studios.

Recognizing work in support of craft

NOTE: Awards are open for individual application or nomination and you do not need to be an OCC member to apply.

Jean Johnson/Melanie Egan Award for Curatorial Excellence

Number of awards given: 1
Value of award: $500
Application requirements:
CV, curatorial statement of 100 words or less, all printed materials and image documentation for the craft exhibition being submitted. This award is open for individual application or nomination and you do not need to be an OCC member to apply.
Description:
Together, Jean Johnson C.M. and Melanie Egan of Harbourfront Centre, established this Craft Curatorial Award to honour curatorial excellence in crafts and to acknowledge a curator or co-curators who further the appreciation and understanding of craft in Ontario. The award is for a curator(s) of a craft exhibit shown in Ontario in the past 3 years and will recognize curatorial excellence, critical analysis, and the significance of the project.

OCC Craft Curator Award

Number of awards given: 1
Valued at: $1,500 plus a 2013 exhibition at the OCC Gallery
Application requirements:
A minimum 800 word proposal outlining the thematic approach of the exhibition (the proposal cannot constitute a solo show of one craftsperson's work, or include the work of the person applying); a list of craftspeople and works intended to be exhibited (including any relevant information such as biographies, curriculum vitaes, as well as images of work); and the biography and curriculum vitae of the applicant. Upon receipt of the award, the winner will be required to submit a finished 1,500 word thematic by May 1, 2013. The exact exhibition dates for 2013 are yet to be confirmed.

SPECIAL APPLICATION NOTES:
Images - Applicants must submit submit images of 2-5 previously curated shows, and/or past work of artists considered for the exhibition (if applicable and available)
Suplementary materials - Applicants must include names of proposed artists, if known, otherwise indicate the intended call-for-entry date and focus group.
Description:
Established in 2009, this award supports curators who seek to critically engage with contemporary craft. The recipient will have their exhibition hosted at the Ontario Crafts Council 990 Queen St. W. Gallery, as well as receive a $1,500 honorarium. Both emerging and established curators are encouraged to apply, and do not need to hold an OCC membership.

Recognizing lifetime achievement in support of Ontario's craft community

NOTE: Award is open for nomination from OCC Board of Directors, Volunteer Committee and Affiliate Members only.

John Mather Award for Lifetime Achievement

Number of awards given: 1
Award Details: the John Mather Medal, $500 and an honorary lifetime membership with the Ontario Crafts Council
Application requirements:
This award is not open for application; members of the craft community are encouraged to nominate distinguished individuals who have contributed and supported craft in Ontario. This award is open for nomination only from the OCC Board of Directors, Volunteer Committee and Affiliate Members
Description:
John Mather was the founding treasurer of the Crafts Council and, in 1972, was President of the Ontario Crafts Foundation. After his death in 1977, Indusmin honoured John Mather through the establishment of the John Mather Fund, which is administered by the Executive Committee of the Crafts Council. The Mather family continues to support the award and the OCC through the involvement of Barbara Mather, John's widow.

For more information see the dedicated John Mather Award Page.

Available for nomination only - all craft disciplines

NOTE: You must be an OCC Student or Craft Professional (this includes subsidized Craft Professional Members) to apply. For more information on OCC Membership please click here.

One of a Kind Show Craft Community Award

Number of nominations given:   1
Value of potential award:   $500 grant from OOAK + 5’x10’ booth at the Spring 2013 One of a Kind Show
Application requirements:
Standard application. Applicants must have been practicing their art/craft for less than 5 years. Applicants must be students or recent graduates of a post secondary institution in their chosen field, or can demonstrate other accredited learning experience. Applicants must have also participated in at least one show of their own work (collective, group, school, gallery, etc).
Description:
Sponsored by the One of a Kind Show (OOAK), working in collaboration with the OCC and other arts organizations, this award is part of the new spotlight section at each Spring show dedicated to aiding emerging artists in the launch of their careers – the Craft Community Section. The award winner will receive a dedicated booth alongside recipients from other institutions and will be required to complete a standard OOAK application package, including booth design, product line description and studio photos. For more information see the OOAK Craft Community Award Information page.