Program Update
January 21, 2026
The Music Gallery receives a Seed Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation
We are excited to announce that The Music Gallery has received a Seed Grant of $93,100 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). Over the next year, this grant will allow us to purchase special adaptive equipment, conduct training and consultations, and deliver programming in partnership with Deaf and Hard of Hearing artists. This programming will centre Deaf performance and performers in collaboration with other artists working in music and sound, and offer opportunities for our community to participate in hands on workshops.
Guided by our current strategic plan, we have been improving the accessibility of our programming. For the most part, we have addressed the physical accessibility of event venues. At the same time, we have conducted collaborations with groups like VibraFusionLab, Phoenix the Fire, and Hands On ASL! in order to integrate adaptive equipment, Deaf performance, and ASL interpretation into events—although this has been sporadic thus far. We have also visited VibraFusionLabs in Hamilton to learn more about their artist residency model which caters to Deaf performers working in multidisciplinary practices.
Throughout our history, The Music Gallery has learned and adapted in response to the artists we work with. In keeping with this tradition, we’ll work with Phoenix the Fire, a Deaf-led company, to design and facilitate a workshop process for Deaf artists. During these workshops we’ll integrate and test haptic devices including vibrotactile belts, pillows, and floors. Each of these devices will allow the Deaf artist to experience sonic information converted into vibrations. The ability to collaborate in real time, to develop works, and also play in an improvisatory manner is central to our process.
Beyond the OTF funded activities, this project will impact future programming, partnerships, and skill-sharing that can grow our community. Stay connected to the Music Gallery for information and opportunities to participate in the project.
Contact: Matthew Fava, matthew@musicgallery.org/ 416.204.1080
