The Ontario Arts Foundation (OAF) and the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) are delighted to announce the launch of the Ray Ferris Innovation and Sustainability Grant, recognizing advances in theatrical design and the promotion of environmental sustainability in live theatre.

Toronto based theatre companies are eligible to apply for this annual $25,000 grant early next year by submitting a proposal demonstrating improved sustainability practices for an upcoming production. Advances can be considered, but not limited to, the creation of unique methods of delivering a narrative in live theatre; the development of new and sustainable processes in the construction and striking of a live theatre production; and transforming non-traditional or underused spaces into theatrical venues.

Application and Selection Process
The Ontario Arts Foundation manages the endowment that funds the award. The Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts is responsible for the selection process and will convene a jury to review applications and make deliberations.

The grant is open to application in the spring and the grant will be announced at the Dora Awards nominee press conference each year in May. For more information visit : https://tapa.ca/programs/funding/ray-ferris-grant/.

Grant:  $25,000

Current Recipient
2026     Clay and Paper Theatre

Project Description

Ghost Walk / Earth Dance is a multi-year, off-grid outdoor theatrical project that blends ecological activism with giant puppetry, projection mapping, and community workshops at Dufferin Grove Park. Clay and Paper Theatre will be using their Ray Ferris Innovation and Sustainability grant to develop a completely solar-powered, renewable performance infrastructure — including portable panels, rechargeable battery packs, and a mobile projection mapping system—to permanently eliminate disposable batteries from their practice. Constructed from locally sourced, rapidly renewable materials like willow and wheat paste, the production explores environmental loss and biodiversity by featuring giant luminous puppet animals as witnesses.

Ghost Walk / Earth Dance includes community workshops in mid-2026, culminating in six August performances, as well as plans for a remount and tour in 2027.

Past Recipients
2025     Guild Festival Theatre
2024     Common Boots Theatre and Bad New Days
2023     Native Earth Performing Arts

News Releases
Clay and Paper Theatre are presented with the annual Ray Ferris Innovation and Sustainability Grant  June 1, 2026