We are Toronto Arts

Toronto Arts Council and Foundation work together to achieve our common goal of supporting the arts for the benefit of individuals, communities, and the city. Through our programs, initiatives, partnerships, and networks, TAC and the Foundation are committed to building strong pathways for artists to be successful and for arts experiences to be accessible in communities across the city – for a vibrant, connected Toronto.   

Because of our integral joint working relationship, we launched our umbrella brand, Toronto Arts, in spring 2025, signalling a future of increased collaboration between TAC and the Foundation as we build on our shared commitment to raise the creative power and potential of Toronto artists and communities.

About Our Organizations

Toronto Arts Council (TAC) is the City of Toronto’s arm’s-length funding body for artists and arts organizations. TAC supports a wide spectrum of artistic pursuits and a range of activity that makes the City of Toronto one of the leading cultural centres in the world.  

Toronto Arts Foundation is Toronto’s city-wide charity for the arts. Through its programs, the Foundation helps artists to be successful and increases public access to the many benefits of the arts with a focus on equity-deserving and underserved communities.

History

Toronto Arts Council was established in 1974 as the City of Toronto’s arts granting organization. The recommendation that TAC should be directed by a majority of working artists was adopted and is maintained to this day. 

Toronto Arts Foundation was established in 1995 by Toronto Arts Council as a non-profit charitable organization to increase resources for artists, and to provide the opportunity for individuals, private and public foundations, corporations, and other groups to invest in and strengthen the arts in Toronto.

SERVICES

Toronto Arts Council supports artists and arts organizations with accessible granting programs. Following a peer review process of thousands of grant applications annually, grant recommendations are submitted for approval to the Board of Directors. 

Toronto Arts Foundation invests in artists through awards, mentorships, network building, and career development, helping to build pathways to success for the cultural workforce. The foundation also invests in communities by providing access to arts experiences in public spaces, especially in under-served neighbourhoods, and by building public appreciation for the arts through research and advocacy.

Source Of Funding

Toronto Arts Council receives funding from the City of Toronto.

Toronto Arts Foundation receives funding primarily from private sector investment. As such, the Foundation is not dependent on government funding, and endowments remain protected. Funds raised at Toronto Arts Foundation go directly to supporting city-wide programs and does not underwrite Toronto Arts Council’s granting program.

SHARED

Both organizations work closely together, sharing some staff, resources, office space and knowledge. The two also collaborate directly on specific programs. The close relationship between Toronto Arts Council and Toronto Arts Foundation ensures a deep understanding of the issues facing artists throughout the city so that together, we can offer solutions and advocate as a unified voice. 

• Directors and board: To ensure that communications work in sync between the two organizations, Toronto Arts Council and Toronto Arts Foundation share Directors and part of its board.
• Arts in the Parks: Both organizations, along with the City of Toronto and Park People, partner on Arts in the Parks. Arts in the Parks is a free annual program that brings arts events to parks across Toronto, with underserved areas being a priority. Toronto Arts Council provides funding for participating artists, collectives and organizations through its Animating Toronto Parks program, while Toronto Arts Foundation executes a city-wide marketing campaign to promote the events, provides event support through its volunteer program, and engages community organizers to support the events.  
• Toronto Arts Foundation Awards: To ensure a thorough process for the deliberation of its awards portfolio, Toronto Arts Council assists Toronto Arts Foundation in fielding questions from nominators and facilitating the adjudications process.
• Newcomer and Refugee Artist Mentorship program: Toronto Arts Council collaborates with Toronto Arts Foundation through its Neighbourhood Arts Network on the Newcomer and Refugee Artist Mentorship program. Foundation staff assist applicants in finding a mentor and/or provide support for translation services for this TAC granting program that provides funding for individual newcomer and refugee professional artists to work with a mentor in their chosen arts discipline. 
• Advocacy and research: Both organizations work closely with the people and communities we serve, giving us intimate knowledge of the opportunities and issues facing artists and arts communities. We share this knowledge among both organizations so that we can conduct focused research, review and revise our services and advocate on behalf of the arts sector.