Who we Are

Toronto Arts Council (TAC) is Toronto’s city-wide public funding body for the arts. Created in 1974 to enhance the quality of life in Toronto through the arts, our accessible programs support a diversity of artists and arts organizations to explore, create, and connect with a wide range of audiences and communities. Led by artists, for artists, our peer review process puts community at the heart of its work. With City of Toronto investment of approximately $25 million annually, our grants lead to festivals, exhibitions, performances, readings, workshops, and other arts experiences enjoyed by over five million people across the city each year.  

Our Mission

To support artists and arts organizations with responsive and innovative granting programs.

Our Vision

Working to connect every Toronto neighbourhood with the transformative social and economic benefits of the arts.

What We Do

We’re working to ensure the arts are supported in our city and country. Here’s how: 

Serving Toronto’s arts community:

• We work with partners to identify gaps and opportunities to increase support for Toronto’s arts community.
• We stay active with arts advocacy so that residents and all levels of government are mindful of what’s beneficial and what’s needed. 

Arms-length funding agency

• We work with the City of Toronto to allocate a yearly budget (annual appropriation) to support city-wide arts granting programs: TAC is not a city department but a charitable organization under contract to the City. Our arms-length funding agreement, in part, eliminates the need for City Council to debate and approve each grant.

Grants, staff and public engagement

• We offer grant funding programs for Toronto-based organizations, arts collectives and individual artists.
• We engage in outreach to promote our programs through info sessions, talks and presence at events.
• We help prospective applicants with the application process, from eligibility to technical issues and accessibility services.
• We accept applications for grant funding programs through our online portal, TAC Grants Online. 

Peer review process 

• Panels and committees of artists and arts professionals assess hundreds of grant applications every year.
• Recommendations for funding are submitted by assessment panels and committees to the Director & CEO and Board of Directors.
• We distribute funds to successful applicants. 
• Our peer review process ensures the City of Toronto vigorously pursues artistic excellence and innovation and steadfastly protects freedom of expression.

Accountability and transparency

• Every year we report on granting allocations to Toronto City Council through Economic and Community Development Committee.
• We report to the public about grant amounts and recipients on our website and in annual reports. 

End result

• Art in Toronto for everyone to enjoy.

Priorities

In 2016, Toronto Arts Council released a strategic plan that will guide and support TAC’s operations until 2025. Four strategic priorities were identified:

Responsive granting that reflects the city, embraces technology and builds on success.  

New investment that realizes the potential of Toronto’s artists and arts organizations

Strong partnerships that extend opportunities, reach and profile of Toronto artists

Urban leadership that speaks with a compelling voice for a creative, equitable and thriving city.