Artists and arts organizations

Artists and arts organizations guide our work in many ways. Through our peer assessment process and the Foundation’s relationships through programs like Arts in the Parks and the Neighbourhood Arts Network, we are always working together with artists. Their realities regularly inform our decision-making, enabling us to be responsive to and reflective of the communities we serve.

Access to the Arts

Everyone deserves to experience the transformative benefits of the arts. Through our Artists in the Library, Animating Historic Sites and Animating Toronto Parks programs and the Foundation’s Arts in the Parks program, we actively encourage no-cost arts programming in areas outside the downtown core. Our partnerships with Toronto Public Library, Toronto History Museums, Black Creek Pioneer Village and the City of Toronto’s Parks, Forestry and Recreation department open public and city-owned spaces to artists and arts organizations to create and engage the public. 

Equity and Accessibility

We are deeply committed to ensuring that our services are equitable and accessible. We are guided by an Equity Framework and have developed funding programs to support Black and Indigenous artists and organizations, newcomer and refugee artists, and arts activities outside the downtown core, as well as accessibility supports for prospective and successful grant recipients. The Foundation supports several of TAC’s programs, while delivering its own programs and awards that focus on under-served and equity-deserving people and communities. 

Connection

We value human connection and civic engagement. The arts play a crucial role in bringing people together, fostering understanding and building communities. Because of this, we want the arts to thrive and connect with individuals and communities across Toronto.

Careers and employment

Toronto Arts Council and Foundation support livelihoods. Be it artists, arts workers or volunteers, both organizations invest in people and their careers. Many TAC grants support professional artists, while the Newcomer & Refugee Artist Mentorship Program helps newcomer artists integrate and advance their practice through mentorship, and ArtReach Toronto funds youth artists and youth-led organizations with resources they need to reach their creative potential. The Foundation’s Awards provide direct financial support for artists, arts leaders and arts organizations, while other programs such as Mentor- in- Residence and ArtWorksTO provide mentorship and career-building opportunities for artists and youth media artists who are Indigenous, Black and People of Colour and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Stewarding arts supporters

A love for the arts always starts somewhere. Whether it’s audiences, volunteers or donors, we value arts lovers for their encouragement and support. The Foundation provides many avenues for donors to lend their support, while specific programs offer more avenues to steward relationships: Creative Champions Network actively engages arts board volunteers and Arts in the Parks connects with over 400 volunteers annually to bring free arts events to parks throughout the city.

A vibrant and creative city

Toronto is full of inspiration and opportunity. With everything we do, our primary goal is to support the well-being of Torontonians and the city as a whole. The arts are our vehicle to achieve this.