About The Event

The Mayor’s Arts Lunch, which takes place in the spring every year, is a high-profile event that brings together a carefully curated room including artists, cultural leaders, arts philanthropists, key business and civic leaders, and politicians from all levels of government to celebrate and spotlight the artists and arts organizations whose work shapes and strengthens this creative city through the presentation of selected Toronto Arts Foundation awards. 

2025 Event

2025 Event 

The 2025 Mayor’s Arts Lunch, presented by Simons, took place on April 29 at the Arcadian Court and brought together artists, leaders and supporters to recognize the incredible impact of the arts in our city. Hosted by Toronto Arts Foundation, the event featured inspiring performances and honoured this year’s award recipients for their outstanding contributions to Toronto’s creative community. 

2026 EVENT

Details for the 2026 Mayor’s Arts Lunch will be available in January.  

For more information on becoming a donor or sponsor of the 2026 Mayor’s Arts Lunch, please contact: 

Courtney Fiddis, Senior Manager, Development 
416-392-6800 x214 
courtney@torontoarts.org 

History

Since 2006, the Mayor’s Arts Lunch has celebrated artistic excellence and honoured the contributions of artists and arts supporters across disciplines to creative city-building in Toronto. 

Over the course of the Lunch’s history, Toronto Arts Foundation has welcomed leading Toronto personalities to host the event, including broadcaster and pop-culture critic Jesse Wente, director and actor Sharon Lewis, celebrated novelist, playwright and actor Ann-Marie MacDonald, actor R.H. Thomson and actor Allan Hawco. 

”I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Mayor Chow for her unwavering support for the arts in Toronto and to the Toronto Arts Foundation for organizing this wonderful event.  It was truly a pleasure to attend and be surrounded by such a vibrant and creative group of individuals who are passionate about arts, culture, and community. 

Congratulations to all the incredible award recipients and nominees: You remind us that imagination is not just a virtue—it’s a force.”  

– Bernard Leblanc, CEO of Simons 

“Being nominated for the Arts for Youth Award gives us a sense that we have an opportunity to shine. To watch the young people in the band step up and take on the leadership roles that they have – it’s going to mea so much to all of them.”  

– Wendy Jones, CEO & Band leader, Pan Fantasy, 2024 Arts for Youth Award Recipient