Dear friends,

As we bring 2025 to a close, I’m filled with gratitude and pride as I reflect on all we’ve accomplished together this year.

With your support, we were able to strengthen our commitment to artists, amplify community connections across our beautiful city, and lay bold new foundations to nurture creativity for years to come. We have so much to celebrate.

This year at Toronto Arts Council, we:

… secured a major increase in public investment. The City of Toronto committed a $2M increase to Toronto Arts Council’s base budget, along with an inflationary adjustment, vital support that enabled us to strengthen key granting programs and provide more stable funding for organizations city-wide.

… responded to the highest demand in our history. Outside of our 2020 pandemic emergency funding, we received more grant applications this year than any other. We’re thrilled that the appetite for the arts is growing in Toronto; we still receive more worthy applications than we have funds for, underscoring the importance of continued public investment in the arts.

… advanced research that strengthens our case for the arts. This year’s research initiatives provided compelling new data insights that reinforce how the arts drive belonging and empower the newcomer arts community.

At Toronto Arts Foundation, we:

… expanded access to the arts across the city. Arts in the Parks had its most-attended season ever, welcoming more than 140,000 audience members and participants to free, family-friendly performances and workshops. We are deeply grateful to our presenting partners and sponsors who make this work possible.

… expanded support for newcomer and Indigenous artists. Thanks to a generous $1-million grant from TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Challenge, we’re expanding our support for newcomer artists under our Neighbourhood Arts Network. This program will help annual cohorts of 25 newcomer artists to gain entrepreneurial skills, paid work experience, and access to industry networks. We also launched a fully Indigenous workforce development program that aims to create a customized, culturally rooted, and supportive environment for Indigenous artists, enhancing their representation and success in the media arts through paid work contracts.

… celebrated the Toronto Arts Awards, honouring artists and leaders who make extraordinary contributions to Toronto’s cultural life. Thank you to our sponsors who make these prizes possible.

… raised funds for vital programming. With thanks to Mayor Olivia Chow, generous sponsors and donors, and every guest who joined us, this year’s Mayor’s Evening for the Arts and (In) Bloom Gala raised $1,056,199 to sustain programs that uplift artists and connect communities. Relive the magic of that night here.

Together as Toronto Arts, we:

… released our 2024 Annual Report, offering a detailed look at our collective impact and progress. Read the report here.

… introduced our new five-year strategic plan, a bold roadmap that commits us to expanding access to the arts, investing in artists’ careers, and strengthening the creative infrastructure that supports our city. Read the full plan here.

None of this would have been possible without the dedication of so many. My heartfelt thanks to Mayor Chow for her leadership; to Toronto City Council for continuing to champion the arts; to our partners, sponsors, and donors; to our committed volunteer board members and staff; to the artists and arts organizations who bring this city to life; and to the public whose enthusiasm and support fuel everything we do. Every ticket purchased, signature added, and volunteer hour logged helped turn our vision into reality for thousands of Torontonians.

The arts help us imagine differently and build communities where everyone belongs. As we head into the new year, I invite you to be among the first to watch Samuel Oh’s beautiful commissioned piece, “A Chance for Everyone to Experience the Arts.” Samuel is an alum of our ArtWorksTO program, and we’re proud to share his work with you.

There’s still time to make a difference before year-end. If you’re able, please consider supporting Toronto Arts Foundation’s vital programs by making a gift today.

Wishing you rest, joy, and inspiration this holiday season. We’ll see you in January to let you know about our hopes for the new year.

Warmly,

Kelly Langgard
Director & CEO
Toronto Arts