Toronto Arts Foundation Announces Fourth Year of RBC Newcomer Artist Spotlight
RBC Foundation and Toronto Arts Foundation are entering the fourth year of a partnership that gives newcomer artists the resources and skills needed to expand their artistic careers
TORONTO, May 7, 2018 – RBC Foundation and Toronto Arts Foundation are entering the fourth year of a partnership that gives newcomer artists the resources and skills needed to expand their artistic careers. Responding to concerns that newcomer artists face barriers that affect the success of their creative practice, the RBC Newcomer Artist Spotlight program consists of three components: the RBC Arts Access Fund, RBC Artist Mentorship Award and Let’s Talk Art. All three components are administered by Neighbourhood Arts Network, an initiative of Toronto Arts Foundation.
The RBC Arts Access Fund provides micro-awards of up to $1500 to professional newcomer artists to support the creation of new work. The funds are intended to cover project needs including material fees, artist fees, space rentals, and more. The Fund will be administered over two rounds in the spring and fall to over twenty newcomer artists. Applications for the first round will open May 15.
The RBC Artist Mentorship Award matches six newcomer artists with leaders in the business community, giving them access to professional expertise. Mentorships are self-directed, and intended to enhance entrepreneurial skills in areas such as marketing or finances, giving artists the tools to ensure the sustainability of their art practice. The RBC Mentorship Award is open to past recipients of the RBC Arts Access Fund.
Let’s Talk Art is a free professional development workshop series for newcomer artists. Acclaimed professional artists, arts leaders, funders and creative business experts lead the workshops, giving participants an opportunity to make new connections, increase their capacity and learn how to navigate the arts sector in Toronto. The first Let’s Talk Art session begins May 8, 2018.
“Toronto benefits immensely from the experience and innovation that newcomer artists bring to the city,” said Claire Hopkinson, Director & CEO, Toronto Arts Foundation. “We are thrilled to partner with RBC Foundation to strengthen the arts in Toronto by recognizing and supporting the development of these vital contributors to Toronto’s artistic community.”
“The arts have the power to transform lives and communities,” said David Bazak, Regional Vice President, RBC. “It’s a privilege to be able to continue this partnership with Toronto Arts Foundation, and we are very excited to see these artists grow and develop their craft in the years to come.”
Award, mentorship and workshop opportunities can be found at www.neighbourhoodartsnetwork.org
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About Toronto Arts Foundation
Toronto Arts Foundation is a charitable organization that sparks creative connections, spotlights artistic excellence, and supports vibrant cultural growth throughout our diverse city, through private sector investment.
About Neighbourhood Arts Network
Neighbourhood Arts Network enriches Toronto by fostering excellence in community engaged art making. This city wide network encourages the exchange of ideas, resources and expertise between artists who work in, with and for Toronto’s diverse communities. Neighbourhood Arts Network is an initiative of Toronto Arts Foundation.
About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 81,000+ employees who bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank, and one of the largest in the world based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our 16 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 34 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.
We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at http://www.rbc.com/community-sustainability/.
Contact Information
For more information about the Newcomer Artist Spotlight program, please contact:
Sarah Gladki, Communications Manager, Toronto Arts Foundation at sarah@torontoarts.org or at 416-392-6802 x 217