Toronto Arts Foundation

Toronto’s city-wide charity for the arts.

Toronto Arts Foundation and our supporters share a clear vision for Toronto – a vibrant and creative city where every neighbourhood is enriched by the transformative benefits of the arts. 

Through our programming and initiatives we’re focused on bringing the arts to communities throughout the city. We do this, not only because every individual deserves to enjoy the many benefits of the arts, but because engaged and inclusive communities build strong cities.

Toronto Arts Foundation began in 1995 with an investment from a private individual who believed in the powerful rippling effect of celebrating artists. With this significant gift the first annual Arts Award was created and since that time, thanks to the strong support from our expanding number of arts champions, the Foundation has grown into a thriving organization with programming, research and awards impacting artists and neighbourhoods across Toronto. With an annual operating budget of over $2.5 million, a board of 15 members and a strong executive team, Toronto Arts Foundation is recognized in the arts sector as a champion of artistic excellence in the city, and is strongly positioned to bring attention and investment to the arts sector.

We believe that the arts help cities thrive. The arts in all its forms can offer perspective and creative solutions to the challenges we face. The arts inspire, challenge, excite, spark conversations, bridge differences, and so much more.

We hope our programs, research and awards will inspire you to join us and make your own contribution towards our common vision.

Toronto Arts Foundation acknowledges the diversity of the First Peoples of this area and recognize the territories of the Huron-Wendat, the Anishnabek Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Today, Toronto is still the home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work, to live and to meet on this territory.

Toronto Arts Foundation is a Registered Charity: # 88854 7064 RR0001

Our Initiatives

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  Neighbourhood Arts Network 

  The Neighbourhood Arts Network is the place where arts and community engagement meet.

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  Incubation Projects 

  Our Incubation Projects have helped transform communities through the arts.

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  Arts in the Parks 

  Hundreds of family-friendly, inclusive free arts events in parks across Toronto, all summer long.

See more

Foundation Research and Knowledge

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  Bringing the City Alive: Impact of the Arts 

  A Survey of Arts in the GTA

  Through a partnership with Leger, Toronto Arts Foundation is examining the impact of the arts on life in Toronto. Public surveys provide timely snapshots of how residents access the arts, how the arts contribute to community development, and improve the quality of life in our city.

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  Creative Trust Research Fellowship 

  Jini Stolk

  Toronto Arts Foundation announced Jini Stolk as the inaugural Creative Trust Research Fellowship in 2013.

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  Toronto Arts Facts 

  Did you Know...

  Toronto Arts Facts gathers together key information about the arts in Toronto, compiled from a wide variety of research studies and statistical resources. This information falls into the general areas of the arts’ role in the economy, its impact on communities, and its place in people’s lives.