HomeInitiatives Neighbourhood Arts Network ArtWorksTO

This program, presented in partnership with the City of Toronto, OCAD U and The Remix Project, is designed to support creative youth entrepreneurs, ages 18-29, who face multiple barriers to employment and education to enhance access to the media arts and creative industries workforce. It is funded by Future Skills Canada.

ArtWorksTO enhances access to employment and entrepreneurship in the media arts and creative industries for youth artists (18-29) who identify as Indigenous, Black and People of Colour (IBPOC) and/or 2SLGBTQ+ through OCAD U workshops, a certificate program, paid contracts and mentorship. 

Launched in 2015 as part of the City of Toronto's Youth Equity Strategy in partnership with Toronto Arts Foundation’s Neighbourhood Arts Network, the program is expanding over a two-year period (2020-2021) to serve more youth and provide increased opportunities. .

Thanks to a $1.3-millon grant from Future Skills Centre, funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Program, approximately 240 youth artists from equity seeking backgrounds are expected to participate in the program. Additionally, instrumental partnerships with Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD U) and The Remix Project will increase the depth and reach of the programming in 2020 and 2021 through expanded workforce development, networking and employment opportunities.

  • OCAD U will customize and deliver in-demand skills training with a new certificate program. 
  • The City of Toronto will provide paid project based internship opportunities for youth to develop original arts-based communications pieces that promote City programs and employability supports through the Toronto Youth Partnerships & Employment (TYPE) program. 
  • The Remix Project will act as an industry advisor at networking activities involving sector professionals. 
  • Our Neighbourhood Arts Network is responsible for the overall coordination and administration of the project.

To learn more about ArtWorksTO, including opportunities and application deadlines, please visit: neighbourhoodartsnetwork.org/artworksto

ArtWorksTO is funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Centre. Le projet Bridging the Gap est financé par le Centre des Compétences futures du gouvernement du Canada.