Toronto Arts Foundation Announces Partnership with RBC Foundation to Support Newcomer Artists
TORONTO, February 5, 2015 – Toronto Arts Foundation is pleased to announce its partnership with RBC Foundation to build on the potential of newcomer artists and break down the barriers they face when it comes to arts access. Toronto Arts Foundation will launch RBC Newcomer Artist Spotlight, designed to connect and inspire newcomer artists who are Toronto’s new generation of cultural leaders and innovators.
“RBC has a longstanding commitment to the arts, and to be able to partner with Toronto Arts Foundation to provide this opportunity for newcomer artists is a privilege,” said Gayle Corcoran, Director, Community and Cultural Marketing, RBC. “Newcomers to Canada see unique challenges settling into their new communities, and this provides them with the funding to pursue an artistic outlet they might not otherwise have.”
As part of their commitment to strengthening the arts in Toronto, RBC Foundation will donate $50,000 to Toronto Arts Foundation.
Toronto Arts Foundation is delighted to announce the Neighbourhood Arts Network RBC Arts Access Fund: micro awards of up to $1,500 for newcomer artists looking to jump-start their community-engaged arts projects. The awards will be administered by the Foundation’s Neighbourhood Arts Network. These awards will be tied to actual project needs, ranging from art supplies to space rental for an event. The first deadline is March 8th, 2015. Applications for the RBC Arts Access Fund can be found at http://www.neighbourhoodartsnetwork.org/.
From March to August 2015, a series of four events called Let’s Talk Art will bring together acclaimed professional artists, arts leaders, funders and creative business experts to help lead a range of professional development workshops for newcomer artists. Facilitated by the Neighbourhood Arts Network, each round table workshop session will give newcomer artists access to the gatekeepers of the Toronto arts sector, an opportunity to increase their capacity and understand how to navigate the arts in Toronto. Registration information can be found at http://www.neighbourhoodartsnetwork.org/news/lets-talk-art-professional-development-series-newcomer-artists.
“Toronto Arts Foundation continuously seeks new ways to celebrate and support Toronto’s artists,” said Claire Hopkinson, Director & CEO, Toronto Arts Foundation. “RBC Foundation’s generous contribution helps the Foundation deliver on key recommendations coming out of our research. Newcomer artists have so much to offer to our city’s cultural tapestry.”
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About Toronto Arts Foundation
Toronto Arts Foundation is a charitable organization that encourages artistic excellence and increases access to the arts throughout the City of Toronto through private sector investment. Our vision Creative City: Block by Block is to connect every Toronto neighbourhood with the transformative socio-economic benefits of the arts. By supporting, celebrating, financing and advocating for Toronto’s artists, we can improve the quality of life for all Torontonians.
About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is Canada’s largest bank, and one of the largest banks in the world, based on market capitalization. We are one of North America’s leading diversified financial services companies, and provide personal and commercial banking, wealth management services, insurance, investor services and capital markets products and services on a global basis. We employ approximately 78,000 full- and part-time employees who serve more than 16 million personal, business, public sector and institutional clients through offices in Canada, the U.S. and 38 other countries. For more information, please visit rbc.com.
RBC supports a broad range of community initiatives through donations, sponsorships and employee volunteer activities. In 2014, we contributed more than $111 million to causes worldwide, including donations and community investments of more than $76 million and $35 million in sponsorships.
Contact Information:
For more information about the Toronto Arts Foundation and this partnership with RBC, please contact:
Francesca Perez, Community Investment Manager, Toronto Arts Foundation, at francesca@torontoarts.org or at 416 392 6802 x 204.