Popular Searches

NEWCOMER PROGRAM

PROJECT HOST

Neighbourhood Arts Network and Work in Culture invite GTA-based organizations to apply now to collaborate with talented newcomer artists on a short-term creative project in media arts or arts education.

As a Host Organization, you’ll play a critical role in advancing equity by supporting the career development of a skilled artist who is building their future in Canada. You’ll work together on a creative project that aligns with your organizational goals, bringing fresh energy, perspectives, and skills to your team.

There is no direct financial cost to participate. Selected organizations will be matched with a newcomer media artist or arts educator to carry out the proposed project (of up to three months). Each participating artist will receive $5,000 from ArtWorksTO to cover direct project costs.

NAN and WIC will help facilitate the project, offering support to both the artist and your organization, to ensure that you have a smooth partnership experience.

Key Dates and Details

Applications open: June 23, 2025

Applications close:

  • September 8, 2025 for Media Arts projects (stream 1)
  • November 17, 2025 for Arts Education projects (stream 2)

WHO CAN APPLY

We welcome applications from a wide range of GTA-based organizations, including:

  • Arts organizations (all disciplines)
  • Municipalities
  • Libraries and community-serving organizations
  • Nonprofit and for-profit organizations
  • Small and large-scale businesses

To be eligible, your organization must:

  • Be based in the Greater Toronto Area (Toronto, Durham, Halton, Peel, or York Region)
  • Provide a project opportunity that supports the artist’s professional growth
  • Offer a supportive and inclusive environment with a suitable workspace (in-person or virtual) and/or an accessible venue for the artist’s project
  • Be available for a short onboarding and mid-point check-in
  • Collaborate on program evaluation

PROJECT STREAMS

Your project opportunity can focus on either Media Arts (stream 1) or Arts Education (stream 2):

Media Arts
Ideal for organizations seeking support with video, digital storytelling, podcasting, or visual media content. Projects may involve content creation, design, editing, or multimedia storytelling.

Arts Education
Perfect for organizations offering workshops or arts-based learning. Projects may involve curriculum development, arts programming and teaching, exhibition development, or community outreach.

PROJECT TIMELINES + bUDGET

Host Organizations must ensure that their project can be completed within three (3) months:

  • Media Arts projects: November 15, 2025 – February 15, 2026
  • Arts Education projects: March 2, 2026 – June 1, 2026

Each participating Media Artist or Arts Educator will receive $5,000 CAD to compensate for their time, expertise, and any materials directly related to their involvement in the program.

If your proposed project exceeds this amount, the Host Organization will be expected to cover the additional costs or adjust project activities to stay within the $5,000 budget.

how to apply

Apply for media arts projects
apply for arts education projects

Please download and review the Program Guidelines and Assessment Criteria [PDF] for full details.

Applications will be accepted:

  • From June 23 to September 8, 2025 for Media Arts projects (stream 1)
  • From June 23 to November 17, 2025 for Arts Education projects (stream 2)

You can download a copy of the application questions in order to prepare your answers in advance:

You may submit multiple applications to one or both project streams.