Toronto Arts Foundation

The ArtWorksTO Newcomer Program is a workforce development initiative of Toronto Arts Foundation that supports newcomer artists in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in building sustainable careers in media arts and arts education. The program is delivered in partnership with the City of Toronto, OCAD University (OCADU) for credentialed education, and Work in Culture (WIC) for employer engagement.  

The program is structured in two streams: 

• Stream 1 – Media Arts 

• Stream 2 – Arts Education 

PROJECT HOST

A key component of the program is project host organizations (Project Hosts)

These are GTA-based organizations that submit a project proposal to the program and once approved, are selected by program participants through a bidding process. An assessment committee finalizes the match between the participant and the project that best fits their profile and goals. The full cost ($5,000) of the participant’s involvement is covered by Toronto Arts Foundation, making it an accessible opportunity for organizations to collaborate with talented newcomer artists at no direct cost.  

Toronto Arts Foundation supports both the artist and Project Hosts to ensure a smooth experience. 

Key Dates and Details

Applications to submit projects to both streams, Media Arts and Arts Education, are open.

Open from June 22, 2026, to September 8, 2026

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 

Eligibility: 

• Be based in the Greater Toronto Area (Toronto, Durham, Halton, Peel, or York Region) 

• Demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and in the communities they serve.  

• Have a minimum of two (2) years of stable operations in good standing with the CRA.  

• Be able to demonstrate a commitment to inclusive workplace development and an interest in and/or commitment to advancing the arts ecosystem in the GTA and beyond.  

Please review the Project Host Guidelines for a full description of project host responsibilities, project requirements, and eligibility for returning project hosts.

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. Examples include digital illustration, graphic design, photography, videography, social media campaign development, website and UX design, and 3D rendering. 

Arts Education 
Perfect for organizations offering workshops or arts-based learning. Projects may involve curriculum development, arts programming and teaching, or exhibition development. Examples include skill-based arts programming (e.g. painting, dance, crafting), creative workshops, curriculum co-design, artist-led community engagement (e.g. arts-based research, participatory arts, or creative facilitation), exhibition development, and programming for specific audiences such as youth camps or senior art clubs.

PROJECT TIMELINES + bUDGET

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

• Media Arts projects:  January 11, 2027 – April 12, 2027.  

• Arts Education projects:  April 5, 2027 – July 5, 2027. 

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 Project Host will be expected to cover the additional costs or adjust project activities to stay within the $5,000 budget. 

how to apply

Work in Culture (WIC) leads Employer Engagement for the ArtWorksTO Newcomer Program, supporting GTA organizations through the Project Host application process.

Applications will be accepted from June 22 to September 8, 2026, for projects in both streams (Media Arts and Arts Education). You may submit multiple applications to one or both project streams.

Applications and Info Session Registration are available on:

Questions? Reach out to Stephanie Draker: stephaniedraker@workinculture.ca