Deadline: 16-Mar-2026

The Toronto Arts Council (TAC) Visual and Media Arts Projects: Presentation Program provides funding to professional, non-profit visual and media arts organizations, collectives, curators, and programmers in Toronto. It supports exhibitions, screenings, lectures, residencies, workshops, and digital projects that advance contemporary visual and media arts while promoting equity, audience engagement, and professional standards.

Program Overview

The program funds one-time or time-limited projects that contribute to the growth and visibility of contemporary visual and media arts in Toronto. It emphasizes professional presentation, audience development, and sector advancement, providing resources for artists and organizers to deliver high-quality, accessible programming.

Key Objectives

• Support exhibitions, screening series, lectures, residencies, workshops, and digital projects

• Advance the development of contemporary visual and media arts in Toronto

• Promote professional standards in artist fees and project execution

• Ensure audience engagement, accessibility, and public impact

• Encourage multi-source revenue planning and sector sustainability

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be:

  • Incorporated non-profit organizations

  • Unincorporated collectives operating on a not-for-profit basis

  • Individual curators or programmers residing in Toronto

• Professional artist involvement is required for all projects

• All activities must take place within Toronto

• One grant per calendar year is allowed per applicant

• Applicants must provide diverse revenue sources beyond the TAC grant

Ineligible Activities

• Retroactive projects or previously started initiatives

• General operating, capital, or equipment costs

• Student exhibitions without professional programming

• Research projects without confirmed public presentations

• Projects excluding Toronto artists in screenings

• Therapy-based activities or events held outside Toronto

Funding and Support

• Maximum grant: CAD 15,000

• Optional accessibility grant: up to CAD 5,000 for ASL interpretation, captioning, attendant care, communication assistance, and other supports for Deaf artists or artists with disabilities

• Eligible costs include artist fees, venue rental, production materials, workshop facilitation, marketing, and outreach activities

Application Requirements

• Project description and objectives

• Outreach and audience development plans

• Detailed budget and support materials per TAC guidelines

• Professional artist fee documentation

Assessment Criteria

Projects are reviewed through a peer-review process based on:

• Artistic merit and innovation

• Contribution to sector development and applicant growth

• Public impact and outreach strategy

• Financial viability and multi-source funding

• Equity priority framework: projects involving equity-seeking groups are prioritized when merit is equal

Funding Obligations

• Recipients must acknowledge Toronto Arts Council support in all materials

• Final project reporting is mandatory

• Future applications are blocked until outstanding reports are submitted and approved

• Projects must comply with anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies

Why It Matters

• Enhances Toronto’s contemporary visual and media arts landscape

• Supports professional artist development and equitable practices

• Promotes inclusive audience engagement and sector sustainability

• Provides accessible platforms for artists and curators to present innovative work

Conclusion

The TAC Visual and Media Arts Projects: Presentation Program empowers Toronto-based artists, collectives, and curators to deliver impactful, professionally executed projects. By supporting exhibitions, screenings, workshops, and residencies, the program strengthens the city’s visual and media arts sector, fosters equity and accessibility, and encourages sustainable, community-engaged artistic practices.

For more information, visit Toronto Arts Council.