Artists in the Library Grants for Community-Engaged Arts Programming (Canada)

The Artists in the Library Program provides grants of up to $20,000 to professional artists, artist collectives, and not-for-profit arts organizations to create and deliver free community-engaged arts programming at Toronto Public Library branches. The program supports exhibitions, performances, workshops, storytelling, screenings, and other participatory arts activities that foster meaningful engagement with local communities.

About the Program

The Artists in the Library Program supports professional artists and arts organizations in developing and presenting community-engaged arts programming at Toronto Public Library branches.

The program aims to strengthen connections between artists and local communities by providing opportunities for creative participation, learning, artistic expression, and cultural engagement through free public programming delivered in library spaces.

All funded projects are produced by the grant recipient and hosted in partnership with an assigned Toronto Public Library branch.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

• Support community-engaged arts programming.
• Increase public access to arts and cultural experiences.
• Foster meaningful engagement between artists and local communities.
• Encourage artistic participation and creative learning.
• Support artists from equity priority groups.
• Promote arts programming within public library spaces.
• Strengthen community connections through creative activities.

Funding Amount

Applicants may request grants of:

• Up to $20,000

The grant can cover:

• Up to 100% of eligible project costs

Eligible Activities

Funding may support a wide range of arts programming, including:

• Exhibitions.
• Installations.
• Performances.
• Concerts.
• Film screenings.
• Readings.
• Filmmaking projects.
• Storytelling programs.
• Workshops.
• Artist talks.
• Participatory arts activities.
• Arts education initiatives.
• Mentorship programs.
• Other community-engaged arts programming.

Community Engagement Requirement

Community engagement is a mandatory component of every funded project.

Projects must:

• Actively involve local communities.
• Encourage participation and interaction.
• Create meaningful artistic experiences.
• Reflect the needs and interests of branch communities.

The format of community engagement may vary depending on the artistic discipline and project design.

Ineligible Activities

The following are not eligible for funding:

• Permanent exhibitions.
• Permanent installations.

Project Timeline

Funded activities must:

• Take place between September and December 2027.
• Be delivered in person.
• Occur at the assigned Toronto Public Library branch.
• Be scheduled during the branch’s regular operating hours.

Program Benefits

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to:

• Develop their artistic practice in a community setting.
• Collaborate with Toronto Public Library staff.
• Access library facilities and programming spaces.
• Engage directly with local communities.
• Gain experience delivering community-engaged arts initiatives.
• Build public audiences for their work.

Eligible Applicants

The program is open to:

• Professional individual artists.
• Not-for-profit arts organizations.
• Artist collectives operating on a not-for-profit basis.

Individual Eligibility Requirements

Individual applicants must:

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or an individual with a permanent resident application pending.
• Possess a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).
• Have lived in the City of Toronto for at least one year before the application deadline.
• Continue to live and work in Toronto for at least eight months each year.
• Meet all professional artist eligibility requirements.

Graduate Student Eligibility

Graduate students pursuing professional arts studies may apply only if:

• The proposed project is unrelated to their academic program.
• Supporting documentation is provided from the graduate program director confirming this.

Equity and Inclusion

The program encourages applications from:

• Equity priority groups.
• Artists working within their own communities.
• Diverse cultural and artistic perspectives.

Assessment Considerations

Applications are generally strengthened when they demonstrate:

• Meaningful community engagement.
• Artistic excellence.
• Feasibility and strong project planning.
• Relevance to the local community.
• Effective use of library spaces.
• Clear public benefit and accessibility.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their chances of success by:

• Developing a clear community engagement strategy.
• Demonstrating strong connections to the proposed community.
• Presenting a realistic project plan and budget.
• Explaining the artistic and community impact of the project.
• Showing experience in delivering participatory arts programming.
• Ensuring activities are appropriate for a library setting.
• Highlighting accessibility and inclusion measures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply?

Professional individual artists, not-for-profit arts organizations, and artist collectives operating on a not-for-profit basis are eligible to apply.

How much funding is available?

Applicants may request grants of up to $20,000, covering up to 100% of eligible project costs.

What types of projects are supported?

The program supports exhibitions, performances, screenings, storytelling, workshops, artist talks, mentorship programs, arts education initiatives, and other community-engaged arts activities.

Is community engagement required?

Yes. Community engagement is a mandatory component of every funded project.

Where must activities take place?

All funded activities must be delivered in person at an assigned Toronto Public Library branch during regular operating hours.

When must projects be delivered?

Programming must take place between September and December 2027.

Are permanent installations eligible?

No. Permanent exhibitions and permanent installations are not eligible for funding.

Conclusion

The Artists in the Library Program provides grants of up to $20,000 to support free, community-engaged arts programming at Toronto Public Library branches. By funding exhibitions, performances, workshops, storytelling, and other participatory arts initiatives, the program helps artists and arts organizations connect meaningfully with local communities while expanding access to creative experiences throughout Toronto.