The Black Arts Projects Program supports Black artists, collectives, and arts organizations in Toronto to develop, present, and elevate creative work across disciplines. Grants up to $20,000 are available for creation, development, and public presentation projects, including mentorship support. The program fosters innovation, visibility, and professional growth while addressing systemic barriers for Black artists.

Program Overview

The Black Arts Projects Program provides financial, mentorship, and professional support to Black artists and organizations in Toronto. It encourages multidisciplinary, culturally rooted, and emerging artistic practices, supporting projects from early development to public presentation.

Funding Streams

1. Creation & Development

• Purpose: Support the development of new work, completion of ongoing projects, or research/experimentation for future work

• Eligible Activities: Concept development, collaborative projects, research, educational workshops, and refinement of near-completed work

• Funding: Up to $10,000; up to $15,000 if mentorship is included

• Eligible Expenses: Artistic and administrative fees, production materials, studio costs, research activities, travel to significant sites, and compensation for collaborators and mentors

2. Presentation

• Purpose: Showcase and disseminate existing work to wider audiences through exhibitions, festivals, series, or other public presentation formats

• Funding: Up to $15,000; up to $20,000 with mentorship

• Eligible Expenses: Installation, rehearsal, venue rental, marketing, outreach, and professional fees

• Note: Does not fund creation of new work

Eligibility

• Applicants must identify as Black professional artists or be Black-led collectives or not-for-profit arts organizations

• Projects must take place within Toronto

• Artists’ fees must be paid fairly

• Individuals may not apply twice for the same project, but different projects across other Toronto Arts Council funding streams are allowed

• Maximum of three project grants per calendar year

Why This Program Matters

• Amplifies underrepresented Black voices in Toronto’s cultural landscape

• Provides financial and mentorship support to strengthen artistic practices

• Encourages innovation, collaboration, and visibility for diverse artistic expressions

• Helps artists and organizations overcome systemic barriers impacting equity-seeking communities

How to Apply

1. Identify the appropriate funding stream (Creation & Development or Presentation)

2. Prepare a project proposal detailing objectives, activities, and budget

3. Include mentorship plans if applicable to increase funding potential

4. Submit the application ensuring all eligibility criteria are met

5. Ensure fair payment to artists and proper project planning for Toronto-based execution

Benefits

• Financial support for creative development and presentation

• Mentorship opportunities for professional growth

• Increased visibility and access to high-quality platforms

• Networking and community engagement within Toronto’s arts ecosystem

Conclusion

The Black Arts Projects Program is a vital initiative for empowering Black artists and organizations in Toronto. By providing financial resources, mentorship, and opportunities for public presentation, the program ensures that diverse voices are seen, heard, and valued. It fosters innovation, professional growth, and meaningful community engagement, enabling Black artists to create bold, impactful work that enriches Toronto’s cultural landscape.