Artists in the Library
Artists, arts organizations, and collectives apply to create and deliver free community-engaged arts programming at Toronto Public Library branches in designated areas.
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Get matched →- Deadline
- 59 days left
- Entry fee
- Free
- Award
- $20,000
- Location
- Toronto Public Library branches, Toronto, Ontario (Etobicoke, York, North York, East York, Scarborough areas)
- Exhibition window
- Sep 1, 2027 → Dec 31, 2027
About
Overview
Artists in the Library is a partnership between Toronto Arts Council and Toronto Public Library that provides paid opportunities and space for professional artists to create and deliver free community-engaged arts programming at library branches in designated Toronto areas. Funding is provided by the City of Toronto.
Key dates
- Application deadline: October 6, 2026
- Programming must take place: September–December 2027
- Info sessions (Zoom): August 20, 11:30am–1pm and September 17, 3–4:30pm
- Budget sessions (Zoom): August 24, 3–4:30pm and September 29, 1–2:30pm
Who can apply
Professional artists, not-for-profit arts organizations, or artist collectives operating on a not-for-profit basis. Individuals must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, pending PR applicants, or protected persons; have a Social Insurance Number; and be able to provide documentation if requested.
Project scope and requirements
- Maximum grant: $20,000 (up to 100% of project costs)
- Community engagement is mandatory; format may vary
- Eligible activities: exhibitions, installations, performances, concerts, screenings, readings, filmmaking, storytelling, workshops, artist talks, participatory programs, arts education, and mentorship programs
- Permanent exhibitions and installations are not eligible
- Professional artist fees are required
- Projects must be delivered on-site at the assigned branch during branch operating hours
- One proposal per applicant (one branch only)
Eligible locations
Programming may take place at Toronto Public Library branches in Etobicoke, York, North York, Toronto & East York, or Scarborough. For Toronto & East York, downtown locations (south of St. Clair, east of Jane, west of Don Valley) are not eligible. TPL staff will assign the specific branch based on suitability and availability.
Application requirements
Applicants must review the full program guidelines, including the 'Working With Toronto Public Library' section. Proposals must be aligned with TPL programming policy and feasible within a library branch context. First-time applicants are encouraged to consult with the program manager. Watch the information session and attend office hours for support.
Contact
- Phone: 416-392-6802 x 219
- Email: [email protected]
- Award
- Up to $20,000 grant covering up to 100% of project costs
- Entry fee
- Free to enter
- Entries per artist
- Up to 1
- Theme
- Community-engaged arts programming that increases access to the arts through exhibitions, performances, workshops, artist talks, participatory programs, arts education, and mentorship.
- Eligibility
- Open to professional artists, not-for-profit arts organizations, and artist collectives operating on a not-for-profit basis; Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons; with a Social Insurance Number. Must propose programming for one TPL branch outside downtown Toronto core (Etobicoke, York, North York, Toronto & East York, or Scarborough).
- Audience
- Professional artists, not-for-profit arts organizations, artist collectives
- Contact
- [email protected]
Every listing links to the organizer's official page. Always confirm deadlines, fees, and entry rules there before you apply.