CREATIVE ENQUIRY LAB

Overview

This program encourages arts organizations and collectives to address organizational challenges using a design thinking process in collaboration with students from TMU's Creative School Design Solutions Super Course. Successful proposals identify a challenge or question pertaining to a current organizational problem or issue and articulate its relevance to the broader arts community.

Key dates

• Application Deadline: August 17, 2026
• Notification: November 2026
• Introductory session (with course instructors): December 2026
• Project period: January–August 2027
• Demo day (prototype sharing): April 2027

Grant amount & budget guidance

The grant amount is $15,000. Applicants are not required to submit a budget. Plan for approximately 2/3 of costs in fees for project leads and 1/3 for materials and expenses directly related to implementing the project.

Program structure

The Creative Enquiry Lab funds an 8-month experience divided into two stages. From January, organizations work 10–15 hours per month with Design Solutions Super Course students to address their identified problem and create a prototype. Participants are invited to some class sessions, including the first day, to meet students and pitch their projects. In April, prototypes are shared at a demo day at TMU's Creative School. From April to August, organizations continue development independently and are invited to peer-to-peer cohort sessions managed by the Program Manager. Successful applicants must sign an agreement with Creative School and may be asked to attend a program evaluation session.

Eligibility

• Incorporated non-profit arts organization or unincorporated artist collective operating on a not-for-profit basis
• Located in the City of Toronto (Post Office Box addresses do not meet this requirement)
• Organizations with a regional Toronto office must have operated in the City of Toronto for at least one year prior to the deadline
• Collectives must have a bank account in the collective's name
• For 2-artist collectives, both must be City of Toronto residents; for larger collectives, majority must be Toronto residents
• Professional artists only (developed skills through training/practice, recognized by peers, actively practice, seek payment, history of public presentation)
• May receive a grant from this program once every two years
• Eligible to receive this grant in addition to one other grant

How to apply

All applicants are encouraged to contact the Programs Manager, Strategic Initiatives, Liza Mattimore, before applying. Successful proposals articulate a challenge or pose a question pertaining to a current organizational problem or issue. Applications must acknowledge the relevance of their identified challenge to other members of their community, other arts organizations, or the arts sector. Organizational leadership must be actively involved in the project, attending and participating when appropriate.

Contact

• Programs Manager, Strategic Initiatives: Liza Mattimore
• Phone: 416-392-6802 x 231
• Email: [email protected]