Animating Toronto Parks

Who can apply

1. This grants program is open to professional artists, not-for-profit arts organizations, artist

collectives operating on a not-for-profit basis, and not-for-profit organizations. Not-for-profit organizations that are not arts-based may only apply to undertake projects that involve the artistic leadership of professional artists.

1. A professional artist is someone who has developed their skills through training and/or practice;

is recognized as such by artists working in the same artistic field; actively practices their art; seeks payment for their work; and has a history of public presentation or exhibition.

1. TAC recognizes that due to systemic barriers within the broader arts community (e.g. limited

mainstream presentation opportunities for artists from equity-seeking communities) some flexibility may be required in interpreting eligibility criteria to take into account equivalent professional experience and contexts. Potential applicants from equity-seeking communities are encouraged to discuss their eligibility with the Program Manager in advance of submitting an application.

1. You may not apply as an individual and be part of an organization or collective applying in the

same competition.

1. You may not apply for the same project in different grants programs.

TAC has two distinct funding envelopes:

1. Arts Discipline: project and operating grants in dance, visual arts, theatre, etc.
2. Strategic Programs: Animating Historic Sites, Open Door, etc.

Applicants can receive only one grant from each funding envelope per year. The Animating Toronto Parks program falls within the Strategic Funding envelope. You may not apply to a Strategic Program if you have another Strategic Program grant application pending OR final report pending; or overdue final report in any program.

Animating Toronto Parks Exception: If you received an Animating Toronto Parks grant for activities happening in summer 2026, you can still apply in this round for activities in summer 2027. This exception is only for the Animating Toronto Parks program. Funds for recommended grants will not be released until 2027.

For Individuals:

1. Individuals must be Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents or have an application pending

for Permanent Resident Status or be a Protected Person (approved refugee claimant) and, if requested, must be able to provide documentation to verify this. Grant recipients must have a Social Insurance Number.

1. Individuals must have been a resident of the City of Toronto for at least one year prior to the

deadline, and live and work in Toronto for at least 8 months a year. A Post Office Box address cannot be used to meet the residency requirement.

1. Professional artists pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies may not apply for work related to

their academic program of study.

For Organizations and Collectives:

1. Organizations and collectives must be incorporated non-profit organizations or unincorporated

collectives operating on a non-profit basis. A collective is defined as two or more artists working together under a group name, either on a single project (ad hoc) or on an ongoing basis. For collectives of two artists, both must be City of Toronto residents. For collectives of more than two artists, the majority of members must be City of Toronto residents.

1. Not-for-profit organizations that are not arts-based are eligible to apply to this grants program.

Projects must include the collaborative involvement of professional artists with community members, as well as the payment of professional artist fees.

1. Organizations and collectives must be located in the City of Toronto. A Post Office Box address

cannot be used to meet this requirement.

1. Collectives must be prepared to submit bank account information (in the name of the collective

as listed in the application) if the application is successful.