Updated: Jan. 15, 2024: Full eligibility is now listed here. Please email artistdirect@partnersinart.ca for any questions about this initiative.
TORONTO, Sept. 20, 2023: PIA is proud to announce the launch of its new funding stream, now awarding grants directly to artists. Differing from PIA’s existing grants, which are open to visual arts organizations, the Artist-Direct Grant will award funds directly to GTA-based artists who have confirmed exhibitions in Canada between May 2024 and May 2025. Solo and group exhibitions at public museums and galleries, not-for-profit galleries, artist-run centres, commercial art galleries, DIY spaces and other public spaces are eligible. Eligible applicants are Canadian, dual-citizens, or permanent residents who live in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Full eligibility can be found here.
The goal of PIA’s Artist-Direct Grants is to provide funds directly to artists to cover supplies, materials, exhibition expenses, production costs, and up to 50% of the grant ($2500) can be used to pay for their time and labor. This grant aims to address the lack of funding for artists on a more holistic level. PIA acknowledges the barriers artists in Toronto face due to the soaring living costs, shortage of studio spaces, and reduced opportunities to create and showcase their work. With this new funding stream, PIA will not only support more excellent, contemporary art projects exhibitions Canada-wide, but aims to also bolster artists’ ability to live and prosper in Toronto and the GTA.
PIA’s Artist-Direct Grants will give priority to first time applicants to PIA, emerging and mid-career artists, as well as IBPOC folks and other underrepresented and equity-seeking groups in the cultural sector.
The first deadline submission window will open on Feb. 1 and close on Feb. 29, 2024.
Grants for 2024 will be awarded in allotments of $5000.
Successful applicants will be announced in May 2024.
Please note (for the pilot year of this program), eligible applicants are: Canadian (citizens or permanent residents) visual artists who have a confirmed public exhibition in Canada within 12 months of the program results in May 2024. Applicants must reside in the Greater Toronto Area.
Full eligibility is now listed here.
