TORONTO, Sept. 20, 2023: PIA is proud to announce the launch of its new annual funding stream, now awarding grants directly to artists. Differing from PIA’s existing grants, which are open to visual arts organizations, the Artist-Direct Creation Grant will award funds directly to artists who have confirmed exhibitions in the Greater Toronto Area within 18 months of submitting an application. Solo and group exhibitions at public museums and galleries, not-for-profit galleries, artist-run centres, commercial art galleries, and DIY spaces are eligible.
The goal of PIA’s Artist-Direct Creation Grants is to provide funds directly to artists to cover supplies, materials, production costs, and up to 50% of the grant 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 in the GTA, but aims to also bolster artists’ ability to live and prosper in Toronto.
PIA’s Artist-Direct Creation Grants will give priority to emerging and mid-career artists, as well as IBPOC folks and other underrepresented and equity-seeking groups in the cultural sector.
The first deadline for submission will open in Jan. 2024. Grants for 2024 will be awarded in allotments of $5000. Full eligibility will be listed here in Nov. 2023.
Please contact PIA’s Director of Operations, Jenna Faye Powell at jenna@partnersinart.ca, for any questions about this initiative.
