Partners in Art (PIA) supports contemporary art projects through our Project Development, Artist-Direct, and Special Project grants. Each program has its deadlines, eligibility criteria, and application process.

We currently offer four funding streams for arts organizations and artists:

Project Development Grants

For visual arts projects by organizations with a Canadian charitable number (or partnered with one).

Two categories:

Grants for Projects $15,000 and over

CLOSED: For projects happening in 2026, that fall in the $15,000 and over category, PIA is accepting applications between Jul. 15-31, 2025. Applicants can expect to hear the results of adjudication in November 2025.

Grants for Projects $15,000 and under

CLOSED: For projects happening in 2025, that fall in the $15,000 and Under category, PIA is accepting applications between Jan. 15-31, 2026. Applicants can anticipate a response in early Spring 2026. Download the application and read more information via the button below.

Please note the specific deadlines, application forms, and eligibility for each stream via the buttons above.

Artist-Direct Grants

For GTA-based artists who have confirmed exhibitions in Canada.

CLOSED: For exhibitions and projects taking place between May 1, 2026 to May 1, 2027, Artist-Direct Funding is accepting applications from Jan. 1-15 2026. PIA’s Artist-Direct Grants awards funds (in the amount of $5000) directly to GTA-based artists who have confirmed exhibitions in Canada. Please thoroughly review full eligibility and the application form through the links below.

The goal of PIA’s Artist-Direct Grants is to provide funds directly to artists to cover supplies, studio rentals, exhibition expenses, production costs, and up to 50% of the grant can be used to pay for their time and labor.

Special Project

CLOSED: One-time grant to an organization with a Canadian charitable number for a visual arts project with notable impact in the GTA. This grant is in the amount of $100,000 – $150,000.

Inquiries

Project Development Grants: projectdevelopment@partnersinart.ca
Artist-Direct Grants: artistdirect@partnersinart.ca
General Inquiries: admin@partnersinart.ca

Funding Disclaimer

PIA’s mission is to “fund and champion contemporary visual art through philanthropy, volunteerism and education”. In this pursuit, PIA supports artists and projects that provide thoughtful and challenging perspectives on our world. As a result, PIA may, at times, associate itself with controversial points of view, opinions, and activism from the diverse individuals and groups that PIA supports. The views expressed by these individuals and organizations are their own and do not necessarily reflect the policies or points of view of PIA or its members.

PIA is comprised of 200+ members from different cultural, ethnic, and religious demographics, and as an organization, PIA strives to meet our core principles of tolerance, the health of dissent, freedom of association, and freedom of expression.