ArtWorksTO provides opportunities for youth media artists (18-29) who are Indigenous, Black and People of Colour to gain professional experience, skills and network in the media arts industry.
ArtWorksTO is a partnership between Toronto Arts Foundation's Neighbourhood Arts Network (NAN), City of Toronto, The Remix Project, and Ontario College of Art & Design University (OCAD U).
The online application portal for the 2025 ArtWorksTO program is NOW OPEN. Please follow us via Instagram @artworks.to get the latest news about the program. Please note, once you submit your application, you will receive a notification about the result of your application submission in early April, 2025. To find more information about what happens after receiving your notification please read the 'note' section at the bottom of the page.
What does ArtWorksTO offer me?
A $4,000 paid contract to complete a media arts project
Industry mentorship with media arts professionals facilitated by The Remix Project
Two OCAD U Micro-Credential Digital Badges, OR the option to earn a full Certificate in Art & Design Professional Skills from OCAD U School of Continuing Studies.
Employment and wellness supports through The City’s Toronto Youth Partnerships and Employment (TYPE) program
Upon completion of the program get access to ArtWorksTO's Alumni Pathways Program; access more media arts professional development opportunities!
Who can apply?
| At least one of the following: |
- I am Indigenous i.e. First Nations, Metis, Inuit (status or non-status,) Black, and/or a Person of Colour
- Note: we prioritize IBPOC applicants who are newcomer, 2SLGBTQ+ and/or disabled.
|
| All of the following: |
- I am a resident of the City of Toronto/Tkaronto and/or spend the majority of my work time in Toronto/Tkaronto
- I will be between 18 and 29 years of age by the application deadline
- I have had work experience as a media artist (videographer, graphic designer, digital illustrator,digital photographer, social media communications, User Experience - UX design, etc.)
- I aspire to a career as a professional media-based artist (in the creative industries, or as a creative entrepreneur, freelancer or working professional)
|
How do I apply to ArtWorksTO?
Ready to submit your online application? These are the next-steps:
- Read the FAQ section of the ArtWorksTO website to learn more about eligibility and program offerings.
- Prepare your creative portfolio for submission by signing up to participate in ONE of the FREE Portfolio Development Workshops led by OCAD University. Workshop dates are: February 12 at 6PM and February 19 at 6PM. For questions about these workshops, please email norma@torontoarts.org
- Starting February 13 to March 3, 2025 sign-up to receive FREE one-on-one professional feedback about your creative portfolio! (please email zyrelle@torontoarts.org for information about this service.)
- Submit your application before the midnight deadline of March 3, 2025!
If you have any questions about these steps please contact the ArtWorksTO Experiential Learning, Manager Norma Garcia at norma@torontoarts.org
When is the application deadline?
The ArtWorksTO 2025 deadline is March 3 at midnight! Please make sure you follow us via our IG handle: @artworks.TO to get the latest news.
Note: after applicants receive their notification the Program Manager is available to discuss their application. Decision Committee deliberations are confidential and comments made during the proceedings will not be released. However, the Program Manager can explain the decision process and let applicants know if their application was complete and clear, and if there are any specific notes the committee wants to communicate to the applicant.
Learn more about ArtWorksTO and hear from past program participants by watching the intro video!
ArtWorksTO is funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Centre. Le projet Bridging the Gap est financé par le Centre des Compétences futures du gouvernement du Canada.
