63rd Toronto Outdoor Art Fair – Call for Artists

July 2024, Nathan Phillips Square
Early Bird Deadline: February 29, 2024 @ 11:59 PM EST
Final Application Deadline: March 7, 2024 @ 11:59 PM EST

Join Canada’s leading contemporary outdoor and online art fair, launching and sustaining artists’ careers since 1961. Apply to TOAF63!

Who can apply?  Individual artists and makers, in all stages of careers, working in photography, sculpture, painting, printmaking, illustration, glass, wood, textiles, jewellery and more can apply.

Artists can choose how to participate:  In-person at Nathan Phillips Square + Online Fair, or
Exclusively Online at TOAF.ca

Why apply to TOAF?  A trusted discovery platform and economic driver: TOAF is Canada’s best-attended art fair! An invested community of 165,000 art lovers return year after year to discover contemporary art, connect directly with artists and spend over 2 million dollars on artworks. Artists are regularly approached by curators, corporate collectors and gallerists for commissions, showcases and more.
No need to break that bank: TOAF is a registered charity and non-profit. That’s why we prioritize providing affordable and flexible participation. Thanks to our caring donors, there are various opportunities for Access and Accessibility, such as Art Encounters, Travel bursaries, and a sliding scale for booth options. Artists can apply to the in-person Fair at Nathan Phillips Square or choose to participate Exclusively Online. TOAF Online is a digital hub for discovering Canadian artists with a growing collector base.
A robust Access program for artists in priority groups: Mentorship, professional development, exhibition space, accessibility support (if needed) and artist fees are provided through the Art Encounters program.
Win a coveted award: $45,000 cash and in-kind prizes are awarded to outstanding artists (in-person and Exclusively Online).

Hear from the Artists:  “I highly recommend every artist apply for this incredible opportunity – a massive and impeccably organized online and outdoor event. You get to connect with peers and art lovers, build your audience and portfolio, and your confidence as an artist. The Booth Camps, artist handbook, timely reminders, Facebook group, helpful volunteers and plentiful activities for visitors: live painting and music, art talks, curated collections, Budding Art Buyers, etc. – all of it came in handy, and despite me being a first-time participant, made the entire process as smooth as possible. I have made new connections and learned so much from this experience; it has surely benefited me for this Fair and my entire career as an artist.”
Anastasia Eve, 2023 Participating Artist (StART program)
“My experience at TOAF62 was the highlight of the year for me. Some had seen my CBC ARTS article that week and came to check out my paintings. Coming from a small town and growing up in an isolated northern community in the Northwest Territories, and having so many people see, compliment and admire my work was a surreal experience and special to me.”

– Darrell Chocolate, 2023 Participating Artist (Yellowknife, NWT) & Travel Bursary Recipient

Application Fee:
Regular: $50
Students: $30
Late Fee: $50 additional (beginning March 1, 2024)
For more information on the Call for Artists, visit TOAF.ca/call-for-artists.

About Toronto Outdoor Art Fair
Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (TOAF) is Canada’s leading outdoor and online art fair. Established in 1961 to connect Canadian artists directly to the public, TOAF showcases 400+ emerging and established visual artists, including painters, photographers, sculptors and artists working in ceramics, textiles, jewellery and more. The event brings together 165,000 art lovers and enthusiasts who spend over 2 million dollars on art during the Fair. This free public event takes place every July – rain or shine – at Nathan Phillips Square in the heart of downtown Toronto. Since 2020, TOAF’s online Fair has become Canada’s fastest-growing e-commerce and discovery platform for artists across Canada. The Toronto Outdoor Art Fair is a registered charitable nonprofit organization.

416-408-2754 | [email protected]
TOAF.ca | @torontooutdoorart