Call to Emerging Artists: Public Art Summer Mentorship Program, City of Toronto

The City of Toronto Public Art Office is offering a new opportunity for three Toronto-based emerging public space artists. Artists need training and experience to transition from studio practice to public art, often struggling to secure public art commissions without adequate and timely experience. Through the Public Art Summer Mentorship program, each of the three selected emerging artists will receive:

• a six-month solo-exhibition at the Toronto Sculpture Garden and practical public space experience
• mentorship and guidance from established arts professionals
• $37,500 in project funding (inclusive of artist fees and production costs, not inclusive of HST)
• field trips, workshops, and artist studio visits
• regular check-ins with City Staff
• and exhibition promotion and exposure.

The Toronto Sculpture Garden (115 King Street East) is a public park and exhibition space that acts as a stepping-stone between studio work and public art, providing artists with the opportunity to work experimentally in public space.

The City of Toronto’s Public Art Strategy and the Public Art Strategy Implementation Plan (Phase 1) outline the City’s commitment to enhance existing and develop new career-building resources and mentorship programs for emerging public artists.