DesignTO 2027 Call for Independent Projects

The DesignTO Festival brings people together to celebrate contemporary design across the city January 22 – 31, 2027.

Independent Projects are exhibitions, events (e.g. tours, talks, workshops), and window installations that are wholly created and executed by an individual or organization during the DesignTO Festival at a venue of their choice (in-person or online). Independently produced projects are integral to the Festival’s structure. DesignTO welcomes all who want to present, discuss, demonstrate, or exhibit design in any field and/or related disciplines.

Project Types

• A window installation runs the whole duration of the Festival, and is visible to the public 24 hours a day from the outside of your venue. Depending on the space, the installation may also be viewable from inside your venue during regular business/gallery hours.
• An event typically runs one day during the Festival, for a set period of time. For example: a talk, tour, product launch, webinar, film screening, party, or workshop.
• An exhibition runs more than one day during the Festival, and can take place in-person or online. It is open to the public during regular business/gallery hours, and may include a window component. It can start before the Festival, and end after the Festival. It may also include an opening or closing reception, artist/designer’s talk, or tour.

Timeline

• October 9, 2026 | Independent Project Application Deadline
• October 23, 2026 | Event Listing Submission Deadline
• Early January 2026 | Festival Material Pick-Up
• January 22 – 31 | 17th Annual DesignTO Festival

Fees

• Solo designer or ad hoc collective | $300+HST
• Small businesses (including shops, artist-run centres, and private galleries) | $400+HST
• Large businesses and institutions | $500+HST

Apply by August 31, 2026 to receive $25 off your registration fee.

Click “Learn More” for complete application guidelines and FAQ.