Call for Artists & Makers
Showcase your work at Canada’s largest outdoor art fair. Join a landmark year at TOAF that celebrates 65 years of vibrant connection between artists and art lovers. TOAF is a juried art Fair dedicated to independent artists and original artworks across all disciplines. Artists are selected for artistic excellence, originality, and consistency of ideas and design.
Early Bird Deadline:
February 27, 2026
11:59 PM EST
Final Deadline:
March 6, 2026
11:59 PM EST
(late fees apply)
Fair Dates:
July 10–12, 2026
Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto
170K
Art lovers & collectors
$2M
Spent on artwork sales
$65K
In awards
189M
Media impressions
100K
Website visitors
1M
Annual page views
Why Artists Apply to TOAF Every Year
Launch & Sustain Your Career
Win a Coveted Award
Visibility that Builds Careers
A Powerful Marketing & Advertising Push
Affordable and Artist-First
Support Every Step of the Way
TOAF is Canada’s most-attended art fair, welcoming 170,000 art lovers who come to discover exceptional work and meet artists face-to-face. More than $2 million in art is collected during the Fair each year. TOAF’s legacy is its role as a launchpad for artists, leading them to exhibitions, representation, commissions, publishing opportunities, and lasting professional relationships that continue long after the Fair wraps.
Each year, TOAF recognizes artistic excellence with $45,000 in cash and in-kind awards — and for our 65th anniversary in 2026, that increases to a milestone of $65,000. From the Best of Art Fair Award to the Murray & Marvelle Koffler Founder’s Award and the Mayor’s Purchase Award, these awards open doors, build reputations, and create real momentum for artists. Dedicated awards are also available to online-only exhibitors.
More than 100,000 visitors browse TOAF.ca, and selected artists are featured in Curated Collections, Studio Tours, Artist Chats, social spotlights, and other high-visibility digital content. Artists also benefit from strategic media outreach and targeted promotion across social channels— in 2025, participants saw an average 16% increase in followers after the Fair.
TOAF invests over $150K each year in marketing that introduces artists to new audiences. The campaign includes media buying from respected outlets, print and digital advertising, wild postings, out-of-home placements, TV and radio coverage, and storytelling to 13,000 newsletter subscribers. With 142 million earned and paid media impressions and national partnerships, artists gain substantial and sustained exposure.
As a registered charity and non-profit, TOAF is committed to keeping participation accessible and flexible for artists at every stage. Exhibitors can select the package that suits their budget without sacrificing visibility or opportunity. Artists keep 100% of their in-person sales, and online sales include only a modest administrative fee of up to 15%.
You don’t take on TOAF alone — a committed community of staff, peers, and 250+ volunteers is here to help. Artists receive support through one-on-one consultations during Feedback Fridays and preparation workshops like App Camp and Booth Camp. Comprehensive resources, like Studio to Square series, Artist Handbook, Fair Survival Guide, Artist-to-Artist tips help you feel confident and set up for success.
Why Artists Apply to TOAF Every Year
Launch & Sustain Your Career
TOAF is Canada’s most-attended art fair, welcoming 170,000 art lovers who come to discover exceptional work and meet artists face-to-face. More than $2 million in art is collected during the Fair each year. TOAF’s legacy is its role as a launchpad for artists, leading them to exhibitions, representation, commissions, publishing opportunities, and lasting professional relationships that continue long after the Fair wraps.
Win a Coveted Award
Each year, TOAF recognizes artistic excellence with $45,000 in cash and in-kind awards — and for our 65th anniversary in 2026, that increases to a milestone of $65,000. From the Best of Art Fair Award to the Murray & Marvelle Koffler Founder’s Award and the Mayor’s Purchase Award, these awards open doors, build reputations, and create real momentum for artists. Dedicated awards are also available to online-only exhibitors.
Visibility that Builds Careers
More than 100,000 visitors browse TOAF.ca, and selected artists are featured in Curated Collections, Studio Tours, Artist Chats, social spotlights, and other high-visibility digital content. Artists also benefit from strategic media outreach and targeted promotion across social channels— in 2025, participants saw an average 16% increase in followers after the Fair.
A Powerful Marketing & Advertising Push
TOAF invests over $150K each year in marketing that introduces artists to new audiences. The campaign includes media buying from respected outlets, print and digital advertising, wild postings, out-of-home placements, TV and radio coverage, and storytelling to 13,000 newsletter subscribers. With 142 million earned and paid media impressions and national partnerships, artists gain substantial and sustained exposure.
Affordable and Artist-First
As a registered charity and non-profit, TOAF is committed to keeping participation accessible and flexible for artists at every stage. Exhibitors can select the package that suits their budget without sacrificing visibility or opportunity. Artists keep 100% of their in-person sales, and online sales include only a modest administrative fee of up to 15%.
Support Every Step of the Way
You don’t take on TOAF alone — a committed community of staff, peers, and 250+ volunteers is here to help. Artists receive support through one-on-one consultations during Feedback Fridays and preparation workshops like App Camp and Booth Camp. Comprehensive resources, like Studio to Square series, Artist Handbook, Fair Survival Guide, Artist-to-Artist tips help you feel confident and set up for success.
How much does it cost?
Application Fee
Regular: $50
Students: $30
Late Fee: $50 additional (beginning March 1, 2026)
Onsite & Online Fair*
Student Booth: $530
Regular Booth: $850
Prime Location Booth: $1,010**
5×10′ Tent Packages (all inclusive): $740
Exclusively Online Fair
Regular: $190
Student: $125
*All participation fees for in-person Fair at Nathan Phillips Square include an online platform fee.
**Prime booths offer maximum visibility and the highest foot traffic throughout the square.
Participation and booth fees are collected upon acceptance in March. More information on budgeting for the Fair.
Key Dates
| December 1 | Applications Open at 12:00 AM |
| January 14 | Application Information Session + Mock Jury – Sign up here! |
| February 27 | Last day to apply without late fee (by 11:59 PM) |
| March 6 | Final application deadline at 11:59 PM |
| March 6 | Community booth application deadline at 11:59 PM |
| April TBC | Jury results emailed to artists |
| May TBC | Booth Camp In-Person Fair Survival Guide |
| May 31 | Final day to cancel in-person participation with refund (by 11:59 PM) |
| July 10-12 | TOAF65 in-person at Nathan Phillips Square |
What to submit?
- A cohesive body of 6 artwork images
- 1 image of your art in context (in a booth, table top or on a wall)
- A brief artist statement (500 characters, not words)
- Description of your art/process (200 characters, not words)
Who can apply?
We are welcoming to artists from all stages of their careers, all racial backgrounds, and all abilities. Individual artists and makers working in photography, sculpture, painting, printmaking, illustration, glass, wood, textiles, jewellery and more, with formal or informal training are encouraged to apply. TOAF is committed to equity and inclusion and continues to be inclusive, accessible and radically welcoming to all artists and art enthusiasts.
How are applications selected?
All applications are reviewed by an external multidisciplinary panel of jurors made up of established artists, industry professionals and leaders in the visual arts community. The TOAF team does not participate in the selection panel. Each year we enlist a new group of jurors in order to keep the Fair fresh and exciting. Jurors are announced in the Spring after results are sent to artists.
Jurors select the strongest work based on artistic excellence, originality, consistency of ideas and design. Decisions are based on the material in your application, paying particular attention to the 6 images you submit.
Hear from the artists…
“I hadn’t shown my work in person for ten years, and I honestly couldn’t have picked a better art fair to jump back in. The whole experience was amazing. The organizers and volunteers were so supportive—I’ve never felt more encouraged and taken care of at an event like this. It was the perfect way to return to the art scene.”
– Meaghan Ogilvie, Winner of Best of Photography & Digital Media Award
“Showcasing my work at TOAF provided me with an invaluable opportunity to engage more deeply with the art community. Interacting with fellow art enthusiasts not only brought more attention to my work, but also enabled me to exchange ideas with other artists, offering valuable insights that have pushed me to expand my creative boundaries.”
– Nick Hoang, Artist
Read what artists have to say about their TOAF experience.
Helpful Links
Application Tips & FAQs
What Does it Cost?
Hear from the Artists
Reproduction Policy
Call for Community Booths
Exhibition & Travel Bursaries
Contact us
416-408-2754 | [email protected]
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