Organizer Information
The Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (TOAF) is Canada’s oldest and one of the most prestigious contemporary art fairs, founded in 1961. As a registered non-profit and registered charity, TOAF’s mission is to support and showcase contemporary artists and makers working in original media. It occurs annually as an in-person event in Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto, and as an integrated online Fair. The organization also administers professional development programs, outreach initiatives, access bursaries, and mentorship opportunities designed to reduce barriers and expand participation among diverse artistic communities. TOAF has launched countless artist careers and continues to foster connections between creators, collectors, and the broader public through exhibitions, awards, and year-round programming.
Title & Description
Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (TOAF65) – Call for Artists
This is a juried, original-artworks-only open call inviting visual artists and makers to apply for participation in Canada’s leading contemporary art fair, both in-person and online. Artists present cohesive bodies of original work, and selected participants gain exposure to a global audience of art enthusiasts, galleries, and collectors. The fair emphasizes artistic excellence, consistency of ideas, and design integrity. Participation includes being listed on TOAF’s digital platform and, for in-person participants, a booth at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto. The process includes application submission, external jury review, and notification of results in spring 2026.
Categories
Painting; Photography & Digital Media; 3D Works (sculpture/assemblage); 2D Works (drawing/printmaking/illustration/mixed media); Craft & Design (ceramics, jewellery, textiles, glass, wood, furniture, etc.). Artists may submit separate portfolios for up to three categories (additional fees may apply).
Eligibility
Open to visual artists at any career stage, all backgrounds, and abilities. Individual makers (with formal or informal training) working in eligible categories are encouraged to apply. International artists are welcome but must manage their own travel, customs, and entry requirements to Canada; international participation is often best through the Exclusively Online option. Artist-run galleries or collectives may apply as a unit but other collaborative submissions are generally not accepted to protect fairness in awards eligibility.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Inclusion in TOAF’s in-person or online platform, connecting them with collectors and galleries locally and internationally.
- Access to promotional exposure through TOAF marketing materials and extensive audience reach.
- Eligibility for TOAF awards (including substantial cash and in-kind awards, such as Best of Art Fair and Mayor’s Purchase Award) that together total tens of thousands annually across categories.
- Networking with peers, professionals, and arts communities.
- Professional development resources like App Camp and one-on-one feedback sessions before application.
Artists retain 100% of in-person sales proceeds and pay only modest online platform fees.
Application Fee
- Regular application: $50 CAD
- Student application: $30 CAD
- Late fee (after early deadline): an additional $50 CAD
Booth and participation fees (for in-person fair) are separate and collected upon acceptance (e.g., regular booth ~$850 CAD, prime booth ~$1,010 CAD; student and tent packages also available). Exclusively Online participation has distinct fees (e.g., ~$190 CAD regular, ~$125 CAD student).
Application Requirements
- Six (6) cohesive images of artwork.
- One (1) image showing artwork in context (e.g., booth or installation).
- Brief artist statement (max 500 characters).
- Description of art/process (max 200 characters).
Images must be high resolution and formatted per guidelines; contextual booth images should clearly represent the artist’s presentation approach.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Last day to apply without a late fee: 27 February 2026
- Final Application Deadline: 6 March 2026
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Additional Details
- All work sold at the fair must be original; reproduction or prints for sale are not permitted on site.
- International artists are responsible for their travel, visa, customs and shipping logistics and costs if attending in-person; they are encouraged to apply to the Exclusively Online Fair where applicable.
- Artists are responsible for their own insurance coverage during the event.
- TOAF provides application support, including workshops, mock jury feedback, and Instagram Live Q&A sessions.