Call for Artists & Makers
Showcase your work at Canada’s largest outdoor art fair. 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.
The TOAF66 Call for Artists will open on December 10, 2027.
Fair Dates: July 2027
Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto
200K
Art lovers & collectors
$2M
Spent on artwork sales
$50K
In awards
169M
Media impressions
141K
Website visitors
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 200,000 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: $545
Regular Booth: $875
Prime Location Booth: $1,040**
5×10′ Tent Packages (all inclusive): $765
Exclusively Online Fair
Regular: $195
Student: $128
*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 10 | Applications Open at 10:00 AM |
| January 26 | Application Information Session + Mock Jury |
| March 1 | Last day to apply without Last Chance Fee (by 11:59 PM) |
| March 8 | Final application deadline at 1:00 PM |
| March 8 | Community booth application deadline at 1:00 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 TBC | TOAF66 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…
“TOAF was a beautiful experience that led me to making multiple connections with both collectors and curators that will vastly improve my career. The programming is so community and artist forward and I left the fair feeling very full spiritually and creatively.”
— Shannon Sandwell, Artist and Recipient of Best of Painting Award
“TOAF65 reminded me why art and community matter. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed, supported, and inspired by the artists, staff, volunteers, and visitors. As an Indigenous artist, the support I received removed financial barriers and allowed me to focus on sharing my work, connecting with visitors, and building meaningful relationships with fellow artists from across the country.”
— Natasha Sacobie, TOAF65 Atlantic Canada 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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