There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has turned the art world upside down. As we plan an in-person and online 61st edition of Toronto Outdoor Art Fair in July 2022, we want to stress that we are doing so with the utmost care for the safety of the public, artists, and our staff.
In preparing to return to Nathan Phillips Square again, we are currently working to create a smaller physically-distanced layout for Nathan Phillips Square that follows the safety guidelines provided by Toronto Public Health. We are closely monitoring the recommendations for public event safety protocols and will update applicants as information becomes available. We acknowledge that any version of the in-person event will look different from previous years, even with the best case scenario. The use of masks/PPE, maintaining a physical distance, as well as a different layout that optimizes a safe traffic flow (something similar to how farmer’s markets functioned this past summer) may be necessary in order to ensure public safety.
However, in the event of further cancellations of in-person gatherings, the 61st Toronto Outdoor Art Fair will once again move forward as an entirely digital event.
As you know, 2020’s pilot ‘Toronto Online Art Fair’ was met with incredible success and commendable enthusiasm from artists and visitors alike. We helped 40% of participating artists have their first-ever online artwork sale, and facilitated income generation for independent artists with sales of 600 artworks throughout Canada and even beyond our borders. For the month of July alone, TOAF garnered over 800,000 page views—a 300% increase in visitor traffic to the website. We are thrilled to let you know that sales of artwork and exposure for artists have continued throughout the year on this new platform.
Read more about the 2020 online Fair here
Booth Fee Refunds
If it comes down to a late cancellation of the outdoor exhibition at Nathan Phillips Square, your booth fee will be refunded. However, you are not required to pay a booth or participation fee until after your application is accepted in April/May, at which point we will have a much better idea and a solid decision on whether the in-person portion of the Fair can move forward. Please note that application fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
Questions
Email us at [email protected] or call 416 408 2754
