AACT MENTORSHIP PROGRAM FOR

NEWCOMER AND REFUGEE ARTISTS

Are you a newcomer or refugee artist in Toronto seeking opportunities to grow your artistic career, connect with the local arts community, and share your unique perspective?

We invite visual artists from newcomer and refugee communities, with priority given to those who self-identify as Asian or belong to other equity priority groups, to join an exciting and supportive program. This initiative is a dynamic collaboration between professional local artists and newcomer/refugee artists, aimed at fostering connections, enhancing career development, and amplifying artistic voices.

This year-long program features four workshops and four community sessions, between May to December 2025, led by various artist facilitators, alongside 1:1 mentorship pairings. It culminates in mentees leading their own community workshops and showcasing their work in a group exhibition from February to May 2026. Both mentors and mentees will receive artist honorariums.

Application deadline: Friday, February 28, 2025

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WHAT TO EXPECT?‍
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Workshops
Learn about Toronto’s art ecosystem, build your online presence, and receive insights from experienced local artists.
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Community Exploration
Participate in art walks, studio visits, gallery crawls, and networking sessions to deepen your understanding of the local art scene.
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Roundtable Discussions & Art Critiques
Exchange ideas and receive valuable feedback from peers and mentors.
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Group Exhibition
Showcase your work in a professional exhibition informed by community engagements.

Paid Opportunities
Host your own art workshops, gaining valuable facilitation experience in a local context.



WHY PARTICIPATE?‍
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Build Connections
Establish relationships with fellow artists and art professionals in Toronto.

Receive Support
Engage with intercultural facilitators who understand the challenges faced by newcomers, including language barriers and navigating new systems.

Showcase Your Talent
Present your work to a wider audience and gain recognition in the local arts community.

Empower Your Career
Access mentorship, professional feedback, and skill-building opportunities to advance your artistic journey in Canada.
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‍ELIGIBILITY

This program is open to visual artists from diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences who identify as newcomers or refugees in Toronto.
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*According to the Toronto Arts Council (TAC), a newcomer is defined as an immigrant or refugee who has lived in Canada for less than seven years.
**Priority will be given to those who self-identify as Asian or belong to other TAC equity priority groups.

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CAN I APPLY?
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Applicants can be students, arts workers, or individuals who are not currently in the arts but are looking to re-enter the field. We are particularly interested in learning about your background and experiences since coming to Canada. Ideal candidates will have some artistic experience, demonstrated through a portfolio or images of past work, as well as previous experience facilitating community initiatives. These experiences do not need to be in Canada. Applicants should also share what they hope to learn and achieve through the program.

‍Submit your application by selecting "Apply now" above.



We’re committed to creating an inclusive and culturally competent environment where all voices are valued. Join us in celebrating and sharing your unique story while contributing to the vibrancy of Toronto’s artistic landscape.

For questions or additional information, contact aact.canada@gmail.com.


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This program is is produced with the support of the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council.