The Cultural Hotspot shines a spotlight on arts, culture and community in East York, Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough and York neighbourhoods, creating a new vision about where culture thrives in Toronto. In 2021, the Cultural Hotspot celebrates ArtworxTO: Toronto’s Year of Public Art, featuring Signature and SPARK visual and performance art projects that engage community members of all ages and creates opportunities for youth mentorship and employment.
SPARK Projects enable new, emerging or established local arts and community organizations to partner with the City of Toronto. Through seed funding and mentorships, SPARK supports emerging and equity-seeking artists and arts organizations from diverse communities – enhancing artistic talents, while promoting local artistic talent and organizations.
Completed SPARK application forms should be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on January 15. Please note, applicants are encouraged to speak to a member of the Hotspot team about the project idea prior to applying. Email culturalhotspot@toronto.ca to set-up a meeting.
Watch on demand the virtual information session from November 26 to learn more about the SPARK application process as the Cultural Hotspot team goes through the application form, budget and timeline. You will also get to listen to attendees pitch their project ideas and get feedback.
Recorded Community Connect Session offers information on SPARK Project funding opportunities, insight and discussion about community engaged public art projects from attendees and presenters including Anthony Gebrehiwot (Photographer), Beth Helmers (Community Arts Guild) and Shana Hillman (East End Arts), and more.
The City of Toronto collaborates with arts organizations active in the neighbourhoods outside downtown, partnering to develop dynamic transformative public art projects that provide new opportunities to engage communities and highlight their vibrancy.