Nuit Blanche Call for Proposals

Proposals for Nuit Blanche 2025 are closed.

Every year, the City of Toronto seeks art projects and curators for upcoming Nuit Blanches. Proposals are accepted for three distinct programs: Exhibition Curators, Independent Projects, open to Toronto-based artists, and Open Call Projects, open to international and Canadian artists and selected by curators for inclusion in their respective exhibitions.

Proposals are assessed and selected based on artistic merit, project feasibility and relevance to the theme. Works by contemporary artists, artist collectives and collaborations between artists, researchers or creators working in other disciplines relevant to the theme are encouraged.

Exhibition curators work in collaboration with Artistic Director to devise and oversee the curatorial vision for exhibitions at Nuit Blanche that align with the overarching theme. Exhibitions must comprise of newly commissions or remounted projects that are submitted specifically for the event.

Work undertaken by curators during the agreed period are funded by the City of Toronto for a fee of $20,000 CAD plus an additional $2,000 CAD to cover administration, research and travel expenses.

Requirements

  • Curators must reside within the greater Toronto area and be available to attend frequent in-person meetings at City Hall, 100 Queen Street West, with site visits and artist meetings across the city as required.
  • Curators are expected to work collaboratively with the City Cultural Events programming and production staff, as well as affiliated support units including sponsorship, marketing and digital communications staff.
  • Curators must develop a curatorial thesis for one exhibition area that includes a selection of art projects.
  • Curators are expected to begin duties in January 2026.

How to Apply

Applications for Nuit Blanche 2026 will open in mid-2025.

Independent Projects are self-produced, self-funded works, delivered in partnership with the City of Toronto. They can activate and transform sites across the city in traditional and non-traditional spaces, including the public realm, parks, galleries, storefronts, office towers, streets, sidewalks, etc.

Only Toronto-based artists and collectives may apply. Proposals should have a strong visual art component, be rooted in contemporary art practice and respond to the theme.

Selected Independent Projects receive an honorarium towards artist fees and materials up to $1,750 CAD.

How to Apply

Applications for Nuit Blanche 2026 will open in fall 2025.

For questions about the program, please contact Independent Projects Coordinator, Gabrielle Johnson, at 647-459-6844 or Gabrielle.Johnson@toronto.ca.

Local, national and international practicing artists and arts collectives are encouraged to propose proposals that respond to the theme and/or a Curator’s curatorial concept with a clear artistic vision, ability to transform public spaces and engage broad audiences.

Artists and collectives working in any artistic discipline may apply. Proposals should have a strong visual art component and be rooted in contemporary art practice.

Selected Open Call Projects are funded up to $15,000 CAD and produced by the City of Toronto.

How to Apply

Applications for Nuit Blanche 2026 will open in fall 2025.

For questions about the program, please contact Programming Supervisor, Rachel Fender, at 416-895-0042 or Rachel.Fender@toronto.ca.