The StART Partnership Program provides support and up to $70,000 in funding for large-scale projects that support the program’s mission to revitalize and engage communities through mural, street, and graffiti art. StART values projects that are aligned with broader neighbourhood revitalization efforts and target areas of graffiti vandalism and is interested in partnering on projects that:
- are innovative in terms of design, delivery, and message
- are valuable to the community, reflect neighbourhood identities, and are site-specific in design
- demonstrate a strong community engagement component
- foster expanded partnerships within the arts community
- provide mentorship or training opportunities for youth or emerging artists
The 2023 StART Partnership Program is a two-stage application process. Stage one is for consulting and working with the community beginning in Fall 2023. Stage two is for the mural production work in 2024.
The two-stage process will create more time and space for public consultation and community engagement work prior to mural production. Recommended projects will get announced in Fall 2023 to allow for community work to get conducted over the winter months with a mural production schedule to align for Spring/Summer/Fall 2024.
New changes to the StART Partnership Program 2023-2024 include:
- City of Toronto-owned infrastructure is not eligible for the Partnership Program, e.g. ground murals, sound walls, retaining walls, underpasses, community centres, etc. These surfaces and structures are managed through other StART application-based programs.
- The maximum amount of funding for the Partnership Program is $70,000 to complete both the community engagement work and mural production work.
- Public consultation and community engagement work should not exceed $20,000 of requested funds from StART.
- For requests under $30,000, 10% of the total budget requested from StART needs to be reflected as in-kind contributions.
- For requests between $30,000-$70,000, 10% of the total budget requested from StART needs to be reflected as in-kind contributions and 10% as cash contributions.
- A minimum of two community engagement sessions is required with the community. (Minimum 1 in-person)
- Stage one funding will seed the project’s public consultation and community engagement work.
- After this work is complete, a final report with an updated work plan and revised production budget must be submitted to StreetARToronto (StART) in Spring 2024 to be eligible for stage two.
- Stage two funding for street art production is subject to satisfactory completion of the community engagement and public consultation requirements and submission of documentation to StART.
StART Partnership Program Objectives
- Enhance Toronto’s streets and public spaces
- Engage and vitalize Toronto communities through physical enhancements and related events
- Showcase local artists and mentor emerging talent
- Counteract graffiti vandalism
- Celebrate the City of Toronto Motto Diversity Our Strength, and foster a greater sense of belonging among all
Eligibility Requirements
- Individual artists, artist collectives, cultural producers and not-for-profit or charitable organization operating in the City of Toronto may apply
- All projects and related activities must be located in Toronto
- Written authorization from property owner is required at the time of application
Evaluation & Timelines
Proposals will be reviewed by a Selection Committee including external art jurors and StART subject matter experts, and assessed on the following criteria:
- Achieves StART’s overall objectives and priorities including strong local support and evidence of connecting with a neighbourhood’s improvement strategy
- Ability to illustrate how the project reflects, chronicles, or supports the distinct character of the community and overall artistic quality
- Organizational background (history of community work and experience with street art projects)
- Mentorship (how will the project serve as a meaningful pathway for youth and emerging artists)
- Ability to leverage in kind, private or public support
- Technical Feasibility (visibility of site, strong maintenance plan, project co-ordination, and work plan)
