Toronto Outdoor Art Fair Returns – Buzzing with Art for All
From July 7-9, Nathan Phillips Square hosts a beloved summer art fair
In its 62nd edition, the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (TOAF) returns to the city centre from July 7–9. This year, the Fair welcomes art collecting and artist discovery, installations, guided tours, soulful kids programs, the first-time showcase of video art and a brand new site-specific dance. Whether you’re looking to discover new artists or support your local favourites, the TOAF is a space to explore and celebrate craft and creativity.
Independent artists continue to be the centre of the Fair, with more than 350 from across Canada showcasing their work. Thanks to the first-ever travel bursary program, seven artists living outside of Ontario were able to participate this year, including Dene artist Darrell Chocolate from Yellowknife, N.W.T. With such a wide range of artists showcasing their work at this year’s Fair, the TOAF’s 62nd edition is one of the most diverse yet.
Beyond providing a platform for art celebration in Toronto, TOAF is also a significant economic driver for independent artists—generating $2 million in income for participants. Through the online platform, 1,400+ artworks have found new homes across Canada and the globe. “Connecting artists and art lovers on such a grand scale and supporting the creative economy of the city is what we look forward to every July,” says Anahita Azrahimi, TOAF Executive & Creative Director.”
This year, visitors can look forward to the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair’s Beer Garden, once again supported by an exclusive collaboration with Henderson Brewing Co. Plus, interactive activities and live painting by StreetARToronto artists will also be on site. And as the Fair expands its mediums of art featured, for the first time ever, TOAF has commissioned a brand new site-specific dance titled Leap (of faith), by Choreographer Jenn Goodwin and her collaborators.
On Saturday, July 8 at 11 am, Toronto Outdoor Art Fair will also celebrate the year’s most outstanding artists by awarding over $40,000 in cash and in-kind awards to participating artists. To recognize the growth of the Fair, new awards have been established to celebrate artists participating “exclusively online” from across the country, including the Jini Stolk Best of Online Art Fair of $2,000 cash.
For those that can’t make it in person to the outdoor Fair, you can visit toaf.ca from June 2-9 to visit the Online Art Fair, showcasing 69 exclusive artists from across Canada. In addition to the hand-picked artists, TOAF62 has curated digital programs taking place throughout the Fair dates happening on Instagram.
