Nuit Blanche Call for Proposals
Each fall, the City of Toronto seeks artists to present exciting works at Nuit Blanche. Artistic proposals are accepted for two distinct programs: Independent and Open Call programs. Projects selected for the Open Call program may form part of a Nuit Blanche exhibition, which could also include works commissioned by event curators and organizers.
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, with proposals that respond strongest to the theme being of particular interest.
The next call for curators will open in the first half of 2025 for the 2026 event.
Independent Projects are self-produced, self-funded works that respond to the theme. 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.
Toronto-based artists and collectives working in any artistic discipline are eligible to apply, however proposals should have a strong visual art component and be rooted in contemporary art practice.
Independent Projects are selected by the Nuit Blanche Artistic Director and curators in consultation with City of Toronto staff and the local and national artistic community.
Selected Independent Projects receive an honorarium towards artist fees and materials up to $1,750 CAD.
How to Apply
Nuit Blanche 2025 call for proposals opens in October 2024.
Local, national and international practicing artists and arts collectives are encouraged to propose proposals that respond to the theme, transform public spaces and have the potential to engage broad audiences. Artists and collectives working in any artistic discipline are eligible to apply, however proposals should have a strong visual art component and be rooted in contemporary art practice.
Open Call Projects are selected by the Nuit Blanche Artistic Director and curators in consultation with City of Toronto staff and the local and national artistic community.
Selected Open Call Projects are funded up to $15,000 CAD and produced by the City of Toronto.
How to Apply
Nuit Blanche 2025 call for proposals opens in October 2024.
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 developed 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 St. W., 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 the summer of 2025.
How to Apply
Nuit Blanche 2026 call for curators opens in the first half of 2025.