Work in Culture

08/12/2026

Excited to be working with the Brampton Arts Organization once again and thrilled to be partnering with BEC for the first time. Looking forward to an amazing collaboration!

In collaboration with the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre (BEC) and Work in Culture, BAO has merged our Mentorship Program with Starter Company Plus to develop the BAO Creative Entrepreneurship Intensive!

This new program brings together the best-in-class business training BEC provides with the arts and culture industry-specific knowledge that artists and creative entrepreneurs need to take their creative business to the next level.

The program integrates group learning, mentorship, and applied business planning, including co-learning workshops, “Meet the Expert” sessions, and targeted 1:1 mentorship.

Artists will work toward refining their business plan, strengthening financial and operational strategies, and preparing for a final pitch, with the opportunity to win a $5,000 Starter Company Plus grant.

Whether you’re a painter, performer, photographer, designer, or any other type of creative entrepreneur – this is an excellent opportunity to scale your practice into a thriving business.

You will receive:
• FREE advanced business training and development workshops
• FREE one-on-one mentorship and expert guidance
• Business planning and growth support
• Opportunity to apply for a program grant of $5,000 (after completion of mandatory training and mentorship)

If you are interested in applying, you MUST attend one of these MANDATORY information sessions
• Wednesday, August 26, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Friday, September 11, 2026 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Application Deadline: Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM

Learn more and register here https://ow.ly/1C4U50ZyHP5

08/11/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the first CAT Fund Info Session on July 29! We were excited to connect with prospective applicants interested in exploring substantive change in their operations.

There is still one last opportunity to learn about the fund before the application deadline! We invite you to sign up for our final virtual information session on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. ET at https://bit.ly/4xxYSHc

If you are unable to attend the August 12 session, don’t worry—a recording of the July 29 info session is now available on the Work in Culture website: https://workinculture.ca/programs/cat-fund . We encourage you to watch it to learn more about the program and guidelines before applying.

The CAT Fund provides financial support to Ontario non-profit arts organizations to explore substantive change in their operations. Project grants of up to $15,000 are available to explore new operational directions and significant changes like rebuilding, restructuring, or reforming the way the organization works and operates.

Application deadline: August 28, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET

08/05/2026

On July 14, we hosted an information session for GTA-based organizations interested in applying as Project Hosts for the ArtworksTO Newcomer Program!

The session provided an overview of the program, including eligibility requirements, application guidelines, and what organizations can expect through this unique opportunity to collaborate with newcomer artists working in media arts and arts education.

If you were unable to attend, the recording of the session is now available on our website, along with all the resources needed to complete an application, including:
• Program guidelines
• Eligibility criteria
• Application forms for each stream
• Project examples and more!

Project Host applications close September 8, 2026!

🔗 Learn more, access the recording, and apply: https://workinculture.ca/programs/artworksto/

ArtWorksTO is a Toronto Arts Foundation initiative delivered in partnership with the City of Toronto, OCAD University, and Work in Culture.

07/30/2026

Last week, our own Stephanie Draker joined a panel discussion on AI + Policy, presented by Arts Etobicoke and Toronto's LASOs in partnership with the Cultural Policy Hub at OCAD University.

The conversation explored how artists and arts organizations can engage with AI through advocacy, policy development, and collective action—ensuring the sector has a voice in shaping the future of creative work.

At Work in Culture, we're committed to supporting these conversations through research and practical tools for the sector. If you'd like to learn more about AI in arts administration, explore our AI for Administration report: https://workinculture.ca/resource/ai-for-administration/

Thank you to Arts Etobicoke, Toronto's LASOs, the Cultural Policy Hub at OCAD University, and everyone who contributed to this important discussion! A recording of the session is available at https://torontolasos.com/aiandpolicy

07/28/2026

A couple of months ago, we brought together arts, culture, and creative sector workers, leaders, and partners to explore the findings of our Making It Work 2026: Pathways to Sustainable Cultural Careers report, co-presented with TO Live.

The event sparked meaningful conversations about the realities of building sustainable careers in Ontario's culture sector, from income instability and workforce retention to the growing demand for both creative and business skills.

Some key findings from the report include:
- 282,402 workers across the culture sector
- Average income of $41,400 from cultural work
- 1 in 3 workers has considered leaving the sector
- Increasing demand for both creative and business skill sets

Read the full report: https://workinculture.ca/resource/making-it-work-2026/

Developed in partnership with Nordicity and supported by Ontario Creates, Ontario Arts Council - Conseil des arts de l'Ontario, and the Cultural Policy Hub at OCAD University, this report provides an important evidence base to inform policy, funding, and sector-wide collaboration.



Photos taken by: Emma Forhan, TO Live and Justin Santiago, Work in Culture

07/23/2026

The CAT Fund is now accepting applications!

Not sure if your project is eligible? One of the most common questions we receive is whether a proposed project fits within the scope of the fund.

To help, we've highlighted some examples of what the CAT Fund can support, along with examples of what is outside of the program's funding priorities. While these examples are a helpful starting point, we encourage all applicants to review the full program guidelines before submitting an application. Head to our website for detailed eligibility information, funding guidelines, and the application form: https://workinculture.ca/programs/cat-fund/

Applications open: July 20 - August 28, 2026 at 5:00 pm ET

07/20/2026

We are pleased to announce that applications are now OPEN for the Work in Culture Catalyst and Transformation (CAT) Fund!

The CAT Fund provides financial support to Ontario non-profit arts organizations to explore substantive change in their operations. Project grants of up to $15,000 are available to explore new operational directions and significant changes like rebuilding, restructuring, or reforming the way the organization works and operates.

Ontario-based non-profit arts and arts service organizations, including artist collectives operating on a non-profit basis, are invited to apply now for funding through this program.

Applications will be accepted from July 20 to August 28, 2026.

Visit https://workinculture.ca/programs/cat-fund to learn more and apply today!

Interested applicants can also register for program information sessions happening online on July 29, 2026 at 2 pm ET: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1992495220842?aff=oddtdtcreator and August 12, 2026 at 10 am ET: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1992566360623?aff=oddtdtcreator

07/16/2026

The 2025–2026 BAO x WIC Mentorship Program for Brampton artist entrepreneurs, creative businesses, and arts, culture & heritage organizations has wrapped up for the year on a high note!

Each of the ten mentees came to the program with a specific business or entrepreneurial challenge they wanted to tackle. With guidance from an experienced professional mentor in the arts and culture sector, they worked together on setting goals, building new skills, and taking real steps towards long-term success.

These ten amazing mentees and their mentors built connections and shared knowledge through one-on-one mentorship:
• Adaobi Nnaobi and Nevine Sedki
• Ajhani Scott and Danny Thrax
• Gurbakhash Budwal and Michael Morreale
• Isaiah Vassel and Laura Holtebrinck
• Joy San and Zyrelle Endozo
• Marj Handog and Serene Chan
• Martha Ramcharran and Dalton Higgins
• Sukhmanjot Singh Shah and Wendy Rading
• Tetiana Zavadska and Hemangi Shroff
• Victory Anthony-Nted and Jenneen Beattie

You can learn more about their journeys at https://workinculture.ca/programs/brampton-mentorship/

07/14/2026

We're proud to share that our own Stephanie Draker, Associate Director & Program Manager, will be a panelist at the upcoming AI + Policy session presented by Arts Etobicoke and Toronto's Local Arts Service Organizations (LASOs).

Hosted with the Cultural Policy Hub at OCAD University, this session will focus on advocacy, policy development, and how artists can collectively influence decisions that affect the future of creative work.

Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Time: 5:00 - 6:30 pm ET
Location: Rosalie Sharp Pavilion, Centre for Emerging Artists and Designers, 115 McCaul St, 3rd Floor, Toronto
Cost: Free!

This action-oriented series is intended for artists, creatives, and arts workers who are curious about AI and interested in helping shape the future of the arts in Canada. Beginning with education and moving toward advocacy, participants will gain knowledge, resources, and opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations about the role of AI in creative practice.

Register for the event: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ai-and-policy-tickets-1991385886794?aff=oddtdtcreator

07/09/2026

A reminder to register for the ArtWorksTO Newcomer Program Project Host Info Session!

If you are a GTA-based organization interested in collaborating with talented newcomer artists on a short-term creative project in media arts and/or arts education, at no direct cost to you, join us online for an information session on Tuesday, July 14 at 12 pm ET to learn how to become a Project Host!

The info session will cover:
- Program structure and timelines
- Project Host eligibility
- The application and matching process
- Q&A session with the program team

Register today: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/20262027-project-host-info-session-artworksto-newcomer-program-tickets-1991730952896

ArtWorksTO is a Toronto Arts Foundation initiative delivered in partnership with the City of Toronto, OCAD University, and Work in Culture.