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Creative Enquiry Lab
Design-thinking support for Toronto arts organizations
Last Update: May 13, 2026
Funding available
$ 15,000
Timeline
- Closing date : August 17, 2026
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program offers $15,000 to support Toronto-based arts organizations and collectives in exploring organizational challenges through a design-thinking process with TMU students. It supports project development, prototyping, and related implementation activities over an 8-month period.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 15,000 $
- Minimum amount : 15,000 $
Timeline
- Closing date : August 17, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Toronto
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
Target groups
- Artists / creatives
- Nonprofits / charities
- Community leaders
Revenue structures
- Fee-for-service model
Scope
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Exploring a current organizational challenge through design thinking with TMU students
- Developing a prototype or first version of a proposed solution
- Continuing prototype development and implementation during the project period
- Participating in cohort sessions and demo-day presentation
Documents Needed
- Project Description
- Statements from Project Leads
- Biographies of Project Leads
- Signed Letter of Understanding, if approved
- Declaration of Compliance with Anti-Harassment/Discrimination Legislation and City Policy
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Incorporated non-profit arts organizations
- Unincorporated artist collectives operating on a not-for-profit basis
- Toronto-based arts organizations and collectives
Who is not eligible
- Organizations or collectives outside the City of Toronto
- Groups with Toronto Metropolitan faculty or staff as members or employees
- Applicants with an outstanding final report in another Strategic funding program
- Projects previously funded through another TAC grant
Eligible expenses
- Project lead fees
- Materials and direct project expenses
- Accessibility costs for eligible projects, through a separate TAC Accessibility grant
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Activities included in TAC operating grants
- Activities included in other TAC project grants
- Projects previously funded through another TAC grant
Eligible geographic areas
- City of Toronto
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by an independent peer panel
- Recommendations are approved by TAC Directors
- Funding decisions are based on available funds, program objectives, and assessment criteria
- Applicants are notified by email, typically within four months of the deadline
- Successful applicants must sign a Letter of Understanding before funding is released
Additional information
- Applicants are encouraged to contact the Program Manager before applying.
- The program runs over an 8-month period between January and August.
- An agreement with Creative School must be signed before the project begins.
- Recipients may be asked to attend a program evaluation session.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Creative Enquiry Lab Program
What is the Creative Enquiry Lab?
This program offers $15,000 to support Toronto-based arts organizations and collectives in exploring organizational challenges through a design-thinking process with TMU students. It supports project development, prototyping, and related implementation activities over an 8-month period.
How much funding can be received?
Creative Enquiry Lab Funds up to $15,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Creative Enquiry Lab program?
To be eligible for the Creative Enquiry Lab program, you must:
Non-profit arts organization or collective
Based in the City of Toronto
Professional artists involved
What expenses are eligible under Creative Enquiry Lab?
Exploring a current organizational challenge through design thinking with TMU students
Developing a prototype or first version of a proposed solution
Continuing prototype development and implementation during the project period
Participating in cohort sessions and demo-day presentation
Who can I contact for more information about the Creative Enquiry Lab?
You can contact Government of Ontario by email at liza@torontoartscouncil.org or by phone at 416-392-6802 x 231.
Where is the Creative Enquiry Lab available?
The Creative Enquiry Lab program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Creative Enquiry Lab a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Creative Enquiry Lab is a Partnering and Collaboration