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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
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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Creative Enquiry Lab. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
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