TORONTO, June 16, 2025 — It’s widely recognised as Toronto’s single most inspirational annual art show and it also happens to be the country’s largest. That’s right, I’m talking about the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (TOAF), Canada’s longest-running juried contemporary outdoor art fair, which will return this summer for its 64th edition, featuring over 400+ independent visual artists from across the country. Taking place at Nathan Phillips Square from July 11 to 13, 2025, this must-see art fair brings together a diverse group of artists, dancers, and musicians in a vibrant and dynamic celebration of Canadian art.
“TOAF64 celebrates Canada’s vibrant and diverse artistic landscape,” says Anahita Azrahimi, Executive Director of TOAF. “We are uniting exceptional artists from across the country to engage, inspire, and connect with audiences through innovative and dynamic programming. For over six decades, TOAF has been a summer highlight, bringing together incredible talent, contemporary art, and unforgettable energy. Be sure to mark your calendars!”
TOAF64 Highlights:
- Over 400 Artists: The fair will showcase more than 400 juried artists, including 73 out-of-province and international creators, as well as 77 exclusive online artists through TOAF.ca.
- Record Participation: A remarkable 38% of this year’s artists are first-time participants, while 33% are emerging artists. The majority of artists (62%) are female, and 33% (138 artists) identify as BIPOC.
- Largest National Representation: TOAF64 will feature its most comprehensive national representation to date, with over 65 artists from every corner of Canada, reflecting the diverse and vibrant artistic landscape of the country.
- Awards Ceremony: On Saturday, July 12, the Awards Ceremony will celebrate 26 exceptional recipients, who will collectively receive over $45,000 in awards.
Brushes Up!
Celebrating Canadian talent is more vital than ever. This year, three province-led artist zones unite the country.
- Atlantic Canada: “The Land and the Sea Bind Us”: A Powerful Exploration of Identity, Culture, and Memory
Curated by Bushra Junaid, “The Land and the Sea Bind Us” brings together a vibrant group of artists from across Atlantic Canada, each offering a unique perspective shaped by their cultural heritage. Drawing from diverse backgrounds—including Inuit, Mi’kmaq, African Nova Scotian, Acadian, European, and West Asian—these artists explore themes of identity, belonging, and the ties that bind their communities to the land and sea. Through a variety of media such as drawing, painting, photography, beadwork, basketry, textiles, and digital technology, they reflect on how the region’s distinct geographies, histories, and traditions shape their creative practices. Their work offers powerful perspectives on the meaning of home and community, inviting viewers to contemplate the futures rooted in Atlantic place and culture. Featured artists include Melcolm Beaulieu, Luanne Dominix, Clara Clayton Gough, Katelyn Jacque, Nasim Makaremi Nia, and Mélanie Paulin, each exploring personal and collective histories in ways that push boundaries and create new dialogues within the context of Atlantic Canada’s artistic landscape.
- Northwest Territories: A Celebration of Unique Northern Creativity
The NWT Arts Program is proud to showcase four talented artists at TOAF64, including one in-person exhibitor and three online participants. John Sabourin, a carver from Liidlii Kue, presents his award-winning stone carvings inspired by Decho Dene stories at booth 529. Artists participating online include: Delia Cepoi, a jewelry designer, offers bold, statement pieces crafted from diverse materials. Robyn Scott’s mixed-media paintings, incorporating natural elements like moss and sand, capture the rugged beauty of the North. Karen Novak’s glow-in-the-dark northern lights paintings bring the magic of the Arctic sky to life. Explore their work and the creative spirit of the Northwest Territories at https://toaf.ca/nwt-partnership.
- Québec: Uniquely Québec
The “Unique Québec” showcase, returning for its third year in partnership with the Bureau du Québec à Toronto. The zone features over 30 artists from the province, with 27 exhibiting in-person at Nathan Phillips Square and an additional 5 artists showcasing their works exclusively online. This curated selection celebrates the diverse artistic expressions and cultural narratives that define Québec’s vibrant art scene. Spotlight artists include Joel Lukombo, Clothide Allen, and Jurors Pick Neltje Green. Visitors can explore the artists in Zone B.
Exclusive experiences for TOAF64:
Free curated art experiences for all.
- Activity: The hands-on city-building activity, “Block by Block” presented by the Museum of Toronto and The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, invites visitors to reimagine Toronto one block at a time.
- Exhibition: Curated by Jesse King in partnership with the Indigenous Curatorial Collective (ICCA), ”Ethereal Forms” features artists exploring the spiritual, intangible, and ephemeral.
- Exhibition: “Art Nest” showcases six ambitious public art installations, curated by Myta Sayo. Featuring artists like Tracey-Mae Chambers and creative duo of Julia Jamrozik and Coryn Kempster. The exhibition pushes the limits of materials and invites dynamic conversations around contemporary art.
- Kids: Returning for its second year, the “Budding Art Buyers” program, in partnership with the Art Dealers Association of Canada (ADAC), offers children under 14 fun and educational programming. ADAC will share expertise on invoices, consignments, and provenance to help young collectors start their art journey.
- Kids: Stop by “Power Kids”workshop for a fun, nature-inspired activity focused on our connection to the environment and city. Create miniature greenery with the Museum of Toronto’s city model to build a blooming landscape.
- Performance: Small World Music will be returning this year with an exciting lineup of local artists.
- Performance: “tender”by Heidi Strauss and adelheid dance projects , is a dance performance exploring togetherness through movement. Five dancers navigate connection and uncertainty, using slow, sensitive motion as a response to grief and climate challenges.
- Tours: Explore TOAF64 with thematic Art Tours led by artists, curators, and collectors, offering insights in English, French, and American Sign Language. Register at TOAF.ca or join on-site at the Main Info Booth.
The online experience
TOAF’s digital presence will be stronger than ever, featuring 77 online-only artists and a robust online program, including digital studio tours, live artist chats, and curated collections. Visit TOAF.ca to discover and explore artists.
Save the Date and Plan Your Visit
Friday, July 11: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday, July 12: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday, July 13: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Take part in the TOAF64 to experience the best of Canadian contemporary independent art. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or looking to start your collection, there’s something for everyone. Save the date: July 11-13, 2025, at Nathan Phillips Square.
For more information on programming, featured artists, and to plan your visit, see www.TOAF.ca.
photos supplied by Toronto Outdoor Art Fair
posted by Terry Lankstead
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