It’s back, expansive and full of spark—with more national voices than ever, the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (TOAF) Canada’s largest and longest-running fair with over 400 artists and 170,000 visitors annually, is returning to Nathan Phillips Square from July 11-13th for a full weekend of art, culture and connections. In its 64th year, the fair has become a cherished summer ritual in the city for both locals and visitors.
TOAF continues to evolve as this year’s roster includes over 400 independent artists, including 70 from across the country and 155 joining the fair for the very first time. Nestled under the classic white tents, visitors will have the opportunity to peruse hundreds of unique artists and original works of art or browse online at TOAF.ca.
“TOAF has always championed emerging talent and that is why we are so proud to announce that this year, the fair has grown tremendously in both national and global independent artists. Canada is present and pulsing in the heart of TOAF with artists representing the country from coast to coast,” says Anahita Azrahimi, TOAF’s Executive & Creative Director. “This year is uniquely special because it’s a summer of firsts, fun and festivity as our artists and audiences explore a deeper connection to Canada right in our city square. Mark your calendars!”
Once again, the fair saw significant interest with 1,027 applications. It was a long and rigorous selection process by a team of four independent jurors – Ed Pien, Tiana Roebuck, Callum Schuster, and Grace Zeppilli. This team has an impressive track record of artmaking, education, curation, and collecting which showed in their careful decision making. Notable Jurors’ Picks include Alex Hall, Bounthanh Inthavaly, and Ellee SY Lee, highlighting the diversity and creativity that TOAF showcases.
2025 Focus: National Representation and Access
In 2025, TOAF proudly celebrates its largest national representation to date, featuring 70 artists from all across Canada, including Alberta, British Columbia, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Québec, and beyond. The 2025 Travel Bursary Program, the most significant in TOAF’s history, will support 21 artists with travel bursaries of up to $1,500 each. To honour Canadian artists from coast to coast, TOAF is introducing a new National Corner, highlighting the vast talent of Canadian artists from every region of the country.
Atlantic Canada Zone, First-Time at TOAF
Curated by Bushra Junaid, the Atlantic Canada Zone at TOAF 2025 will spotlight 5+ exceptional emerging artists from the Atlantic region. This new addition celebrates the rich cultural diversity and artistic talent of Atlantic Canada while showcasing TOAF’s national impact. Featured artist Luanne Dominix (Ktaqmkuk/Newfoundland) will present her impressive watercolor paintings, offering a perspective on the region’s landscape and traditions. This zone highlights the importance of regional representation and fosters a deeper connection to Canada’s diverse artistic communities.
Unique Québec Returns
In partnership with the Bureau du Québec à Toronto, TOAF 2025 welcomes back the vibrant art scene of Québec with 27 artists exhibiting in-person at Nathan Phillips Square and an additional 5 artists showcasing their works exclusively online. This special focus highlights the dynamic creative talent emerging from Québec, offering fairgoers a unique opportunity to engage with the province’s rich artistic traditions and contemporary innovations.
Northwest Territories, Online Showcase
Building on the success of last year’s participation, the Northwest Territories will once again be featured in TOAF 2025 with 5 talented artists showcasing their work exclusively online and 1 in-person at the fair. This exciting online showcase invites art lovers to explore the distinct voices and perspectives of Northern Canadian artists, bringing their work to a wider audience.
To further enhance access for artists, TOAF’s Art Encounters program continues to thrive, supporting underrepresented groups such as Indigenous, Deaf, Disability-identified, Newcomer, and New Generation artists (ages 18-30). This year, the program includes 71 artists, who receive vital support through exhibition fees, bursaries, and professional development opportunities, empowering them to showcase their work and advance their artistic careers. Participating Organizations in Art Encounters Program Black Artists’ Networks In Dialogue (BAND) Gallery, The Indigenous Curatorial Collective / Collectif des commissaires autochtones (ICCA), Tangled Art + Disability and Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf. Art Encounters artists have received 11 TOAF awards over the years including Best of Art Fair Award, demonstrating the program’s ability to elevate exceptional talent that otherwise might not have access to these opportunities.
Impact and Legacy
TOAF has long been a key economic and cultural driver for the arts in Toronto, generating $2 million in art sales and contributing to a $6.7 million economic impact in 2023 alone, marking a 97% increase since the last study in 2015. The fair has supported the careers of countless independent artists, fostering lasting relationships between creators and collectors.
Shop in Advance
Build your wishlist by exploring artists and works in advance at TOAF.ca. If you’re in Toronto, plan your summer staycation around this vibrant cultural event. If you’re coming from out of town, this is the perfect destination for an art-filled weekend.
TOAF 2025 Key Facts
- Expanded National Representation: With an increase in out-of-province artists and the introduction of a new Atlantic Canada Zone, TOAF strengthens its national footprint.
- Largest Travel Bursary Program: Supporting 21 artists with travel bursaries of up to $1,500 each.
- Art Encounters Expansion: This year, 71 artists will participate in TOAF’s Art Encounters program, with a 58% increase in participation since 2022.
- First-Time Artist Participation: Over 155 artists are exhibiting at TOAF for the first time.
- Onsite Programs: New dance commissions, curated art tours, artist talks, and interactive experiences in collaboration with Museum of Toronto, The Power Plant and Small World Music.
- Online Programs: Digital studio tours, artist chats, and curated online collections.
- Youth Engagement: TOAF’s Budding Art Buyers program introduces kids to the world of art collecting, encouraging early interest in visual arts and investing in the future of art appreciation, in partnership with the Art Dealers Association of Canada.
Event Details
Fair Hours
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
Location
Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N3
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