Arts Mentor in Residence

Toronto Public Library (TPL)'s Arts Mentor in Residence (ArtIR) program supports artists who are looking to build knowledge and confidence through exposure to arts mentorship and entrepreneurial expertise.

What is the ArtIR program?

The ArtIR program is an eight-week residency which involves reviewing submitted arts based business ideas, artist statements, portfolios and meeting one-on-one with interested applicants.

The ArtIR also collaborates with the Library to create and offer programs and events to the public and conducts outreach to equity deserving groups and vulnerable populations.

The ArtIR offers support of TPL's Arts and Culture programs and services to:

• create and deliver in person programs (e.g. workshops, lectures, meetups, etc.,) along with support materials related to visual arts and entrepreneurship
• meet with library customers one-on-one through in person sessions to critique and answer questions about arts based business creation and development; virtual sessions may be offered to supplement access when needed
• create and contribute to internal and external communications regarding the Residency
• support artists in development of professional practice in area of self presentation and promotion
• outreach to equity deserving groups and vulnerable populations
• work closely with branch staff to plan and implement programs and one-on-one meetings
• provide feedback and recommendations and points out available resources that may be beneficial.

Apply to be an Arts Mentor in Residence

TPL invites applicants with extensive experience in the areas of visual arts mentorship and entrepreneurship to fill the role of TPL's Arts Mentor in Residence.

To apply, submit all required documents through the Arts Mentor in Residence page. Deadline to apply is May 22nd at 5pm.

Past Residents

• 2023 Arts Mentor in Residence

  

  Robert Small, CM, is a highly acclaimed Canadian artist, author and influential figure. As a recipient of the prestigious Order of Canada (OAC), Small's artistic prowess and impact are widely recognized. For 29 years, he has produced the renowned 'LEGACY' poster, earning him the esteemed OAC honour. Notably, Small stands as the sole Black visual artist to receive this distinction and one of Canada's youngest awardees. Leveraging his artwork, Small has effectively complemented educational resources he has created on STEAM, Black history, health, vaccination, and a summer camp directory for Black youth. His entrepreneurial spirit has propelled his artistry to new heights, offering valuable lessons for fellow artists seeking success.

• 2022 Arts Mentor in Residence

  

  Su-Ying Lee is an independent curator and has also worked in institutions as Assistant Curator at the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art (MOCCA), Curator in Residence at the Justina M. Barnicke Gallery, and Assistant Curator at the Art Gallery of Mississauga. She received a Masters Degree in Curatorial Studies at the University of Toronto and is an alumnus of the Toronto Arts Council/Banff Centre's Cultural Leaders' Lab. Her projects have taken place across Canada, in Hong Kong, Mexico City and Quezon City (Metro Manila, Philippines).

• Winter 2021 Artrepreneur in Residence

  

  TPL proudly welcomed Paola Gomez as TPL's first-ever Artrepreneur in Residence (ArtIR) from February 22 to April 23, 2021.

  Paola is the co-founder and Director of Muse Arts and the Creator, Director and Producer of the HAPPENING Multicultural Festival. She is a Faculty Member of the School of Communication, Arts & Design at Centennial College. A trained human rights lawyer, Paola has received numerous awards in recognition for her work with newcomers and refugees as well as her history of building communities through the arts.