Arts in the Parks Toolkit
The toolkit, created in partnership with the Ontario Trillium Foundation, can be accessed on the Toronto Arts Foundation’s website and also downloaded as a PDF. It is a guide to help navigate the logistical, financial, and artistic considerations involved in producing arts events in parks and other public spaces, including sections on planning, partnerships, fundraising, outreach and engagement, communications, and evaluation – all in an accessible, easy-to-read format that includes key statistics, case studies, and useful tips.
The toolkit can be used by large and small communities alike and will be shared widely through Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Knowledge Centre.
“Cities and towns across Ontario are simultaneously thinking about how to create greater access to the arts and how to animate their local parks. Now there is a resource communities can turn to for guidance and inspiration,” said Liz Forberg, Strategy Lead, Ontario Trillium Foundation. “We are so glad to have partnered with the Toronto Arts Foundation to harness all they have learned through the incredible success of their Arts in the Parks program, and we look forward to what it will inspire in communities across Ontario.”
Animating Toronto Parks Grants
Toronto Arts Council’s Animating Toronto Parks grants program provides funding to professional artists, organizations and artist collectives to create and present free arts programming in selected Toronto parks located outside of the downtown core. Participation in Arts in the Parks is a requirement of the program.
Placing Parks by MabelleArts
Placing Parks Digital Toolkit, created by MABELLEarts, is designed to help artists, funders and agencies develop community-engaged art projects in parks and public spaces. It can help you envision artful projects that bring people together in your local park.