Toronto’s Artist Project returns February 20th to 23rd bringing together over 300 independent artists showcasing their work at the Better Living Centre on the CNE Grounds. The 13th annual art fair provides the unique opportunity to intimately connect with artists, creating a more personal experience with art.

Once a year, hundreds of curious individuals gather to mix and mingle among themselves. This event is for first-time buyers, collectors, gallery owners, and for those who just want to spend a few hours discovering a vast array of art from all disciplines. The shoppable gallery-style experience is perfect for discovering your art aesthetic and the extended programming includes interactive installations, live artist competitions and informative, expert-led chats.

Exclusive to this year’s fair, Artist Project mounts Telegenic, a feature area in the heart of the fair bringing forward video and VR artwork. Sponsored by EQ Bank, Telegenic allows guests to explore how artists are using technology to present their own narratives, realities and perspectives. Other installations throughout the fair were also selected for their uses of multi-media technology.

The four-day art fair kicks off with an Opening Night Party celebrating the city’s art culture with music from LUXELIFE SOUND and food and beverages from some of Toronto’s best restaurants, caterers and breweries including Collective Arts Brewey and Supernova Ballroom, among others.

Additional highlights during the fair include:

Art Walks

The fair’s themed guided art tours, Art Walks, offer visitors the opportunity to meet artists, learn about their inspirations and how they create their pieces. The hourly tours take place on Friday-Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Each tour begins on the hour at the Information Desk.

Untapped Emerging Artists Competition

Presented by DeSerres, the Untapped Emerging Artists Competition is dedicated to supporting the development of students, new graduates and self-taught artists. The juried competition has awarded 20 emerging artists the opportunity to exhibit their work free of charge in this feature section of the fair. The program aims to provide a platform for young artists to launch their artwork and make connections within the world of contemporary art.

Art Battle

Art Battle, a live competitive painting where artists will create their best work in three 20-minute rounds, will be returning for the Artist Project on Friday, February 21st from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. As they paint, visitors can move around the platform to watch each artist create their masterpiece. Afterwards, the audience will be able to vote for their favourite painting and partake in a silent auction to purchase the pieces.

Art Lounge Mural in partnership with Yorkville Murals

Yorkville Murals is proud to present the work of artist Whatisadam, who was included in the inaugural edition of their festival. Artists can win a chance to create a mural in the 2020 Yorkville Murals Festival in August, including an artist fee and materials! For information on how to enter visit the Yorkville Murals exhibition in the Art Lounge. Furniture in the Art Lounge is generously provided by Stylegarage.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Star Collectors Program
The Artist Project Star Collectors program offers an enhanced fair experience and the opportunity to support independent emerging artists all while building your art collection. By participating in the program, Star Collectors are committing to purchasing work from artists at the fair.

Installations
Artist Project presents seven installations created by artists such as Tonya Hart and Andre Baynes, that will change the way you experience the fair. While exploring, guests can meet with these installation artists and learn about a variety of captivating topics and current themes.

Children’s Programming
Children who attend the Artist Project will receive an activity page designed by artist Alyse Nicholson. They then may show their completed package to enter a draw for a DeSerres prize package.

Art Chats

Presented by Yorkville Village, Art Chats is Artist Project’s series of talks and panel discussions speaking to illuminating and trending topics in the art and design world through the lens of talented experts. A selection of special guests from a variety of sectors in the community will share their knowledge with fresh perspectives and irreplaceable advice. Art Chats are complimentary with admission.

Saturday February 22nd
1:00 p.m. / Creating/Curating/Collecting: Perspectives on Art & Tech
Presented by EQ Bank
Moderated by Shannon Linde
3:00 p.m. / The Basics of Collecting and Displaying Art
Presented by House & Home
Moderated by Lynda Reeves and Ashley Mulvihill
5:00 p.m. / Templeton Philharmonic
Presented with the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival

Sunday February 23rd
1:00 p.m. / What is the role of studio spaces in creating a more equitable artistic community?
Presented by Akin
3:00 p.m. / Remaking the World: What does it mean to work across disciplines today?
Presented with Canadian Art
Moderated by Joy Xiang, assistant editor Canadian Art

More Information

Ticket Information

Opening Night Party (19+) $35 Thursday February 20, 2020 (7pm to 11pm) – Be among the first to preview and collect works of art, while indulging in specialty cocktails, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, music and art performances.

Regular Admission (Free re-admission)
Valid any day between Friday February 23rd to Sunday February 25th
Adult admission $16
Group adult tickets (10+ people) $12.50 Each
Senior admissions (65+) $12.50
Youth admissions (13-17) $12.50
Children (12 or under) Free

Friday, February 21 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 22 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 23 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Better Living Centre 195 Princes’ Boulevard, Exhibition Place, Toronto, ON

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.