Applications now open for the 2025 Brampton Artist in Residence Program - BAO

All Brampton-based artists, creatives, collectives, and arts & culture organizations are encouraged to apply

BRAMPTON, ON (February 27, 2025) – The Brampton Artist in Residence Program is back for its third consecutive year after two incredibly successful runs. A partnership between the Brampton Arts Organization (BAO) and the Brampton Library (BL), this year’s residency gives local professional artists, collectives and arts & culture organizations the opportunity to receive funding of $8,000 and free workspace at Mount Pleasant Branch Library to undertake a community-focused artist residency from June to September 2025. 

The Brampton Artist in Residence Program was developed to unlock a new way for community members and Library customers to engage in creative experiences and build relationships with local artists and art organizations to encourage more exploration of Brampton’s arts, culture and creative industries. 

During the residency, the selected artist, collective or organization will hold weekly public office hours and create and deliver free community-focused public arts programming at Mount Pleasant Village Branch Library. They will also have an opportunity to explore their practice in a community setting, engage with the Library, its customers and the surrounding neighbourhood, undertake collaborative artistic research or creation, and make and present work in new ways.

Application Process

The program requirements and application form are available online at bramptonartsorg.ca/opportunities/open-calls/.

The application period will close on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. 

A selection committee will assess proposals according to the following criteria: 

  • Artistic merit of the proposed project. 
  • Suitability of the proposed project for the space and resources available at the library branch. 
  • Quality of experience the proposed project will provide to the participants, Library customers, and the benefits it will provide to the local community. 
  • Ability of the applicant to carry out the proposed project. 
  • Financial viability of the project. 
graphic with picture of BAO building and a call for a brampton artist in residence

Local art reflects our diverse and dynamic community. Through the Brampton Artist in Residence Program, Brampton artists and art organizations can experience a unique way of engaging with fellow residents, showcase their work and inspire generations to explore their creativity. Programs like this create future community leaders and I look forward to continuing to work to foster an environment where everyone can thrive.!

Gurpartap Singh Toor, Regional Councillor, Wards 9 & 10; Council Representative, Advisory Panel- Brampton Arts Organization

The Library connects people to inspiring things happening in Brampton, and we are proud to make the Artist in Residence Program part of what we do. We hope that exposing local creative talent will spark curiosity and imagination in our community.

Todd Kyle, Chief Executive Officer, Brampton Library

I am thrilled to launch the 2025 edition of the Brampton Artist in Residence Program- a special partnership between the Brampton Arts Organization and the Brampton Library team. This program creates a unique platform to engage with our residents, showcase their creativity, and ignite a passion for the arts across generations. Together, we are continuing to foster an inclusive cultural environment where all can flourish.

Michael Vickers, Executive Director, Brampton Arts Organization

About the Brampton Arts Organization 

The Brampton Arts Organization (BAO) is a registered non-profit that champions Brampton’s diverse arts, culture and creative industries and advocates for the #BramptonArtist. We work to build a thriving, confident, valued, and empowered creative scene by offering a range of programs, services and resources. In this, BAO is a key partner in fulfilling the City of Brampton’s strategic vision and Culture Master Plan. Learn more at bramptonartsorg.ca and connect with us at InstagramFacebookX(formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.

About Brampton Library

In its eight modern branches and online, Brampton Library is building an inclusive community by inspiring learning, literacy, and social cohesion. Apply online for a Brampton Library card, free to all residents in Ontario. Register for in-person and virtual programs for all ages and interests through the calendar of events and subscribe to our email updates. Follow us on social media and download our Brampton Library mobile app on iOS and Google Play. Learn more at bramptonlibrary.ca.

Media inquiries, please contact:

Gardenia Flores, Marketing & Communications Lead
gardenia@bramptonartsorg.ca

Arts and culture are the heart of our communities and boost the local economy. Supporting the arts is more than just nice—it drives business, fosters creativity, and brings people together. Advocacy ensures the arts stay vibrant, leading to increased funding, better policies, and more opportunities for artists, cultural organizations, and creative businesses in Brampton.