Call Opens: January 13, 2026
Application Deadline: Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Fees: FREE – zero cost to apply
Honorarium: Selected participants will receive $500.

Residency Period A: April 2026 -August 2026
Residency Period B: October 2026 – February 2027
Venue:  BAO office, 8 Nelson St W, Unit 301, Brampton, ON L6X 4J2

The Brampton Arts Organization (BAO) Studio Residencies program provides free, dedicated studio space to Brampton-based artists, collectives and arts & culture organizations as well as funding of $500.00 to do a self-directed residency in one of five dedicated studio spaces in BAO’s office space.

New for this year, we are seeking applications for two distinct residency time periods to take place in 2026 and going into 2027. Period A is from April to August 2026 and Period B is from October 2026 to February 2027. Access to the studios will be available from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. Please note: you can only apply to one of the two residency periods that best suits your schedule.

 

Information Session: January 21st from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

This virtual information session on Wednesday, January 21, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 p.m. will go over the requirements and application process with BAO staff. You can have your application reviewed ahead of submitting it as well as getting all your questions answered.

Register Here

 

Site Visit: January 23rd from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

You can drop-in on Friday, January 23, 2026 from noon to 3:00 p.m. to see the studios and ask questions. No registration is required.

 

What This Program Supports and Requirements

The BAO Studio Residencies program provides free studio space and funding of $500.00 to Brampton-based professional artists, collectives, and arts & culture organizations working in any artistic discipline (ex. literary arts/writing, visual arts, performing arts, music and more) to do a self-directed artist residency that is suitable to the studio spaces available in BAO’s office space.

The selected artists, collectives, or organizations will:

• Have access to their studio space between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. each day.
• Attend an introductory meeting with BAO staff at the beginning of the program.
• Attend a debrief meeting with BAO staff at the end of the program and complete a close-out report.
• Participate in the planning of and then attend the BAO Studio Residencies Art Crawl at the end of the program (date TBD).
• Follow BAO’s Community Guidelines and Code of Conduct.
• Follow public health restrictions that may be applicable.

 

Additionally, the successful applicants or organizations/collectives must agree to:

• Sign an Artist Agreement, which will detail the terms and conditions of the residency and honorarium for the program. The Agreement once signed must be sent to BAO staff prior to the start of the project.
• Submit a Social Insurance Number for each participating artist. The individual recipient/s will receive a T4A for the honorarium amount.
• Acknowledge the support of the Brampton Arts Organization in all written materials related to the activities of the residency. The participants may use the phrase “produced with the support of the City of Brampton through the Brampton Arts Organization.”
• Send BAO information on any public performances or events presented in the context of their residency-supported projects. This information should be emailed to the Programming Coordinator.
• In addition to the above conditions, BAO reserves the right to place other conditions on the residency and release of the honorarium (such as confirmation of venue, programming, other sources of funding, etc.). Any specific conditions will be contained in the Letter of Understanding and Artist Agreement.

 

BAO Newcomer Studio Residency

New for 2026 is the launch of a dedicated studio residency for one Brampton-based newcomer artist.

The selected newcomer artist will receive mentorship from an industry professional within their discipline.

 

BAO x BAND Gallery Studio Residency

In collaboration with the Black Artists’ Networks In Dialogue (BAND) Gallery, BAO will offer a dedicated studio space to one Black Brampton-based artist. The selected artist will receive mentorship from Joséphine Denis, BAND’s Director of Curatorial Initiatives, throughout the residency in the form of

• Weekly virtual mentorship sessions (30 minutes)
• Two in-person studio visits

BAND is a charitable organization dedicated to supporting, documenting and showcasing the artistic and cultural contributions of Black artists and cultural workers in Canada and internationally. The BAND Gallery is dedicated to developing emerging Black artists and cultural workers by providing hands-on experience, presentation opportunities and an accessible venue to showcase their work to the general public.

 

The Studio Spaces

Seven studio spaces are available for this program. Please note that ceramics and oil and spray painting are not eligible for this program.

In addition to the six studios, there are two shared common areas. There is also a kitchenette with a microwave and fridge that will be shared with BAO staff. The main BAO programming space maybe available on a case-by-case basis to book out to host your own workshops, programs, and meetings, dependent on BAO programming.

 

Studio A – Approximately a 9’x10’ room with no window

 

Studio B – Approximately a 9’x10’ room with no window

 

Studio C – Approximately a 9’x10’ room with no window

 

Studio D – Approximately a 9’x10’ room with a window that does not open

 

Studio E – Approximately a 16’x20’ room with no window (to be shared with up to 3 artists/orgs)

 

Studio F – Approximately a 16’x20’ room with windows that do not open (to be shared with up to 3 artists/orgs)

 

Studio G (BAO Recording Studio) – Approximately a 9’x10’ room with no window

Contains an iMac, MIDI controller keyboard, Volt 2 USB audio interface, vocal dynamic microphones, headphones, speakers and digital audio workstation software.

 

Common Area A – A small seating area for participants to use to socialize with each other and take meetings.

 

Common Area B – A small area with lockers that participants can store their valuables and lock up using their personal locks.

 

Who Can Apply?

This program is open to all Brampton-based professional artists, not-for-profit arts & culture organizations and artist collectives operating on a not-for-profit basis.

The Ontario Arts Council defines a professional artist or arts professional as someone who has developed skills through training or practice, is recognized by artists working in the same artistic tradition, has a history of public presentation or publication, seeks payment for their work and actively practices their art.

We recognize that due to systemic barriers within the broader arts community (e.g. limited mainstream presentation opportunities for artists from historically disadvantaged groups such as Black, Indigenous, Person of Colour, Deaf Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Persons Living with Mental Illness, 2SLGBTQIAP, and newcomer and refugee artists) that some flexibility may be required in interpreting eligibility criteria to take into account equivalent professional experience and contexts. Potential applicants from historically disadvantaged groups are encouraged to discuss their eligibility with the program manager in advance of submitting an application.

Please note, you may not apply as an individual and as part of an organization or collective that is also applying.

 

Eligibility Criteria for Individual Artists:

• Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
• Applicants must have a residential address within the City of Brampton and must have been located in Brampton for a minimum of 12 months prior to the date of application.
• Able to work in a collaborative environment.
• NOTE: Undergraduate students are NOT eligible to apply to this program.

 

Eligibility Criteria for Organizations and Collectives:

• Organization and collective members must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada.
• Organizations and collectives must be located in the City of Brampton; only 1-2 members of the organization will have access to the dedicated studio space.
• Applicants applying on behalf of the organization must have a residential address within the City of Brampton and must have been located in Brampton for a minimum of 12 months prior to the date of the application.
• Able to work in a collaborative environment.

 

Selection Process and Criteria

Applicants will be chosen by the selection committee based on artistic merit, impact, and viability as communicated in the application. The following criteria will be assessed:

• Artistic merit of the proposed residency.
• Suitability of the proposed residency for the space and resources available at BAO.
• Ability of the applicant/s to carry out the proposed residency.

Priority will be given to applicants from historically disadvantaged groups, including those who identify as Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, Trans, Nonbinary, Queer, Disabled and intersections of those identities.

Applications and proposals cannot be disrespectful or anti-other cultures, political or religious views, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, language, national or social origin, property, birth or other status such as disability, age, marital and family status, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation. Proposals and presentations must not have any political or religious views.

 

Selection Committee

• Brampton Arts Organization staff
• Previous BAO Studio Residencies program artists
• BAND Gallery staff for the BAO x BAND Gallery Studio Residency
• Neighbourhood Arts Network staff for the BAO Newcomer Studio Residency

 

Additional Accessibility Funding

Residencies involving Deaf artists and artists with disabilities may apply for additional funding by completing the Accessibility Expenses section of the application and including the necessary information in their budget. This accessibility funding will provide up to a maximum of $2,000 towards accessibility costs for artists sustained during the residency.

Accessibility costs can include but are not limited to

• ASL interpretation
• Audio description
• Closed captioning
• Communications assistants
• Attendant care (including helpers for Elders)
• Support workers and equipment rentals
• Other supports required to meet the artists’ accessibility needs

 

Payment

Those selected for the BAO Studio Residencies will be paid a one-time payment of $500.00 Canadian dollars* (+HST if applicable) for participating. Payment of the honorarium will be outlined in the artist agreement.

*The honorarium includes any necessary costs or materials, and no further compensation will be made to the artist for costs associated with participating in the residency.

 

Additional Information and Accessibility Support

If you have any questions about this call or need additional resources, assistance or time to complete this application, please reach out at least one week prior to the application deadline to Katy Belshaw, Head of Programming, Brampton Arts Organization, katy@bramptonartsorg.ca.

 

Submission

Applicants are asked to complete the submission form before Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm.

Apply Here

Please note that only applications submitted through the formal submission process will be accepted, unless otherwise previously arranged due to accessibility needs.

 

Notification

Applicants will be notified of their application status within two calendar months of submission. Communication about the status of your application will be through email.

Call Opens: January 20, 2026
Application Deadline: Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Fees: FREE – zero cost to apply
Honorarium: Artists will be paid $250 to participate in this program

Program Dates: March 21 to July 12, 2026
Program Schedule:  Saturday’s from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and Thursday’s from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Venues:  BAO Office, 8 Nelson St W, Brampton on Saturday’s and Online (Zoom) on Thursday’s

Final Showcase Dates: July 10-12, 2026
Final Showcase Location: TOAF @ Nathan Philips Square, 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N3

The Brampton Arts Organization (BAO) is seeking applications from emerging to mid-career Brampton creatives to participate in an eight-week professional development program. The program explores the basic and necessary skills to not only survive as a creative practitioner but more importantly thrive.

In this program you will examine aspects of an artist’s work that are related to curatorial practice and exhibiting artwork. The program consists of weekly lectures, assignments and in-person demonstrations. Participants will be introduced to practical ways of exhibiting art, the logistics of framing, packing and shipping artwork, understanding how to install and document artwork and current trends in practices of displaying artwork. The program will culminate in a final showcase at the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (TOAF) from July 10-12, 2026.

 

Program Schedule

• March 21 – Workshop 1: Introduction to Canadian Art World and Practical Art Skills
• April 2 – Workshop 2: Grant Writing and Funding an Art Career
• April 18 – Workshop 3: Preparing an Exhibition
• April 30 – Workshop 4: Practices of Display
• May 16 – Workshop 5: Field Trip Day
• May 28 – Workshop 6: Exhibition Planning
• June 11 – Workshop 7: Marketing with a Website and Social Media
• June 25 – Workshop 8: Exhibition Planning
• July 5 – Final Check-in and Artwork Dropoff at BAO
• July 10, 11, 12 – Installation and Final Exhibition at Toronto Outdoor Art Fair

 

Program Facilitator

Jessica Thalmann is a photo-based artist, curator and educator currently based in Toronto and New York City. She received an MFA in Advanced Photographic Studies from ICP-Bard College and a BFA in Visual Arts from York University. Thalmann has taught at the International Centre for Photography, Akin Collective, MacLaren Art Centre, Toronto School of Art, Gallery 44 and City College of New York. She has been an artist in residence at the Banff Center for Arts and Creativity, Alberta, Canada, and at the Southern California Institute of Architecture in Los Angeles, California, USA. She is a recipient of grants from the Toronto Arts Council, the Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council.

Her work has been shown in group exhibitions at Aperture Foundation, International Centre for Photography, Camera Club of New York Baxter St, and Humble Arts Foundation (New York), VIVO Media Arts Centre (Vancouver), Museum of Contemporary Art, Harbourfront Centre, Art Gallery of Mississauga, Varley Art Gallery of Markham, Angell Gallery, Gallery TPW, Art Spin, and Gales Gallery at York University (Toronto).

 

Who Can Apply?

This program is open to all emerging to mid-career Brampton-based creatives who are 18 years of age or older.

We recognize that due to systemic barriers within the broader creative community (e.g. limited mainstream presentation opportunities for individuals from historically disadvantaged groups such as Black, Indigenous, Person of Colour, Deaf Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Persons Living with Mental Illness, 2SLGBTQIAP, and newcomer and refugee creatives) that some flexibility may be required in interpreting eligibility criteria to take into account equivalent professional experience and contexts. Potential applicants from historically disadvantaged groups are encouraged to discuss their eligibility with the program manager in advance of submitting an application.

 

Selection Process and Criteria

Applicants will be chosen by a selection committee based on artistic merit, impact, and viability as communicated in the application.

Priority will be given to applicants from historically disadvantaged groups, including those who identify as Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, Trans, Nonbinary, Queer, Disabled and intersections of those identities.

Selection Committee

• Brampton Arts Organization staff
• Program Facilitator
• Previous program artists

 

Payment

Those selected for the Professional Practices for Creatives in Brampton program will be given a one-time payment of $250.00 Canadian dollars* (+HST if applicable) for participating. Payment of the honorarium will be outlined in the artist agreement.

*The honorarium includes any necessary costs or materials, and no further compensation will be made to the artist for costs associated with participating in this program.

 

Additional Information and Accessibility Support

If you have any questions about this call or need additional resources, assistance or time to complete this application, please reach out at least five days prior to the application deadline to info@bramptonartsorg.ca.

 

Submission

Applicants are asked to complete the submission form before Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 11:59 pm.

Apply Here

Please note that only applications submitted through the formal submission process will be accepted, unless otherwise previously arranged due to accessibility needs.

 

Notification

Applicants will be notified of their application status within one calendar months of submission. Communication about the status of your application will be through email.

 

Call Opens: January 27, 2026
Fees: FREE – zero cost to apply

Check back later for the details, requirements and application form.

Call Opens: February 3, 2026
Fees: FREE – zero cost to apply

Check back later for the details, requirements and application form.

Call Opens: February 10, 2026
Fees: FREE – zero cost to apply

Check back later for the details, requirements and application form.

Call Opens: February 17, 2026
Fees: FREE – zero cost to apply

Check back later for the details, requirements and application form.