Left of Centre

ABOUT LEFT OF CENTRE

Left of Centre is a two-year artist incubation project which combines professional development, creative consulting, and seed funding to support the careers of Black artists within Toronto. Developed in collaboration with artist advisors, and through focus groups & interviews with Black artists across a wide range of disciplines, Left of Centre seeks to increase the number of Black artists submitting successful requests for funding, support participants in developing their artistic practices, and continuing to inspire our creative Black community.

WHO IS LEFT OF CENTRE FOR?

Left of Centre is for emerging artists from the African Diaspora, based within Toronto and the GTA.

How does this program identify artists as “emerging?”

Under the Left of Centre program, emerging artists are identified as:

• Artists in the early stages of their careers, usually within the first few years pursuing a career in the arts
• Demonstrated commitment to devoting time to artistic activity
• Is involved, or looking to be involved in the artistic community at large
• Has not yet showcased their work beyond the GTA
• Devotes a minimum of 12 hours a week to their pursuit of their art
• Shows a financial commitment to their practice, and seeks income through their artistic work
• Has a small history of presentation, publication, or showcasing
• Self-identifies as an emerging artist

HOW CAN LEFT OF CENTRE HELP ME?

Left of Centre is a two-year artist incubation project which combines professional development, creative consulting, and seed funding to support the careers of Black artists within Toronto. Developed in collaboration with artist advisors, and through focus groups & interviews with Black artists across a wide range of disciplines, Left of Centre seeks to increase the number of Black artists submitting successful requests for funding, support participants in developing their artistic practices, and continuing to inspire our creative Black community.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Left of Centre is a two-year artist incubation project which combines professional development, creative consulting, and seed funding to support the careers of Black artists within Toronto. Developed in collaboration with artist advisors, and through focus groups & interviews with Black artists across a wide range of disciplines, Left of Centre seeks to increase the number of Black artists submitting successful requests for funding, support participants in developing their artistic practices, and continuing to inspire our creative Black community.

Left of Centre is made possible through the support of: