Call for Proposals: Nuit Blanche Toronto 2026

Future (… — – …) Perfect by Brendan Fernandes, Nuit Blanche 2008

Calling All Artists!

Proposals for art projects are now being accepted for Nuit Blanche Toronto 2026. Toronto’s annual all-night celebration of contemporary art, produced by the City of Toronto in collaboration with Toronto’s arts community is now in its 20th anniversary edition! The upcoming event will take place from 7pm on October 3 to 7am October 4, 2026.

Applications are now open for two Nuit Blanche Toronto programs: the Open Call program, which is open to international and Canadian artists; and the Independent Project program, which is open to Toronto-based artists and collectives. Apply by Friday, January 9, 2026.

Proposals must respond to the 2026 theme – Tomorrow’s Memories – which looks back to the artists, curators, communities and places that defined Nuit Blanche and hold its histories. This milestone edition offers both a reckoning and a reimagining, reflecting not only on where it has been, but on where it is now and where it might be going next.

It is strongly recommended that prospective applicants attend a virtual information session on either December 9, 2025 or January 6, 2026. American Sign Language interpretation provided. Registration required.

Radical Histories by Ibrahim Mahama, Nuit Blanche 2018

Open Call Program

Local, national and international artists are eligible to submit proposals for the Open Call program, which may be selected to form part of a city-produced exhibition. Applicants must consider the overarching theme, have a strong visual art component and be rooted in contemporary art practice.

Proposals are selected by a panel of external visual arts community members in consultation with City of Toronto staff.

Open Call projects are funded to a maximum of $20,000 CAD and produced by the City of Toronto.

Application Deadline: Friday, January 9, 2026, 11:59pm EST

Learn more about the Open Call program and review the application guidelines.

The Apology Project by Maria Legault, Nuit Blanche 2009

Independent Projects Program

Toronto-based artists are eligible to submit proposals for the Independent Projects program.

Independent Projects are self-produced works sited in locations across Toronto. Project locations may include public parks, galleries, storefronts, office towers, streets, sidewalks, etc. Proposals from any artistic discipline are welcomed but must be rooted in contemporary art practices.

Successful applicants receive a $1,750 CAD stipend towards artist fees and material expenses.

Application Deadline: Friday, January 9, 2026, 11:59pm EST

Learn more about the Independent Projects program and review the application guidelines.

About Nuit Blanche Toronto

Nuit Blanche Toronto is the city’s annual all-night celebration of contemporary art, produced by the City of Toronto in collaboration with Toronto’s arts community. Since 2006, this award-winning event has featured more than 1690 art installations by approximately 6000 artists and has generated over $529 million in economic impact for Toronto. For more information, visit the Nuit Blanche Toronto website or follow Nuit Blanche Toronto on X, Instagram or Facebook.

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For more information, contact: nuitblancheto@toronto.ca

Image Descriptions:
1. Large shipping containers are stacked on top of each other in various configurations with haze and lighting in and around them.
2. Hundreds of brown and beige jute sacks are sewn together and drape the front ledge and facade of City Hall reaching to the ground. People stand in the public square at City Hall looking on and taking photos.
3. A group of approximately 30 performers stand together with large lawn waste style paper bags over their bodies. The paper bags have eye hole cut out so the performers can see.