Call for Submissions: 401 Career Launcher Prize 2026

2025/26 recipient FROSTILLO in the 401 Career Launcher Prize Studio. Photo: Dean Tomlinson

401 Career Launcher Prize 2026
Call for Submissions

Submission Deadline: May 15, 2026, 5pm EDT

Each year, 401 Richmond welcomes an emerging artist into its community through the 401 Career Launcher Prize. The 401 Career Launcher Prize provides an opportunity to occupy 500 sq/ft studio for one year at 401 Richmond, one of Canada’s most dynamic arts facilities. The recipient will join a unique community of artists, cultural producers, creative pioneers, passionate activists, and social entrepreneurs. Since 2000, the 401 Career Launcher Prize has offered space and support for research and experimentation at a critical time in an emerging artist’s career.

Eligibility

• Priority will be given to recent graduates of a post-secondary fine arts programs or equivalent. All early career artists with less than 3 years as a professional artist will be considered. There is no age restriction.
• Applicants must have participated in at least one formal exhibition including school-based exhibitions.
• The juried selection process is based on the quality of the candidate’s work and favours strongly self-motivated individuals that show originality and demonstrate a strong commitment to developing their practice for the full duration of the residency.

Duration

• 12 months: September 2026 – August 2027

Past Recipients

Sarah Blagg (2000), Angie Nishikihama (2001), Sarah Lowry (2002), Emma Shankland (2003), Kristine Moran (2004), Emmy Skensved (2005), Adam Brandejs (2006), Gareth Bate (2007), Nikki Woolsey (2008), Angela Noussis (2009), Winnie Truong (2010), Chelsea Jamieson (2011), Graham Curry (2012), Kerry Zentner (2013), Erin MacKeen (2014), Kelly Uyeda (2016), Ellen Bleiwas (2017), Carol Cheong (2018), Miles Ingrassia (2019), Emily DiCarlo (2020), Steven K. Tucker (2021), Lana Yuan (2022), Roda Medhat (2023), elsewhere collective (2024), FROSTILLO (2025)

Click here for more information on how to apply.

Questions? Contact careerlauncherprize@urbanspace.org

About 401 Richmond

401 Richmond is an early 20th century industrial building that was transformed in 1994 into a vibrant home for artists’, galleries, film festivals, charities, not-for-profits, magazines, architects, theatre groups and design firms. The building’s renewal, over 30 years ago, was inspired by author Jane Jacobs’ observation that “new ideas need old buildings” and the importance of diversity and mixed-uses in the city.

401 Richmond Ltd
401 Richmond Street West, Studio 111
Toronto, ON M5V 3A8
401richmond.com
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