---
title: 401 Career Launcher Prize 2026
description: Annual prize awarding a 500 sq/ft studio for one year at 401 Richmond, Toronto, for an emerging artist.
url: https://www.artsume.com/programs/1c8548cc-403c-4dfe-8701-1f955aba8d67
type: program
status: closed
createdAt: "2026-03-27"
updatedAt: "2026-09-30"
programType: Prize/award
organization: 401 Richmond Building
organizationUrl: https://www.artsume.com/o/401-richmond-building
deadline: "2026-05-15"
location: 401 Richmond, Toronto, ON, Canada
isOnline: false
compensationRange: 500 sq/ft studio space for one year at 401 Richmond
disciplines:
  - painting
  - sculpture
  - photography
  - mixed media
  - installation
  - drawing
  - printmaking
  - video
  - performance
careerStages:
  - Emerging artist
---

# 401 Career Launcher Prize 2026

**Hosted by:** 401 Richmond Building

**Type:** Prize/award | **Location:** 401 Richmond, Toronto, ON, Canada | **Deadline:** May 15, 2026

## About This Program

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

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.

## Eligibility & Requirements

- **Career Stage:** Emerging artist
- **Geographic Eligibility:** National
- **Disciplines:** painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, installation, drawing, printmaking, video, performance
- **Note:** Priority given to recent graduates of post-secondary fine arts programs or equivalent. All early career artists with less than 3 years as a professional artist will be considered. No age restriction. Must have participated in at least one formal exhibition including school-based exhibitions.

### Additional Requirements

Must have participated in at least one formal exhibition including school-based exhibitions.

## Compensation & Benefits

500 sq/ft studio space for one year at 401 Richmond

## What's Provided

- **Studio Access:** Provided - 500 sq/ft studio at 401 Richmond

## Timeline

- **Opens:** March 27, 2026
- **Deadline:** May 15, 2026
- **Program Start:** September 1, 2026
- **Program End:** August 31, 2027

## Contact

**Email:** careerlauncherprize@urbanspace.org

## How to Apply

Apply at: https://401richmond.com/2026/03/05/401-career-launcher-prize-2026-call-for-submissions/