The Cedar Ridge Summer Residency offers one visual artist the opportunity to spend the summer immersed in their practice—surrounded by nature, community, and creative energy.
From June 15 to September 24, 2026, the selected artist will work in the Gardener's Cottage, a dedicated studio nestled within Cedar Ridge park and gardens, overlooking the ravine and Highland Creek below. Steps from the Cedar Ridge Main House—home to galleries and art studios—the setting offers both quiet focus and connection.
The residency culminates in a public exhibition at Cedar Ridge Gallery in September, showcasing resident's work. Open to emerging and mid-career artists, this residency is designed to support artistic growth, experimentation, and meaningful community engagement.
The City of Toronto Public Gallery Program operates five public galleries, including the Cedar Ridge Creative Centre Gallery. Guided by CARFAC (Canadian Artists' Representation / Le Front des Artistes Canadiens) standards, the program is committed to equitable access to cultural spaces, strengthening support for artists, and advancing the goals of Culture Connects: An Action Plan for Culture in Toronto.
The selected artist will receive:
- Dedicated studio access in the Gardener's Cottage during regular Centre hours
- A solo exhibition at Cedar Ridge Gallery (September 8 – 23, 2026)
- Promotion of the exhibition through City of Toronto channels
- $500 in art supply funding
- Support from Cedar Ridge staff to build community connections, expand professional networks, and pursue external funding opportunities
- Artist fees in accordance with the CARFAC schedule for Exhibitions with Art for Sale, including an exhibition fee (Section 1: A.1.7) and an installation fee (Section 4: C.7.0), based on number of artworks and installation duration
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be current residents of Toronto and must not be enrolled in any arts degree or diploma program.
- All works must conform to the City of Toronto Human Rights and Anti-Harassment/Discrimination Policy and be suitable for a general audience.
- Cedar Ridge Creative Centre is dedicated to engaging and supporting artists and encourages applications from members of equity-deserving communities.
- Artists who have exhibited at an Arts Services gallery are not eligible to be considered for an exhibition or residency at another Arts Services gallery in the following year.
- Current City of Toronto employees are ineligible to apply to the program.