Mural & Street Art Program

Overview of the Mural & Street Art Program program:

The Mural & Street Art Program is an initiative by the City of Toronto to help Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) fund public art installations such as murals and street art on exterior surfaces within their districts. The program supports BIAs in enhancing the public realm through creative placemaking, while also mitigating graffiti vandalism and supporting local artists. This program encourages vibrant and inclusive public art that reflects the identity, culture, and history of the community. Eligible BIAs can receive funding for professional artist fees, materials, equipment rentals, and other costs associated with the production of murals or street art. Projects must be publicly accessible and visible, and they must align with the City’s anti-vandalism goals and public art guidelines. Each application must demonstrate community support and obtain property owner permission. The City encourages engagement with artists from diverse backgrounds and communities, including Indigenous artists, and supports themes that promote inclusion, equity, and cultural reflection. Murals can be painted directly onto surfaces or created on panels and installed. Projects must comply with city bylaws and safety regulations, and all final artworks must be maintained by the BIA or property owner after installation. The program is administered by the Economic Development & Culture Division in partnership with StreetARToronto (StART), the City’s public art program.

Benefits of the Mural & Street Art Program program:

• Financial support for outdoor mural and street art projects in BIA districts
• Enhances neighborhood identity and vibrancy
• Deters graffiti vandalism through community-driven art
• Supports local and diverse artists
• Strengthens tourism and economic development through beautification
• Encourages community engagement and collaboration
• Offers matching funds of up to $60,000
• Helps fulfill public art and cultural strategy objectives

Eligibility criteria of the Mural & Street Art Program program:

• To be eligible, applicants must:
• Be a Business Improvement Area (BIA) located in the City of Toronto
• Propose a mural or street art project on an exterior wall or surface that is highly visible and publicly accessible
• Obtain written permission from the property owner
• Select professional artists to design and execute the work
• Ensure projects are community-supported and aligned with City guidelines
• Provide a minimum 50% funding match (can include in-kind support)
• Complete the project in the same calendar year as the grant application
• Ensure all installations comply with safety, zoning, and bylaw requirements
• Commit to maintaining the artwork after installation
• Special encouragement is given to projects that:
• Engage equity-deserving groups and artists
• Celebrate Indigenous culture and history
• Promote diversity and inclusion