Arts Mentor in Residence
Toronto Public Library (TPL)'s Arts Mentor in Residence (ArtIR) program supports artists who are looking to build knowledge and confidence through exposure to arts mentorship and entrepreneurial expertise.
What is the ArtIR program?
The ArtIR program is an eight-week residency which involves reviewing submitted arts based business ideas, artist statements, portfolios and meeting one-on-one with interested applicants.
The ArtIR also collaborates with the Library to create and offer programs and events to the public and conducts outreach to equity deserving groups and vulnerable populations.
The ArtIR offers support of TPL's Arts and Culture programs and services to:
- create and deliver in person programs (e.g. workshops, lectures, meetups, etc.,) along with support materials related to visual arts and entrepreneurship
- meet with library customers one-on-one through in person sessions to critique and answer questions about arts based business creation and development; virtual sessions may be offered to supplement access when needed
- create and contribute to internal and external communications regarding the Residency
- support artists in development of professional practice in area of self presentation and promotion
- outreach to equity deserving groups and vulnerable populations
- work closely with branch staff to plan and implement programs and one-on-one meetings
- provide feedback and recommendations and points out available resources that may be beneficial.
One-on-One Consultation Sessions
TPL's Arts Mentor in Residence (ArtIR) offers free one-on-one consultations with library customers. Through the in-person sessions, the ArtIR engages with creative entrepreneurs and artists to review arts-based business ideas, artist statements and portfolios, offers feedback and answers questions about arts-based business creation and development.
One-on-one consultations are not being booked at this time. Stay tuned for the next opportunity to apply.
Past Residents
2025 Arts Mentor in Residence
Alyssa Fearon is a curator, educator, and independent scholar with a focus on cultural leadership and community-engaged curatorial practice. From 2020 to 2025, she served as Director/Curator at Dunlop Art Gallery in the Regina Public Library, where she shaped the gallery's strategic and artistic vision, expanded accessibility and program attendance, and organized widely recognized exhibitions including BLACK PRAIRIES — a touring exhibition honouring more than a century of Black/African-Canadian cultural production in the Prairies. Previously, Fearon was Curator at the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba from 2018 to 2020 and led Nuit Blanche Toronto's inaugural Scarborough zone in 2018, which brought together more than 30 artists, authors, and cultural producers. She has held roles at the Art Gallery of Ontario and Independent Curators International (New York); she has taught at York University, University of Toronto Scarborough, and Brandon University. She holds an MBA (Schulich School of Business), an MA in Art History and Diploma in Curatorial Studies (York University).
2024 Arts Mentor in Residence
Kathryn Adams is an award-winning artist, educator and entrepreneur. Kathryn studied calligraphy in England, where she learned heraldic painting and illumination skills. As an established freelance illustrator and entrepreneur, her light-hearted illustrations reflect her jovial nature and affinity for collaborative projects. Her clients include Oxford University Press, The LA Times, Taxi Advertising, Annick Press, Spy Magazine, Scholastic Books, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and Newsweek. As an educator and public speaker, Kathryn specializes in explaining business skills to visual artists using humorous anecdotes and practical methods. Kathryn has taught over 5000 students at OCAD University, the University of Toronto and Sheridan College. Other engagements include guest lectures at York University, Seneca College, workshops for Koyama Press, Latow Photographers Group, Sheridan EDGE and Good Gorilla.
2023 Arts Mentor in Residence
Robert Small, CM, is a highly acclaimed Canadian artist, author and influential figure. As a recipient of the prestigious Order of Canada (OAC), Small's artistic prowess and impact are widely recognized. For 29 years, he has produced the renowned 'LEGACY' poster, earning him the esteemed OAC honour. Notably, Small stands as the sole Black visual artist to receive this distinction and one of Canada's youngest awardees. Leveraging his artwork, Small has effectively complemented educational resources he has created on STEAM, Black history, health, vaccination, and a summer camp directory for Black youth. His entrepreneurial spirit has propelled his artistry to new heights, offering valuable lessons for fellow artists seeking success.
2022 Arts Mentor in Residence
Su-Ying Lee is an independent curator and has also worked in institutions as Assistant Curator at the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art (MOCCA), Curator in Residence at the Justina M. Barnicke Gallery, and Assistant Curator at the Art Gallery of Mississauga. She received a Masters Degree in Curatorial Studies at the University of Toronto and is an alumnus of the Toronto Arts Council/Banff Centre's Cultural Leaders' Lab. Her projects have taken place across Canada, in Hong Kong, Mexico City and Quezon City (Metro Manila, Philippines).
Winter 2021 Artrepreneur in Residence
TPL proudly welcomed Paola Gomez as TPL's first-ever Artrepreneur in Residence (ArtIR) from February 22 to April 23, 2021.
Paola is the co-founder and Director of Muse Arts and the Creator, Director and Producer of the HAPPENING Multicultural Festival. She is a Faculty Member of the School of Communication, Arts & Design at Centennial College. A trained human rights lawyer, Paola has received numerous awards in recognition for her work with newcomers and refugees as well as her history of building communities through the arts.
Apply to be an Arts Mentor in Residence
Toronto Public Library invites applicants with extensive experience in the areas of visual arts mentorship and entrepreneurship to fill the paid role of TPL's Arts Mentor in Residence position.
Applications are not being accepted at this time. Stay tuned for the next opportunity to apply.