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Research Guides

JDM3619: Digital Media Distribution

A guide to business research tools available at UTL

Creative Arts Entrepreneurship

If you are an independent artist who is self-employed or working in the gig economy then this resource is for you! 

See also:

We strive to make this an inclusive space that helps to highlight resources for BIPOC and accessibility supports. Please let Paulina Rousseau (paulina.rousseau@utoronto.ca) know if you have suggestions to add to this guide. 

Local Arts Service Organizations

Toronto has six Local Arts Service Organizations (LASOs). LASOs are not-for-profit, professional arts service organizations with varying mandates. 

  • Arts Etobicoke - Established in 1973 to provide a united voice for the local arts community, we are recognized as one of Canada’s finest community arts councils. We are proud to support established and aspiring artists of all ages and backgrounds with a broad variety of activities and services, including arts education, advocacy, community space and much more.
  • East End Arts - East End Arts is a non-profit community arts organization that serves the east end of Toronto. We provide inclusive arts programming and events to our local communities, including youth, newcomers, seniors and priority groups. We also provide professional development opportunities to both emerging and established artists and arts organizations.
  • Lakeshore Arts - As a registered charitable not for profit community arts organization, we are dedicated to engaging all peoples using multidisciplinary art forms as a way of enriching lives and strengthening Toronto’s communities.
  • North York Arts - North York Arts (NYA) is one of six Local Arts Service Organizations (LASOs) in Toronto whose purpose is to deliver on the City’s social, economic and cultural goals outside of the downtown core. NYA was created to specifically address the needs and interests of artists, arts organizations and residents based in North York.
  • Scarborough Arts - Scarborough Arts, a not-for-profit charitable organization, serves the Scarborough community by developing, delivering, and promoting innovative arts programming and cultural initiatives in collaboration and partnership with the community. 
  • Urban Arts - UrbanArts is committed to the goal of building inclusive, engaged communities by enriching peoples’ lives through the arts, culture and heritage, with programs, services and resources delivered within the former City of York boundaries, with a focus on York South-Weston.

Accelerators/Incubators/Hubs