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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is FCA Toronto's Mission?

We want continue the FCA’s mission here in the Toronto area by:

  • offering exhibition, professional development, and networking opportunities in the visual arts;
  • supporting and promoting professional FCA member artists; and
  • advancing the knowledge and appreciation of art and culture.
2. How many members do you have now?

As of November 2023, we have 90 members based primarily in Ontario.

3. Who is eligible to join FCA Toronto?

To be eligible to join FCA Toronto, you need to meet four conditions:

  1. Be a visual artist working in the following media that are approved for FCA exhibitions: acrylic, graphite, ink, mixed media, oil, pastel, pen, pencil, water media, and hand-pulled prints in runs of up to 200.  We do not accept as members artists who work in the following media that are excluded from FCA exhibitions: photography, digital photography, digital prints, digital art, posters, pyrography, giclee, mechanical reproductions, and works that rely heavily on mechanical reproductions.  Sculptors are welcome to join our chapter; however, our host galleries may not be able to accommodate sculptures in our exhibitions.
  2. Be a current member of the national Federation of Canadian Artists (FCA) as an Active or Signature status member. (Visit the national FCA Website to learn more).
  3. Be willing to comply with the bylaws and policies of FCA Toronto and the national FCA, and
  4. Pay the prescribed chapter fees for the current year, set for $40.00 CDN, ending April 30, 2024.
4. Can I join FCA Toronto even though I don't live in Toronto?

Absolutely.  Artists living outside of Toronto are welcome to join and participate in the Chapter’s activities so long as they meet the criteria above.  We have members as far west as Vancouver BC and as far east as St. Andrews on the Sea, New Brunswick.

5. What is the fee for joining FCA Toronto?

The membership fee for the 2023 – 2024 year ending April 30, 2024 is $40.00 CDN.

Most FCA chapters charge between $25/year and $50/year to cover operational costs. This fee is separate and in addition to the annual membership fee charged by the national office in Vancouver. (2023 FCA fees: $65 Supporting members, $95 Active and Signature members).

6. What is the procedure for joining?
  1. The starting point is the Federation of Canadian artists website: www.artists.ca.  Read about the organization, its mission, its benefits for members, and membership levels.  Apply there to become an FCA member first as a supporting member and then as an Active status member (there is no waiting period).  Applications are welcome throughout the year.
  2. Fill out the online application form, providing us with your contact information, current status with the Federation of Canadian Artists, proof of FCA membership, and other basic details related to your art practice.
  3. The FCA Toronto executive will review your information and confirm your status with the FCA. We will notify you of the results by email.
  4.  If you are accepted for membership, FCA Toronto will send you instructions for paying the membership fee.
  5. Once payment has been confirmed, we will send you further instructions for getting started (i.e., setting up a profile on our website).
7. If I join the national FCA, do I automatically belong to FCA Toronto?

No, once you join the national FCA, you will need to apply separately to join our chapter.  As a chapter, FCA Toronto is unique in this regard.  

8. Can I still exhibit with Federation Gallery in Vancouver?

Absolutely. FCA Toronto offers you another option to exhibit your work in a sanctioned FCA Exhibition closer to home. Reach a new art market and save on courier fees at the same time!

9. Can I exhibit with FCA Toronto if I’m just a supporting national FCA member at the moment?

No. For our exhibitions to qualify with the FCA and operate under the FCA banner, they must only be open to Active and Signature Status members (with the AFCA or SFCA designations).

10. Where do you meet?

We meet regularly online via Zoom and at the opening receptions for our live exhibitions.  In the past, we have also met as a group for a “Paint Out” day to paint together outdoors.  Any member is free to organize an event for others to join in. 

11. When is the next exhibition?

News of our upcoming exhibitions are posted on our home page and on our upcoming exhibitions page.

Our previous online-only exhibitions can be found on our past exhibitions page.

We typically plan for three exhibitions a year: two live exhibitions in the spring and fall and one online-only show in the winter.  But our schedule depends on the availability of gallery space. 

12. When is the next professional development event?

Every month, members meet on Zoom for an hour-long chat about the art business. Normally it’s the last Tuesday evening in the month.  We invite special guests, including established artists, art collectors, gallery owners, and specialists in areas like social media and copyright law, to share their experiences and expertise.

13. When are your general meetings?

Our annual general meetings are in late May or early June.  FCA Toronto members in good standing will be sent an invitation.

14. How can I become involved?

After you join FCA Toronto, please reach out to us at [email protected]. We’ll tell you the areas where we urgently need assistance. We’re now in our fourth full year of operations and there’s so much to do. Help us build the foundation of what will someday be amazing and consequential.