Nuit Blanche, Toronto’s free all-night celebration of contemporary art, returns for it's 20th year on October 3, 2026, transforming public spaces into extraordinary landscapes.
As a hub for Nuit Blanche Toronto, Humber Polytechnic Lakeshore Campus in Etobicoke is now accepting Independent Project applications. These are self-produced projects that can be installed in traditional and non-traditional spaces, such as parks, window vitrines, courtyards, parking lots, laneways, and more. Applicants from any artistic discipline are eligible, but proposals should have a strong visual component and be rooted in contemporary art practices. Proposals should also address and integrate Nuit Blanche Toronto’s 2026 curatorial theme, Tomorrow’s Memories, in their project and must be located on Humber Polytechnic's Lakeshore Campus.
For the 20th anniversary, the 2026 theme, Tomorrow’s Memories, looks back to the artists, curators, communities and places that defined Nuit Blanche and hold its histories. This milestone edition offers both a reckoning and a reimagining, reflecting on not only where it has been, but on where it is now and where it might be going next.
Artists are welcome to propose new projects that consider personal and collective memory and histories as a tool for storytelling, reflection and dreaming of possible futures. Proposals may also explore ideas around memory itself, nostalgia and ephemerality.
The Independent Project program is open to all Toronto-based professional artists, collectives, and arts organizations as well as Humber Polytechnic students, faculty, alumni, and staff. All applications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee comprised of Humber Galleries, Humber Polytechnic, and City of Toronto staff.
Click below to view and download this year's Independent Project Application and Guidelines
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
Deadline for Public applications - Saturday, January 31st, 2026 @11:59pm est
2026 Information Session:
Learn more about the Nuit Blanche Humber Polytechnic Independent Projects Program application process!
Whether it’s your first time applying or you’re a seasoned participant, join Humber Galleries for an online information session where we will cover the application process and participants will have a chance to ask any questions they may have about the Humber Polytechnic Lakeshore Call for Independent Projects and the upcoming all-night event.
Join Humber Galleries for a Virtual Info Session on: DATE TBD
Watch the 2025 IP Call Info Session below: