TO Live has announced the seven recipients of its 2026 explorations artistic research program. The program demonstrates TO Live’s commitment to investing in artists in the earliest stages of creative expression.
Since launching in 2020, explorations has become one of Toronto’s leading research and development programs for Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA)-based artists. The funding affords them time and space to broaden their artistic explorations, and encourages experimentation and risk taking.
Now in its sixth year, explorations has invested more than $300,000 directly in creative research, enabling 50 artists to explore new ideas, test new approaches, and lay the groundwork for future projects. Together with other programs, TO Live’s commitment to artist development, through various streams, has supported more than 250 artists and companies.
“explorations recognizes that some of the most transformative artistic breakthroughs happen long before an audience encounters the finished work,” said Clyde Wagner, President and CEO of TO Live in a statement. “By investing in research and experimentation, we’re giving artists the freedom to follow their curiosity, test bold ideas, and deepen their creative practice. Supporting artists at this critical stage is one of the most meaningful ways we can contribute to the future of Toronto’s cultural landscape.”
Recipients
The jury panel chose seven recipients from 272 applications.
Each of the recipients for 2026 receives a $7,000 research grant that will go towards developing new methodologies and examining new ideas, with the goal of expanding their artistic practices.
The seven selected artists and collectives for 2026 represent a cross-section of Toronto’s vibrant artistic community. Their work incorporates a wide variety of disciplines and practices, including analog video synthesis, immersive and participatory performance, embodied street dance, interdisciplinary creation, and innovative approaches that challenge conventional artistic practice.
Their groundbreaking work has an impact that will carry through to the next generation.
- Lesia Ann Bailey, a cultural photojournalist and visual archivist whose work examines and documents Caribbean-influenced subcultures of the Black diaspora;
- Jess Dobkin, a multidisciplinary performance artist, community activist, teacher, and mentor whose practice includes working with theatres, galleries, art fairs, public places, museums, and international festivals;
- Enlazadas Vertical Dance Collective, a group founded by Diana Lopez and Victoria Mata that creates immersive, site-responsive movement works rooted in the traditions of Mexico and Venezuela, incorporating vertical dance, contemporary movement, sculpture, sound, and storytelling;
- Ameer Idreis, a playwright and urbanist, recipient of the 2025/26 RBC Tarragon Emerging Playwright Residency Award, whose first play is in development at Theatre Passe Muraille, and is also and the Planning Manager for the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. His work examines connections to land, place, and each another.;
- Mahmoud Ismail (Mah Moud), an interdisciplinary visual artist born to Eritrean parents and based in Leslieville, whose art is provcative and striking;
- Ali Massoudi, a Persian percussionist and composer who performs on the Tombak, Handpan, Darbuka, Cajon, Daf, Bendir, and other Persian instruments, co-founder of the Navasaz Academy. He has toured with master musicians and ensembles across Iran, Turkey, Cuba, China, Europe, and Canada;
- Strange Crow Productions, an independent, multi-disciplinary production and design collective led by Ridaa Khan, Sima Naseem, and Lily Zhang that produces stop-motion animation using puppets, experimental animation, and miniature environments.
The Jury Panel
The Jury consisted of members of Toronto’s artistic community as well as TO Live staff.
- Margaret McGuffin (CEO, Music Publishers Canada)
- Blake Zigrossi (Artistic Director, Abbozzo Gallery)
- Charlie Wall-Andrews (Executive Director, SOCAN)
- Christina Giannelia (former Executive Director, North York Arts)
- Sascha Cole (artist and former TO Live staff)
- Steven Hao (actor, producer, and director)
- Michael Vickers (Executive Director, Brampton Arts Organization)
- Leslie Lester (VP, Executive Producer, TO Live)
- Alex Whitehead (Bookings Coordinator, University of Toronto)
- Zac Mansfield (Senior Producer, TO Live)
- Zoe Carpenter (Director of Production, TO Live)
- Anisa Tejpar (Creative Assistant, Côté Danse
Congratulations to all of the recipients.
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