Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is FCA Toronto's Mission?

We want to continue the FCA’s mission here in Ontario 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 March 2026, we have 136 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:

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.
Be a current member of the national Federation of Canadian Artists (FCA) as an Supporting, Exhibiting, or Signature status member. (Visit the national FCA Website to learn more).
Be willing to comply with the bylaws and policies of FCA Toronto and the national FCA, and
Pay the prescribed chapter fees for the current year, set for $40.00 CDN, ending December 31.

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. John’s, NL.

5. What is the fee for joining FCA Toronto?

The membership fee for the 2026 year ending December 31st, 2026 is $40.00 CDN.

This fee is separate and in addition to the annual membership fee charged by the national office in Vancouver.

The 2026 fee for an entry-level Supporting membership is $65.

6. What is the procedure for joining?

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 Exhibiting status member (there is no waiting period). Applications are welcome throughout the year.
Contact the national FCA office at this email address [email protected] to let them know you are interested in joining our FCA Toronto. In the subject line add your last name and FCA Toronto Chapter They will process your request on your behalf and collect the chapter fee.

7. If I join the national FCA, do I automatically belong to FCA Toronto?

No, you need to indicate to the national FCA office that you wish to join FCA Toronto by writing to this email address [email protected]. They will process your request on behalf of FCA Toronto.

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

Absolutely, as well as the exhibitions FCA Toronto organizes for its membership 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 Member of the national FCA?

No. For our exhibitions to qualify with the FCA and operate under the FCA banner, they must only be open to Exhibiting 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. We also meet as a group for “Paint Out” day to paint together outdoors. Any member is free to organize…etc.

11. When is the next exhibition?

Calls for Entry for any upcoming exhibitions are posted on our home page and on our call for entry page.

You can see a list of our current, upcoming, and past exhibitions on our main exhibitions page.

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

12. When are your general meetings?

Our next AGM will be held on Zoom on Tuesday, November 17, 2026 at 7:30 PM EST.

13. How can I become involved?

We are now in our seventh year and growing. We would appreciate more help from our membership with the intake and take-down of our live exhibitions.

We also require volunteers to fill the following three vacancies on our executive committee:

Art Chat Coordinator to arrange Zoom art chats with four guests in the spring, two in the fall
Vice-President to assist the President in carrying out some of the executive duties. (Note: the VP does not automatically advance to the President role.)
Newsletter Coordinator to compose a newsy paragraph or two on chapter activities, art-related subjects, and motivational topics for Artists.

If you can spare a few volunteer hours a month to assist the Executive Committee, please reach out and let us know about your skills and interests. Many hands make light work for us all, and your contribution would be greatly appreciated.

Help us continue to build and maintain a thriving Toronto Chapter of the FCA.