Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is FCA Toronto's Mission?
We want to 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 July 2024, we have 97 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, 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 2024 year ending December 31st, 2024 is $40.00 CDN. Anyone wishing to join from July to December 2024 will pay only $20.00 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 Exhibiting and Signature members).
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 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 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?
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 are your general meetings?
Our AGM will be held September 9,
2024 at 7:30 PM on Zoom. FCA Toronto members in good standing will receive an invitation link to join the zoom in early August.
13. How can I become involved?
We are now in our fifth year and growing and appreciate help from the Membership in these ways, intake and take down of exhibitions, arranging monthly speakers and/or demo artists, fundraising, donors and sponsorships and we need one more board member. Anyone that steps up to handle a small portion of the big picture would be greatly appreciated. If you can spare a few hours a month please reach out and let us know your skills and interests and we’ll be in touch…many hands make light work for all…and yours would be welcomed.
Help us continue to build and maintain a thriving Toronto Chapter of the FCA.