Are you a disabled artist? Do you create art about independent living? If so, your art could be recognized as part of a gala audience, showcased on CILT socials, and win a cash prize of $1,000!
The Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT) is proud to present the inaugural Sandra Carpenter Award for Artists to recognize and celebrate a disabled artist whose submission demonstrates creativity, originality, and a commitment to the values of independent living.
The award recipient will receive:
- Cash prize of $1,000
- Certificate of recognition from CILT
- Opportunity to have their contributions showcased on CILT’s website and social media
Eligibility criteria:
- Identify as an artist with a disability
- Agree to have their work featured on CILT’s website and social media platforms, and to participate in an award ceremony
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Deadline May 18, 2025
To apply:
- Submit an original work of art in any medium (e.g., painting, sculpture, photography, video, etc.) that reflects the theme of independent living
- Provide a brief artist statement (no more than 250 words) that explains how their work relates to the independent living philosophy
- Please submit your work and statement by email to cilt@cilt.ca
- For any accommodation requests, please contact cilt@cilt.ca or call 416-599-2458
For more information about the award, including about Sandra Carpenter, a prominent figure in the independent living movement and former Executive Director of CILT for 25 years, read here: Announcement of Sandra Carpenter Award for Artists
We encourage applications from disabled people who are also part of BIPOC, queer and trans communities, immigrant and refugee communities, poor and/or underhoused people, and other communities who experience systemic barriers.
Support CILT’s efforts promoting the Independent Living philosophy and our goal of facilitating the socio-economic equity of persons with disabilities by becoming a CILT member: https://cilt.ca/about-us/membership/
