Awards

Untapped People's Choice: The winner of the Untapped People's Choice Award receives automatic acceptance into the next edition of the fair and $1,000 to put towards 2027 booth fees. Attendees will vote onsite at the show.

First In Show: Open to all artist who are appearing in the Main section for the first time (excludes artists previously featured in Untapped)

Best In Show: Open to artists working all media showing in the main section.

Standing Ovation: Open to artists in the Main and Installation sections working in sculpture and other media that results in free-standing works.

The winners will receive:

• In-booth signage highlighting the award - distributed on Opening Night
• Social media and e-newsletter features
• 10% off the resign price for 2027

We are thrilled to share the exciting news of our partnership with the Toronto boutique hotel Gladstone House to introduce the Gladstone House Award. The winner will receive a $1125 artist fee, a 1-night stay at Gladstone House AND have their artwork featured in a guest room for one year.

The parameters for the award are as follows:

• Artist must be regional (Greater Toronto Area)
• 2D work suitable for presentation in a hotel room (the space is unfacilitated and work may be touched), including framed photographs, drawings, prints, collage and other works on paper, paintings (stretched canvas or panel). Textile work may be considered.
• A wide range of subject matter will be considered
• No limitations on colour or style of work
• The winner will be selected by the Gladstone House team during the show.

This prize will be selected by the world-renowned photographer and artist, and Total Image Works co-founder, Edward Burtynsky. The winner will receive:

• $500 gift card to Total Image Works
• A dedicated Instagram post
• A unique award sign to display in their booth throughout the weekend.

To be considered for the prize please submit:

• 5 images
• 100-word artist statemen
• A short artist bio
• Instagram + Website links
  
  The winner will be announced Opening Night. Please send your submission here the deadline is Friday, March 6.
  
  (Please note the TIW prize is only applicable to lens based artists)

The Rise and Repaint Professional Development Prize recognizes the importance of sustained support, community, and practical tools in building a successful artistic career. In partnership with The Artist Project, Rise and Repaint is proud to award three annual memberships (valued at $540 CAD each) to women and non-binary artists ready to invest in their professional growth.

This prize grants access to a year-long membership in the Rise and Repaint network, an international platform dedicated to advancing the careers of women and non-binary artists. Prize recipients will join a vibrant community of artists and gain access to:

• Full annual membership to the Rise and Repaint network
• Monthly talks with international gallerists, curators, collectors, and critics
• Weekly workshops covering a range of topics such as pricing, documentation, grant writing, exhibition planning & much more..
• Access to a library of artist resources, templates, and toolkits
• Annual artist residency

This award is for artists who are not just making work but building careers. It’s about connection, visibility, and growth.

Terms and Conditions: This award is open exclusively to women and non-binary artists exhibiting at The Artist Project. In partnership with The Artist Project, Rise and Repaint will select three exhibiting artists to receive this prize.

Akasha Art Projects is proud to present a special award recognizing outstanding execution within an artist’s chosen medium. The recipient will be offered a solo exhibition at our gallery, where our strong curatorial point of view and extensive history of producing thoughtful, professionally presented exhibitions will support and elevate their work.

With years of experience exhibiting and curating artists across diverse disciplines, we are committed to creating meaningful exposure to collectors, designers, and industry professionals—offering the selected artist an opportunity to expand their audience and deepen their professional presence.

Prize: A four week solo exhibition at Akasha Art’s gallery