SPOTLIGHT 💡🔦
We Regret to Inform You: How Creators Turn Rejection Around
The Sting of Second Place
Meegan Lim (@meeganlim) remembers the sting of one particular rejection email she got from a grant she applied for. They told her she'd come in second. The Brampton-based illustrator, and arts facilitator spent a long time on the application for a mural at a Toronto bouldering gym. It was a new challenge and a chance to learn scaffolding.
"I was really excited with the idea because it was a larger canvas," says Lim, who is second-generation Chinese Malaysian. "I would have to learn how to climb scaffolding. I was like, this could be a really cool new challenge. I thought I came up with a really great concept."
Then came the email.
"I feel like it's almost worse when you get an email that rejects you and they say, but you are our second pick," she says. "You're like, ok, cool. That's great you like my work but I didn't get it."
What Meegan experienced is called "The Silver Medal Effect". It's when someone who comes in second place feels worse than the person who comes in third. They focus on "almost being first", and compare themselves upward, feeling regret and disappointment. "Rejection hangover", even more concerning, is the lingering disappointment and self-doubt that happens and stays with us for a while after being turned down.
The Reality of Grant Rejection
If you've been rejected from a grant, you're not alone. In 2023–24, the Canada Council for the Arts (@canadacouncil) Explore and Create program accepted only 16.6% of applications. That means more than 8 out of 10 applicants were rejected. In 2024–25, the success rate increased to 23.5% where almost 3 out of 4 applicants were rejected.
Canadian jazz singer and pianist, Laila Biali (@lailabiali), who has been nominated for and won a Juno had an Instagram post that went viral last year, called "We Regret to Inform You...".
She said, "I got a score of 88 but not enough to be funded". She asked the creator community in Canada what they were doing to stay viable and sustainable without getting funding.
Betting on Yourself
Brampton-based filmmaker Sasha Leigh Henry, who directed her first feature film, Dinner with Friends, that premiered at TIFF in 2025 told Spinning Forward,
"We were going to shoot it regardless. Even when we casted it, when we booked everyone, the budget was $100,000. It would be a welcome surprise if we got more money, but we were moving forward with this regardless. You're kind of signing up for the $100,000 version.”
Telefilm later invested in the film as part of its low-budget Indie film stream.
Henry talks about the importance of betting on yourself first, while holding down a job if that's what it takes to move forward in the current challenging funding environment.
"We made it while needing jobs, while going through this hardship. I think especially for me as a Black woman, sometimes it's easy to think that your hardship in this industry is just because of the ways in which you are marginalized and sidelined. But you still need to remind yourself of your why and show up for yourself and bet on yourself as often as possible."
Michael Vickers, CEO of the Brampton Arts Organization (@bramptonartsorg), told Spinning Forward that the higher volume of applications has intensified competition without a corresponding funding increase. He reminds creators that rejection is part of the process:
"Just because you've been rejected doesn't mean you're not good enough. It just means that for many of these opportunities, it's incredibly competitive."
Vickers likens grant applications to a lottery, saying you have to keep taking your shots:
"You kind of have to just get another lottery ticket. And I say that jokingly, but honestly, a lot of these applications are a bit of a lottery where you can put your best foot forward. You're not going to win if you don't get a ticket or take a shot or apply, right?"
Similarly, Henry says too many creators wait too long to have the right funding and skills.
"I think sometimes people are waiting too long for exactly how someone else did it. You just got to do it. It's through messing it up and knowing, oh, we did not need to spend $500 on that day. You can lean on what you can do and reach out to people with expertise to help you with your checks and balances."
What You Should Do After Rejection
Rejection hangover can be especially damaging for BIPOC creators who may already feel marginalized in predominantly Eurocentric creator spaces. This make it less likely for them to seek feedback or apply to the next grant.
Vickers is clear on the number one rule after dealing with a grant rejection:
"Just be kind to yourself. Recognize the negative self-talk that maybe you're making and how you can put an end to that. Think about the things you're saying to yourself about rejection or failure. Would you say that to a friend? If not, then why are you saying that to yourself? Without sounding too cheesy, you should be your best friend."
Lim, a board member of the Brampton Arts Organization, sees rejection as an opportunity to seek feedback.
"I still allow myself to feel a little bummed after every rejection, especially if it's something that means a lot to me. But I try not to let it stop me from applying. It never hurts to email the organization to ask why I was rejected or if there was any feedback, because rejection is always redirection. When you get that criticism, it really helps you shape how you take your next step... It's honestly about just moving on and not having a huge ego about it."
Find Your Community
For Lim, finding a community of creators is different from the general population. She says,
"There's nothing greater than having the ability to vent to someone who fully understands where you're coming from... It's completely different if you vent to your family member who's in a completely different industry versus someone who is your peer, your colleague, and they can get into the nitty gritty with you."
For marginalized creators, Lim goes further, saying,
"Finding that community is really crucial for BIPOC creators because you truly find community and you learn how to navigate the art space in a very different way that non-BIPOC people are. You learn how to navigate the very delicate line of writing about your background while still just being an artist because sometimes your background doesn't always have to be attached to what you create."
Everyone who works at the Brampton Arts Organization is an artist. Vickers thinks this "is our strength because we understand what it's like."
On the last Wednesday of every month, BAO has Open Studio Days, where they open up their office as a shared art studio. He says, "It's a great way to meet other artists, to talk, to convene, to share ideas, to share what you're working on." He thinks one of BAO's key roles is to "just encourage, motivate, support, resource people to be able to keep going, and to not give up."
Henry, who is an ambassador with the Brampton Arts Organization, talks about the importance of tapping into community for in-kind resources and support:
"The community came through for us when other traditional funding didn't. The $15,000 we got from those community organizations, OYA Media Group and the Black Screen Office, is the difference between us being able to finish the film or not."
Rejection is a normal necessary part of becoming a successful creator. Creators who ultimately succeed do so because they show up, do the work and find their community. Henry says her parents instilled a belief in her that:
"The world is your oyster as long as you're willing to put in the hard work to go and get it."
Raj Barot is an Architectural Technology graduate from Centennial College with an interest in community journalism. He is currently volunteering in CivicAction's 'Youth CivicCorps' program while completing independent studies toward becoming a licensed building practitioner in Ontario.
QUICK HITS
🏒🇨🇦 The Secret Sauce in 'Heated Rivalry' is Canada: The Canadian-made series about hockey stars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov has become a hit on Crave and HBO Max. Shot across Canada with a predominantly Canadian cast and crew, the show is boosting local production, merchandise, and tourism. Prime Minister Mark Carney, appearing with actor Hudson Williams, commented: "A fundamental Canadian value is that people should be able to be whoever they want to be, to love whoever they want to love." The New York Times. Details Here
📺🇨🇦 Six Heated Rivalry filming locations in Toronto: Fans of the hockey romance can explore real spots from the series including Park Hyatt Toronto (Joni & presidential suite — 4 Avenue Rd), SoHo Hotel (8 Wellington St W), Lavelle rooftop (627 King St W), King/Wellington blocks, Harbourfront/Queens Quay, and the TIFF/King corridor. The Film Tripper. Details Here
🎵🇨🇦 Toronto-based musician Quique Escamilla pauses U.S. shows: JUNO-winning singer-songwriter has cancelled U.S. performances after repeated border questioning about his political views and activism. @quiqueescamilla CBC Radio, Metro Morning. Details Here
🧠 🇨🇦 Gen Z mental health crisis deepens in Canada: A new Sun Life report reveals Canadian Gen Z faces higher rates of anxiety, loneliness, and financial stress than older generations, with many reporting barriers to accessing care. The study highlights gaps in employer benefits and calls for tailored mental health programs and better access to affordable services for young Canadians. Parry Sound Online. Details Here
🛡️🇨🇦 Government to accelerate online harms bill: The federal government plans to fast-track legislation targeting online harms, expanding rules for platforms to address hate, harassment, self-harm, and dangerous content while strengthening oversight of AI-driven systems. The move aims to close regulatory gaps and impose clearer duties on tech companies, but raises questions about free expression, enforcement scope, and implementation. Canadian Security Magazine. Details Here
EVENTS 📅
🎶 February weekends, 2026: The Pilot's 4th annual Black History Month celebration features Black-led jazz, DJs, poetry, and history presentations. Highlights include Selena Evangeline & Gina P. (Feb 1), George Elliott Clarke (Feb 7), Robert Ball's Celebration of Soul (Feb 15), and SaMantics + DJ Shadow Brown (Feb 28). Multiple showtimes throughout the month. Details here.
🎉 February 1–28: KUUMBA 2026: A Home for Black Futures at Harbourfront Centre (Toronto) is TD-sponsored Black Futures Month festival with visual art, music (Ekow Nimako, Sean Jones), CineFEMME films, and wellness events celebrating Black creativity and possibility. Details here.
🎵 February 1, 2:00–5:30 PM EST: Glimpse into the Heart of a Singer-Songwriter is a live music showcase at Rec Room Square One in Mississauga, featuring six incredible artists performing five originals and covers each in country/rock vibes. Details here.
🎨 February 4 & 18, 11:00 AM–12:00 PM EST: ROM at the Library: The Travelling Lens – How We See and Photograph the World at Clarkson Library (Mississauga) explores photography from British India and photo storytelling—bring your own prints or digital images to share in this free, interactive session. Details here.
🎤 Fridays, February 6, 13, 20, 27, 2:10–4:00 PM EST: Rest Is Resistance — Freedom Fridays at Hart House Fitness Centre. Black wellness practitioners lead sound bath, meditation, restorative yoga, Pilates, plus colouring, affirmations, and aromatherapy. Details here.
🎤 February 6, 6:00–7:30 PM EST: Coffee and Canvas Paint Night: Black History Month at Studio.89 (Mississauga) is a hands-on workshop creating vibrant watercolours from upcycled coffee grounds, reflecting Black contributions to Canada and sustainability. Details here.
💍 February 8, 9:00 AM–7:00 PM EST: CIWFS Season 3 Designers Lounge at IKON Event Space (Mississauga) curates 25+ South Asian wedding brands for emerging designers to connect with leaders and couples previewing 2026 bridal trends. Details here.
🖼 February 8, 2:00–4:00 PM EST: City of Echoes: Voices Through Art opening reception at Ascent Gallery (Toronto) showcases the Amazing Moss Park Art Collective’s works on heritage, migration, and Toronto’s diverse lived experiences. Details here.
🎤 February 10, 7:00–8:30 PM EST: Clark Spoken Word Jam at Clark Centre for the Arts (Mississauga) features headliners followed by open mic for emerging and established poets/storytellers to share up to 5 minutes of original work in a supportive space. Details here.
🎬 February 11-16, 2026: Toronto Black Film Festival (TBFF) showcases powerful narratives and groundbreaking Black cinema from around the world. Features film screenings, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, panel discussions, networking events, and cultural experiences. Online and in-person at venues across Toronto. Details here.
🎨 February 13: Seasonal Activities: The Winter Edition at Clarke Hall (Mississauga) is a quarterly evening of movement and music exploring how artists celebrate and respond to seasonal changes. Details here.
🌈 February 13, 6:30-9:30pm EST: Watah Studio Theatre and Black Theatre School present "Find Your People," an intentional gathering for BIPOC queer, trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive folx during Black Futures Month. Features community activities and guided connection. Free event. Watah Studio Theatre (Toronto). Details here.
🎤 February 15, 8:00–10:00 PM EST: Underground Comedy Railroad presents Black History Month showcase at Comedy Bar (Toronto). Features stand-up from Daniel Woodrow, Rodney Ramsey, Keesha Brownie, and Tamara Shevon celebrating Black Canadian voices with high-energy sets and storytelling. Details here.
🖼 Exhibition runs through March 29, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM: Early Days: Indigenous Art at the McMichael at McMichael Canadian Art Collection (Kleinburg) re-presents expanded Indigenous artworks from across Canada, including new pieces post-international tour. Details here.
FUNDS FOR CREATORS
Grants & Opportunities: To Feb 15th, 2026
Regardless of what type of creator you are, the right funding and programs can make all the difference. That's why we started curating grants, programs, and opportunities specifically for content creators of color in the Toronto region. We do the research so you don't have to—because we know you're already juggling a lot.
City of Toronto – Call for Proposals: Humber Lakeshore Hub – Nuit Blanche Toronto 2026
Toronto-based artists, collectives, and arts organizations (including BIPOC and newcomer creatives working in installation, performance, media, and interdisciplinary arts) are invited to propose large-scale or experimental projects for a major all-night public art event at Humber’s Lakeshore campus. This is a chance to gain huge in-person visibility, build your portfolio, and connect your practice to city-wide audiences in a high-energy cultural hub. Deadline: January 31, 2026. Apply here
Native Women in the Arts – Barbara Laronde Award - Ontario Wide
This award is for emerging Indigenous women and gender-diverse artists from Northern Ontario whose work shows originality, strength of voice, and a commitment to community, offering recognition, a cash prize, and profile through Native Women in the Arts’ networks. It’s especially relevant for Indigenous creators looking to build their careers while centering culture, community, and decolonial storytelling. Deadline: January 31, 2026. Apply here
Partners in Art – Grants for Projects $15,000 and Under - Canada wide
This funding stream supports Canadian visual arts projects with budgets of $15,000 or less, including exhibitions, commissions, and artist-driven initiatives led by curators, collectives, and organizations. It’s a solid match for BIPOC-led visual projects that need mid-sized support to move from idea to execution while gaining backing from a well-known philanthropy-focused arts group. Deadline: January 31, 2026. Apply here
Brampton Arts Organization – BAO Studio Residencies Program
Brampton-based artists, collectives, and arts and culture organizations across disciplines (including writing, music, visual, media, and performance) can apply for five-month studio residencies with free space, a $500 materials stipend, and tailored opportunities for newcomer and Black artists. This is a big opportunity for BIPOC creators in Brampton to secure dedicated space, focus on their practice, and connect with the local arts ecosystem. Deadline: February 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. Apply here
City of Toronto – Toronto Community Champion Award
This award recognizes Toronto-based organizations that significantly improve resident well-being, especially in Indigenous, Black, and other equity-deserving communities, by offering programming, services, or advocacy that builds resilience and inclusion. It’s a meaningful opportunity for grassroots groups and non-profits serving BIPOC communities to gain public recognition, credibility, and storytelling opportunities around their impact. Deadline: February 1, 2026. Apply here
ArtReach – 2026 Community Arts Programming Grant - Toronto
This grant supports community-based arts projects led by youth artists and organizers aged 13–29 from equity-deserving communities in Toronto, offering funding, capacity-building, and mentorship support. It’s one of the most important grants for BIPOC youth and grassroots creators who want to run workshops, media projects, or community arts programs rooted in lived experience. Deadline: February 1, 2026. Apply here
Brampton Arts Organization – 2026 Tourism Sponsorship Program (Experience Brampton Festivals)
Brampton-based non-profit or charitable organizations planning 2026 festivals that showcase art, culture, food, music, dance, or other experiences celebrating the city’s diversity can apply for funding to grow audience reach, boost local economic activity, and build Brampton’s reputation as a destination. This is ideal for BIPOC-led festivals and cultural events that want to scale their impact and bring more attention to racialized communities’ creativity. Deadline: February 2, 2026. Apply here
Mississauga Arts Council – Call for Actors: Black History Month Teaching Skit (Trillium Health Partners)
This paid opportunity is for actors—especially Black and racialized performers connected to Mississauga and the GTA—who want to take part in 5–10-minute scripted skits based on real experiences of discrimination in healthcare, presented at Trillium Health Partners’ Black History Month leadership event. With an honorarium of $100 per actor, it’s a meaningful way to use your craft to support anti-racism, spark dialogue among health leaders, and contribute to more equitable care in your community. Deadline: February 2, 2026. Apply here
Ontario Arts Council – Theatre Projects
This grant supports Ontario-based professional theatre artists, collectives, and organizations at all career stages to develop, produce, or present theatre projects, including new work, touring, and community-engaged initiatives. It’s a strong fit for BIPOC theatre-makers and storytellers in the GTA who want resources to build original productions, experiment with form, or reach new audiences. Deadline: February 5, 2026. Apply here
Brampton Arts Organization – Professional Practices for Creatives in Brampton
Emerging and mid-career artists and creatives based in or strongly connected to Brampton can join this structured learning program on Canadian art ecosystems, grant writing, exhibiting, marketing, and professional practice, culminating in a showcase at Toronto Outdoor Art Fair and a $250 honorarium. It’s perfect for early- and mid-stage BIPOC artists who want hands-on skills, mentorship, and a clear roadmap to building sustainable careers. Deadline: February 8, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. Apply here
Mississauga Arts Council – Call for Submissions: Short Film Screening – The Indie Filmmaker Showcase
Mississauga-based filmmakers (emerging and established, especially racialized creators working in narrative, documentary, or experimental shorts) are invited to submit films for screening, Q&A talkbacks, and networking at this one-day showcase on March 7, 2026, at the Living Arts Centre. It’s a prime opportunity for GTA digital storytellers to gain visibility, connect with industry pros, and share production insights with peers in a supportive local film ecosystem. Deadline: February 9, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST. Apply here
Toronto Arts Council – Black Arts Annual Operating
This program provides annual operating support to non-profit, Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving arts organizations in Toronto whose leadership and programming primarily center Black communities across the African diaspora. It’s a critical pathway to sustainable funding for Black arts organizations that nurture Black artists, tell Black stories, and build long-term cultural infrastructure in the city. Deadline: February 9, 2026. Apply here
Toronto Arts Council – Creative Communities Annual Operating
Non-profit arts organizations and community groups in Toronto that focus on community-engaged arts—across practices like storytelling, music, dance, theatre, and visual arts—can receive operating support to sustain and grow their work. It’s especially relevant for organizations that partner deeply with neighborhoods and equity-deserving communities to make arts accessible, participatory, and rooted in lived experience. Deadline: February 9, 2026. Apply here
Toronto Arts Council – Dance Annual Operating
Professional, non-profit dance organizations in Toronto can access annual operating funds to support the creation, production, presentation, and preservation of dance, including work that builds diverse audiences and supports emerging and established choreographers. This is a strong fit for BIPOC-led dance companies and collectives that want stable support to keep innovating and bringing culturally grounded movement practices to the stage. Deadline: February 9, 2026. Apply here
Toronto Arts Council – Literary Annual Operating
Toronto-based professional literary organizations—such as reading series, publishers, festivals, and literary service groups—can receive operating support for activities that develop literary artists and audiences. It’s ideal for literary organizations centering racialized writers, spoken word artists, and digital storytelling projects that amplify voices often sidelined in mainstream publishing. Deadline: February 9, 2026. Apply here
Toronto Arts Council – Music Annual Operating
Professional, non-profit music organizations in Toronto can obtain annual operating funds for creating, producing, and presenting music, with a priority on original work by Canadian composers and diverse musical forms. This is well suited to BIPOC-led ensembles, presenters, and organizations working in genres from hip-hop to classical who are building sustained musical communities and careers. Deadline: February 9, 2026. Apply here
Toronto Arts Council – Theatre Annual Operating
Professional, non-profit theatre organizations in Toronto can apply for annual operating support for creating, producing, and presenting theatre, particularly work by Canadian artists and companies that develop new voices and narratives. It’s a strong opportunity for BIPOC-led theatres and collectives using performance to address social issues, identity, and community histories. Deadline: February 9, 2026. Apply here
Toronto Arts Council – Visual/Media Arts Annual Operating
This program supports professional, non-profit visual and media arts organizations in Toronto—including artist-run centers, public galleries, distribution organizations, festivals, and production co-ops—engaged in exhibiting, producing, and promoting contemporary visual and media work. It’s especially relevant for organizations championing racialized artists, digital creators, and experimental media practices that reflect the realities of the online creator economy. Deadline: February 9, 2026. Apply here
Ontario Trillium Foundation – System Innovations Grant
This multi-year grant (2-5 years, up to $250,000 annually) supports Ontario-based collaboratives of non-profits, grassroots groups, and communities tackling systemic barriers for youth through innovative frameworks in areas like racial justice, mental health, or economic inclusion. It’s ideal for BIPOC-led coalitions wanting sustainable funding to create lasting systems change rather than one-off projects. Deadline: February 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. Apply here
Ontario Arts Council – Ontario Arts Presenters Projects
This program is for Ontario-based presenters, festivals, and organizations that program and present professional artists (across disciplines) to the public, with an emphasis on diverse and inclusive programming; applicants must confirm eligibility with a program officer before applying. It’s helpful for GTA presenters and community groups who want to bring in BIPOC artists, strengthen local arts ecosystems, and offer audiences fresh, equity-focused work. Deadline: February 12, 2026. Apply here
City of Toronto – 2026–27 Cultural Festivals Funding Program
This program supports recurring Toronto-based cultural festivals that build community, engage residents across neighborhoods, and create paid opportunities for artists, with a focus on equity-deserving communities and city-wide impact. It’s ideal for BIPOC-led and creator-focused festivals that blend arts, culture, and community organizing and want multi-year stability and visibility. Deadline: February 13, 2026, at 4 PM ET. Apply here
East End Arts – Gardiner Museum Curatorial Residency
This paid residency supports aspiring and emerging curators in Toronto to develop, research, and produce a small-scale exhibition at the Gardiner Museum, with a focus on fresh, diverse approaches to ceramics and storytelling. It’s a great opportunity for early-career BIPOC curators to gain hands-on museum experience, work with an international ceramics collection, and share their ideas with a broad public. Deadline: February 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST. Apply here
Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives – Home Is Where the HeART Is: Through the Eyes of Youth
This call is for youth artists aged 14–21 who live, work, or study in Peel Region to submit completed artworks (including painting, sculpture, digital art, photography, printed poetry, short films, and more) on the theme of “home” for a summer exhibition. It’s a strong platform for racialized youth to explore identity, migration, community, and belonging while gaining exhibition experience and visibility in an institutional setting. Deadline: February 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. Apply here
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Spinning Forward is an award-winning, trusted, local, independent media company that informs, engages, and uplifts aspiring content creators of color aged 16 to 34 in the Toronto region. Flavian DeLima (LinkedIn), the founder and publisher, launched Spinning Forward to help level the playing field for creators of color.
CONTRIBUTORS
John Tse, Raj Barot, Mary Beth Bellantone, Maris Kwan, Yusuf Sipahi and Faith Tabladillo.
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COMMENT 💬
Hey there,
Amid the deep freeze, Heated Rivalry Canadian star Hudson Williams and Prime Minister Mark Carney met on the red carpet. Carney said Canada is "a creative, curious, compassionate, diverse, and ambitious nation" and that "a fundamental Canadian value is that people should be able to be whoever they want to be, to love whoever they want to love." Heated Rivalry, a Canadian streaming series that premiered on Crave in late November 2025, set records as Crave's most-watched original series ever. It had a 400% viewership jump in its first seven days, and globally, demand peaked at 95 times the average series.
In This Issue: We cover Meegan Lim, a Brampton-based illustrator and arts facilitator, discussing how rejection from a grant stings especially when you come in second place. We also hear from filmmaker Sasha Leigh Henry, who talks about the importance of betting on yourself in a challenging funding environment. Michael Vickers of the Brampton Arts Organization likens grants to lottery tickets and reminds creators to be kind to themselves and keep taking shots.
Quick Hits
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Flavian DeLima
Publisher & Editor, Spinning Forward