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Today we mark a meaningful milestone for DesignTO. As we prepare to launch the 2026 DesignTO Festival (January 23 – February 1, 2026), we’re excited to share that DesignTO is now a registered charity. 

Since our founding 16 years ago as a non-profit, our purpose has been clear: to increase public knowledge and appreciation of design and its role in creating a sustainable, just, and joyful world. Since then, we’ve welcomed more than 1 million visitors, showcased over 7,000 creatives, reached billions of people through print and online media, and celebrated the DesignTO Festival as Canada’s leading and largest annual design festival.

Becoming a registered charity strengthens our capacity. It means we broaden the resources that support our public programming, expand community access, and offer charitable tax receipts to eligible supporters, recognizing all of you who invest in design’s future.

“This milestone reflects years of dedication by our team, board, and community,” said Anna Bartula, Executive Director of DesignTO. 

“This achievement marks an exciting evolution in DesignTO’s growth and sustainability,” said Zviko Mhakayakora, Chair of DesignTO’s Board of Directors. “Our charitable status allows us to deepen our public impact while continuing to celebrate creativity, community, and design excellence.”

We know many of you are most excited about the upcoming DesignTO Festival, and so are we. Our full 10-day 2026 Festival program is now live. We invite you to explore, participate, and engage with the work of artists, designers, and organizations across the city.

With our new charitable status, you’ll also notice updated language across our website and communications, small but meaningful changes that reflect this next chapter while staying true to our mission.

Thank you to our entire community: designers, funders, sponsors, partners, volunteers, and audiences, for helping us reach this milestone. Together, we continue to imagine and build a future by design. 

Donate now to Support Design With Lasting Impact