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TAPA was originally formed in 1979 and officially incorporated in 1980. Then known as the ‘Toronto Theatre Alliance’, the organization was much smaller, and has since grown substantially. On average, the membership now consists of between 150 to 200 members reflecting the diversity of Toronto. To better understand the broad spectrum of needs to the various TAPA membership categories, TAPA introduced and established a number of active committees that have member representation, and help us to build a solid foundation from which to launch new initiatives.

How we reflect on our past has an impact on how we move forward. TAPA has successfully created new programs and services; secured new funding from government, private and corporate sectors where it did not previously exist; and restored support from the membership. There is no doubt that TAPA continues to be a leader as a vital arts service organization.

Significant Dates

  • 1980
    Incorporation as a not-for-profit organization on May 15
    Inauguration of the Dora Mavor Moore Awards in recognition of artistic excellence on Toronto stages
  • 1993
    Purchase of 5 Star Ticket Booth and renames it T.O.TIX
  • 1994
    Launches new program & services to meet the needs & aspirations of artists with disabilities
  • 1995
    Launches first website to promote Toronto’s professional performing arts scene
  • 2002
    Moves T.O.TIX to the custom-built booth at Yonge Dundas Square
  • 2004
    T.O.TIX launches online ticketing service www.totix.ca
    Toronto Theatre Alliance changes name to the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts – TAPA
  • 2005
    Launches 3 year pilot of city-wide arts marketing campaign Go Live Toronto including: hipTIX, citySPECIAL, Write on! goliveto.ca, the Theatre Guide, 5 Star Experience
  • 2006
    Launches Kaleidoscope an annual free public celebration of theatre, dance and opera
  • 2007
    Launches Spotlight an industry event for TAPA members to showcase their seasons/productions to the tourism industry with a focus on downtown hotel concierges and related hospitality industry
  • 2008
    Releases the TAPA Stats Report Phase One, a milestone report providing up-to-date statistical information about the Toronto performing arts industry
  • 2009
    T.O.TIX rebranded as T.O.TIX Toronto’s One-Stop Ticket Shop, with significant new signage and new marketing opportunities for TAPA members at the Booth
    Publication of The Doras: 30 Years of Theatre, Dance and Opera in Toronto in recognition and celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Dora Awards
    Releases TAPA Stats Report Phase Two
  • 2010
    Launches new Off-Bathurst Theatre District initiative, with intent on building public awareness and influencing audience behaviour by installing 65 street banners on Bathurst Street featuring Tarragon, Theatre Passe Muraille and Factory Theatres
  • 2011
    Publishes the NEW Indie Producers Guide
  • 2012
    3rd Annual Arts day at the City meeting with a majority of city councilors
    Releases TAPA Stats Report Phase Three
    Hosts the annual APASO conference (Association of Performing Arts Service Organizations) from across North America
  • 2013
    Releases TAPA Audience Report
  • 2014
    Launches SpaceFinder Toronto in partnership with ArtsBuild Ontario and WorkInCulture
  • 2015
    Publishes A Ticket to Canadian Theatre – a coffee table book of photographs of Silver Ticket Award winners
  • 2016
    Closes the T.O.TIX Booth
  • 2017
    Launches hipTIXplus youth ticket program for larger-scale shows
  • 2018
    Announces gender inclusive Dora Award categories, a first in Canada for professional theatre awards
  • 2019
    Celebrates 40th Anniversary of the Dora Awards and unveils new Dora Award statuette
    10 year anniversary of Arts Day at the City
  • 2020
    Launches week-long advocacy campaign #iMissLiveTheatreTO in response to performing arts closures due to COVID-19 pandemic
  • 2021
    Releases TAPA 40th Anniversary Celebration video
  • 2021
    Joins Coalition of the Hardest Hit Businesses to welcome passage of Bill C-2, an Act to provide further support in response to COVID-19
  • 2022
    Return to in-person, off-season September Dora Awards
  • 2022
    Produces ArtsVote Report Card for Toronto municipal election
  • 2023
    Produces the 2023 Mayoral Arts Debate
  • 2023
    Launches B Street rental studio hub, including Rehearsal Space, Self-Tape Audition Studio, Audio Recording Studio
  • 2024
    Leads urgent arts funding campaign for City of Toronto budget
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