Art + Biz Day
Sept 25, 2026
presented in partnership with
Made possible with the support of Ontario Creates
Art + Biz Day @ TAC
Helping all creators find their career path
In partnership with The Canada Media Fund (CMF), OIAF presents Art + Biz Day, an inspiring morning that focuses on inclusivity and diversity to elevate the animation industry. The event provides access points for underrepresented industry members to network, have their work reviewed, be inspired, and explore new opportunities.
Art + Biz Day is open to all TAC AnimaPass holders as well as OIAF AnimaPass holders.
All events are subject to change without notice.
TAC Day 3 Schedule
Friday, September 25, National Arts Centre (NAC), 1 Elgin St.
8:30 am – 9:00 am, Coffee & Pastries, co-presented by the Writers Guild of Canada and ACE Program, O’Born Room & Foyer (Terrace Level)
9:00 am – 9:20 am CMF Welcome & ACE Program Announcement, O’Born Room (Terrace Level)
9:00 am – 10:00 am Meet a Mentor: Session 1 of 2, Lantern Room (Terrace Level)
9:20 am – 9:50 am Panel 9: Coffee with Animation Pros: Resilience, Relationships, and What’s Next, O’Born Room (Terrace Level)
10:00 am – 10:30 am Panel 10: Why are markets still relevant?, O’Born Room (Terrace Level)
10:30 am – 11:30 am Meet a Mentor: Session 2 of 2, Lantern Room (Terrace Level)
10:45 am – 12:30 pm Industry Connect: Community Roundtables, O’Born Room (Terrace Level)
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm Animators’ Picnic shuttle pick up, Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave. (5 min walk from the NAC)
All events are subject to change without notice.
Day 3: Panels and Activities
Coffee & Pastries, co-presented by the Writers Guild of Canada and ACE Program
8:30 am – 9:00 am, NAC: O’Born Room & Foyer (Terrace Level)
Start your Friday and TAC Day 3 with coffee, light pastries, and a chance to connect with fellow attendees before Art + Biz Day begins.
CMF Welcome & ACE Program Announcement
9:00 am – 9:20 am, NAC: O’Born Room (Terrace Level)
Begin Art + Biz Day with Words of Welcome from the Canada Media Fund (CMF).
Then, the wait is over! ACE Canada is thrilled to take the stage at OIAF’s 50th Anniversary Celebration for a very special announcement: they’re revealing the final 9 filmmakers selected for the ACE 5 cohort! These nine talented filmmakers are about to embark on an incredible journey, advancing their careers, bringing their authentic short film to life, and earning that all-important professional screen credit along the way. Come celebrate, cheer them on, and be among the first to discover who made the cut!
Speakers:
Mathieu Chantelois, Executive Vice-President, Communications, Strategy and Public Affairs, Canada Media Fund (CMF)
Rose-Ann Tisserand, Executive Director/Executive Producer, Animation Career Excelerator Society (ACE Canada)
Meet a Mentor: Session 1 of 2
9:00 am – 10:00 am, NAC: Lantern Room (Terrace Level)
Meet a Mentor Sessions offer emerging artists the opportunity to receive personalized feedback on their demo reels and creative portfolios through one-on-one conversations with experienced animation professionals. These real-time mentoring sessions provide valuable insight into career development, portfolio presentation, industry expectations, and navigating opportunities within the animation field. With priority access for animators from underserved groups, the sessions are designed to foster greater inclusion, expand professional networks, and create pathways for new voices to access mentorship, opportunities, and support within the animation industry.
Preregistration is required, with a rush line available based on capacity.
How to Sign Up:
Registered passholders can submit the Meet a Mentor: Pre-Registration Form via the OIAF Visitor Portal.
Meeting requests will open on September 8, 2026 at 11:00 am EDT and close September 20, 2026 at 11:59 pm EDT. You may browse through the growing list of available mentors here.
More information coming soon!
Panel 9: Coffee with Animation Pros: Resilience, Relationships, and What’s Next
9:20 am – 9:50 am, NAC: O’Born Room (Terrace Level)
Start the day with coffee, conversation, and perspective. Anchored by personal stories, this session explores resilience, networking, career growth, and how creative professionals can continue to find opportunities and thrive during periods of uncertainty. A welcoming and encouraging discussion designed to set the tone for a morning of meaningful networking.
Speakers:
Chris Kirshbaum, Animation Director, DNEG
Maral Mohammadian, Producer, National Film Board of Canada (NFB)
Tommy Gillespie, Senior Director, Content Production, PBS KIDS
Tori Coulthart, SVP of Production, Jam Filled Entertainment
Moderator:
Aubry Mintz, Executive Director, ASIFA-Hollywood
Panel 10: Why are markets still relevant?
10:00 am – 10:30 am, NAC: O’Born Room (Terrace Level)
With industry shifts reshaping how deals are made, it’s fair to ask: do we still need markets and conferences? This open discussion invites both emerging creators and established professionals to examine the real value of gathering in person, from deal-making to relationship-building, and why spaces like TAC continue to matter.
Speakers:
Brooke Keesling, Vice President, ASIFA-Hollywood
Christine Huot, Director, People & Talent, Mainframe Studios
Rose-Ann Tisserand, Executive Director/Executive Producer, Animation Career Excelerator Society (ACE Canada)
Moderator:
Archita Ghosh, President, Rezolution Pictures International
Meet a Mentor: Session 2 of 2
10:30 am – 11:30 am, NAC: Lantern Room (Terrace Level)
Meet a Mentor Sessions offer emerging artists the opportunity to receive personalized feedback on their demo reels and creative portfolios through one-on-one conversations with experienced animation professionals. These real-time mentoring sessions provide valuable insight into career development, portfolio presentation, industry expectations, and navigating opportunities within the animation field. With priority access for animators from underserved groups, the sessions are designed to foster greater inclusion, expand professional networks, and create pathways for new voices to access mentorship, opportunities, and support within the animation industry.
Preregistration is required, with a rush line available based on capacity.
How to Sign Up:
Registered passholders can submit the Meet a Mentor: Pre-Registration Form via the OIAF Visitor Portal.
Meeting requests will open on September 8, 2026 at 11:00 am EDT and close September 20, 2026 at 11:59 pm EDT. You may browse through the growing list of available mentors here.
More information coming soon!
Industry Connect: Community Roundtables
10:45 am – 12:30 pm, NAC: O’Born Room (Terrace Level)
Returning after a successful debut in 2025, this facilitated networking experience is designed to connect you directly with the organizations shaping the animation ecosystem. Through small-group “table hopping,” participants can engage with guilds, funders, and community groups, ask questions, and build relationships that support their next steps in the industry. Hosted by community Champion, Brooke Keesling, Vice President, ASIFA-Hollywood.
Organizations with a Table:
ACE – Animation Career EXCELerator Program:
- Sunita Balsara, Sonia Furier, & Molly Lacoursière
The Animation Guild
ASIFA-Hollywood
Canada Media Fund (CMF)
- Kyle O’Byrne, Associate Vice-President, Public Affairs and Regulatory
Producing for the Planet
National Film Board (NFB)
Women in Animation (WIA) – Montreal Collective
- Sydnie Baynes, Co-Lead, & Emma Sawyer, Marketing Lead
And more to come!