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Pictured:   2025/26 Season 2 Barrels

Your Toronto Zoo is excited to invite students in grades 9-12, enrolled in Ontario secondary schools, to participate in the 2026/27 Rain Barrel Art Project. This is your chance to showcase your creativity and support important environmental initiatives.

Funds raised directly support the Zoo’s environmental programs.
Your bid makes a difference!

Learn More About Last Year's Rain Barrel Project Here

 

To participate, interested artists must submit a design for judging. Our panel will select 20 winning designs to be brought to life on rain barrels provided by your Toronto Zoo. Once completed, these barrels will be displayed at the Zoo and later auctioned off, with proceeds going towards climate change action at your Zoo.

Plus! Participating artists have the chance to win some incredible prizes!
Stay Tuned For Details

How to Submit Your Artwork

The entry period for the 2026 competition is now open!
Here’s how you can get involved:

Note: This project is best suited for students in the Greater Toronto Area or those able to travel to the Zoo for barrel pick-up and drop-off. Chosen artists will be responsible for transporting the rain barrels to and from your Toronto Zoo.

1. Prepare Your Design By Following These Instructions:

  • Please stick to the template as closely as possible. "Rough sketches" as pictured below will not be accepted.
  • Please use the colors you plan to use on the rain barrel.
  • All entries must reach us on or before December 7, 2026.

2.Draw Your Design on the:

RainBarrel Artwork Submission Form PDF

 

3. Submit Your Design Here:

Upload a Photo of Your Final Form

Each student may submit only 1 design.
Teachers may submit up to 10 student designs.

 
 

If Selected

  • If your design is chosen, you’ll be invited to an artist workshop at the Zoo, where you'll pick up your rain barrel.
  • You'll then have from January to early March to paint your barrel.
  • Return your completed rain barrel to your Toronto Zoo and see it displayed throughout the month of April.

Auction and Event Details

  • All finished barrels will be displayed at your Toronto Zoo for public viewing from April 1, 2027 – April 25, 2027.
  • Beginning April 12, 2027, the barrels will be auctioned online, with bidding open until April 22, 2027.
  • The funds raised from the auction will support climate change and sustainability initiatives at your Zoo.
  • Artists and their families will be invited to a special reception at the Zoo on April 30, 2027, to celebrate the project and its impact.

Project Timeline

  • Entry Period: October 6, 2026 – December 7, 2026
  • Selection Period: December 6, 2026 – December 14, 2026
  • Artist Selection Announcement: December 15, 2026
  • Artist Workshop and Barrel Pick Up: January 9, 2027, 10:00am – Noon @ your Toronto Zoo
  • Painting Period: January 9, 2027 – March 8, 2027
  • Rain Barrel Drop-Off: March 8 & 9 2027, 11:00am – 4:00pm @ your Toronto Zoo administration building
  • Display Period: April 1, 2027 – April 25, 2027
  • Online Auction: April 12, 2027 – April 25, 2027
  • Artist Reception: April 30, 2027, 5:00pm @ your Toronto Zoo
 

What Happens Next?

The Entry Period
Happening Now Through December 7, 2026

Participants can create and submit their designs using the templates provided. Designs that get chosen will be sent a follow-up email detailing the next steps!


2024/25 Inaugural Season Barrels❤️

Thank you for being part of this exciting THIRD year of the Rain Barrel Art Project.

 

 

Your Toronto Zoo strives to provide experience and events that are accessible to all guests. Accommodation requests by guests for experiences and events are always welcome and every effort will be made to provide optimal support for the needs of guests with disabilities.

*Please note all events subject to change without notice.