Touched By Fire is a non-profit program to celebrate, support, and inspire the work of artists with mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. An initiative of the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario, the project includes a non-juried, inclusive on-line gallery and a juried annual gala, “the art show you have to be crazy to enter.”

Artists who experience depression, mania, and anxiety face unique personal, social, and professional challenges. Touched By Fire, free from stigma-based barriers, offers a supportive environment and opportunities for these artists. With understanding, humour, and solidarity, the program promotes the work of these artists and challenges them to personal and professional development. Artists keep 100% of their earnings for works sold through the online galleries and annual exhibitions.

TBF’s inclusive virtual marketplace provides an open venue, thus encouraging active participation and engagement in the creative community. By recognizing the artistic contribution of artists with mood disorders, the TBF gallery provides sales and promotional opportunities that help instill confidence and help artists connect at their own pace. The juried event provides a celebration for the best work of the year, promoting pride in excellence and creative growth, and giving artists considerable exposure. The show also offers communities an opportunity to learn more about mood disorders, TBF and the MDAO. It gives those touched by our programs the chance to provide sponsorship financially or as volunteers, as well as inviting more artists with mood disorders to discover the program and its benefits to them.