From 2009-2010, the Octopus Project Toronto served as a space for artists to explore artistic themes and participate in a bi-monthly group exhibition - increasing their motivation to continue their studio practices as well as an opportunity to continuously show works publicly. Founded and co-curated by Catherine Mellinger and Melanie Gordon, all exhibitions were based on a single word prompt, and not juried. If you submitted, your work was shown. Collaborative works from community non-profit organizations, co-created by Catherine Mellinger who worked within multiple social service organizations in Toronto during the time of the exhibitions, were included amongst artworks, bridging professional arts practice to community artistic expression.

In addition to bi-monthly exhibitions, the Octopus Project Toronto participated in Nuit Blanche in 2010 with the interactive installation titled “Secrets”.

Artists who have participated in Octopus Project Toronto include David Brown, Renee Nault, Mary Kroetsch, Blayne Collins, Ann Shier, Denis Taman Bradette, and performers Lucy Rupert and Rachelle Ellie amongst many others.Exhibitions took place at the Case Goods Warehouse in the Distillery District, Toronto.