Call for Performance Artists

The Grand River Arts Festival invites performance artists from all walks of life to participate in our vibrant celebration of artistic expression, community, and culture. We are excited to announce an open call for dynamic and engaging performance art pieces that will captivate and inspire our festival attendees.

We are looking for Performance Artists who interested in presenting work at the festival. Selected applicants will receive designated performances spaces on the grounds of the garden in centrally located areas near patrons and other artistic happenings. There are numerous opportunities available, so apply today and join in celebrating the Arts in Brant!

Event Details

• Date: September 15, 2023
 and September 16, 2023

• Location: Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant, 20 Ava Road, Brantford, Ontario

• Application Deadline: Aug 23, 2023

About the Festival

CIBC Presents… the first annual Grand River Arts Festival, a two-day celebration and exhibition of visual arts, music, and theatre, held on the historic grounds of Glenhyrst Art Gallery on the banks of the Grand River in Brantford, Ontario.

Friday, September 15, 2023, 5pm–9pm

• Ticketed event ($40 per person)

• Liquor licensed event (19+)

• 35+ featured artists and their works for viewing and sale

• Musical performances by the Lowdown Dirty Mojos and featured musicians The Kevin Williams Band

• Drag performances by Big Cityyy Arts

• Join us for dinner with our food truck partners

• Wine, beer and cocktails at the drink tent

• Your ticket includes your first drink and a festival T-shirt!

Saturday, September 16, 2023, 11am–8pm

• Free admission

• 35+ featured artists and their works for viewing and sale

• Musical performances by: The TrebleTones | Keith Silver | AILM | Dave Hind | Union & Kay | and more…

• 10 Minute Play competition featuring 18 plays (ticketed event)

• Bring a picnic and enjoy our food truck partners

• The Grand Impressionists painting competition

• On-site demonstrations

• Children's Activity tent

• Skye Dancers performance

• Community Art piece creation and much more...

Submission Guidelines

Specifics

Application Deadline: August 23, 2023

Performance Dates: Friday, September 15, 2023, 5pm–9pm and/or Saturday, September 16, 2023, 11am–8pm

- $100 honorarium

- Length of Performance: Suggested approx. 1 hour

- Pieces must be stageable outdoors on the grounds of the Glenhyrst Gardens at 20 Ava Road, Brantford, Ontario

Performance Art Categories

We welcome a variety of performance art genres, including but not limited to:

• Live theatre and dramatic performances

  • Monologues

  • Improvisational theater

  • Physical theatre

  • Interactive audience-driven performances

  • Miming and Clowning

• Body and Performance Art

  • Living sculptures

  • Performance using the artist's body as a canvas

  • Avante-Garde performances, Action Performances, and Happenings

  • Endurance Art

  • Rituals

  • Site-Specific and Environmental Performances

• Dance and Movement Art

  • Contemporary dance

  • Ballet

  • Hip-hop dance

  • Butoh

  • Aerial dance

  • Acrobatics

• Interactive and Participatory Art Experiences

  • Collaborative art creation with audience members

  • Guided art experiences (e.g., collective mural painting)

  • Art installations that respond to audience input

• Spoken Word and Poetry Recitals

  • Slam poetry

  • Narrative storytelling

  • Performance poetry

Submission Guidelines

Please submit your application to the following form. Application package includes the following:

1. A proposal outlining your performance art piece, including concept, duration, technical requirements, and any special considerations

2. A brief artist biography and portfolio showcasing relevant past works

3. Any additional resources or support you may require from the festival organizers

4. Contact information including social media profile and website

Selection Process

A panel of experienced jurors from the arts community will review all submissions based on originality, artistic merit, and feasibility. Selected performance artists will be notified by Aug 30, 2023 and provided with further details about their participation.

Benefits

• Exposure to a diverse and engaged audience of art enthusiasts

• Opportunity to collaborate with fellow artists and expand your creative network

• Promotion of your performance art through festival marketing channels

• Access to festival amenities and resources

How to Apply

Submit your proposal by completing the following form by August 23, 2023:

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Join us in creating an unforgettable creative experience along the Grand River. Let your creativity flow and be a part of an enriching cultural experience that celebrates the power of performance art.

For inquiries or more information, please contact us using the email above or call the Glenhyrst Art Gallery at (519) 756-5932.

We look forward to receiving your inspiring performance art proposals!