ARTIST SUBMISSIONS

ArtistSpeak* welcomes submissions from artists interested in being considered for future events.

ArtistSpeak* is a Calgary-based participatory arts series that brings artists and community together through conversation, performance, and collective craft. Each gathering centers on a theme and invites artists to explore how creativity intersects with lived experience, social issues, and the world around us. Our events are intimate, in-person, and rooted in care, curiosity, and connection.

We believe artists hold insight. We create space for that insight to be shared honestly — in process, in reflection, in performance — and in conversation with others.

Who Should Submit

We welcome artists working across disciplines, including (but not limited to) music, theatre, dance, writing, visual art, craft, interdisciplinary, and community-based creative practices.

If you’re interested in being considered for a future ArtistSpeak* event, we invite you to submit:

A short artist bio
A brief description of your creative practice
Topics or themes you would be interested in speaking on
How your work connects to those ideas

Themes evolve over time. A topic explored previously may be revisited, reimagined, or deepened in future programming.

All submissions are reviewed. When new events are programmed, we consult our submissions and reach out to artists whose work aligns with upcoming themes to confirm interest and availability.

ArtistSpeak* events take place in person in Calgary. Artists outside of Calgary are welcome to submit; however, if selected, participation requires in-person attendance and we are unable to provide travel or accommodation support at this time.

What Participation Involves

Selected artists receive:
A small honorarium
The opportunity to speak and/or share work during a live event
Engagement in thoughtful dialogue with artists and community members
Promotional support through ArtistSpeak*’s channels

Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity & Accessibility

ArtistSpeak* is committed to creating welcoming, accessible spaces that centre diverse voices and lived experiences. We actively encourage artists of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities to apply, including those from historically underrepresented communities.

We recognize that creativity, insight, and lived experience do not follow a single path. If this opportunity resonates with you, we encourage you to apply—even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every detail.

Accommodation requests are welcome at any stage of the application process. Please let us know how we can best support your participation.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the application process or ArtistSpeak*, please email artistspeakyyc@gmail.com

We’re grateful for your interest and look forward to learning more about your work!

First name

Last name

Phone

What topic(s) or theme(s) would you be interested in speaking on as part of a future ArtistSpeak event?

Themes may be new, emerging, or previously explored. We welcome reimagining and revisiting topics.

Tell us about your creative practice.

e.g.) context about your practice, background, discipline, style, current projects, etc.

How does your creative practice intersect with the topic(s) you’ve proposed?

e.g.) Lived experience, artistic process, or how your artistic practice connects to these ideas.

Is there anything else you’d like us to know?

e.g.) Links to website/portfolio, additional context about your practice, relevant experience, etc.

By submitting this form, I confirm that the information provided is accurate and that I understand ArtistSpeak events take place in person in Calgary. If selected, I grant ArtistSpeak permission to use my name, image, likeness, and submitted materials for ArtistSpeak*-related marketing, promotional, and documentation purposes.

Keep My Application on File (Optional)

I would like ArtistSpeak* to keep my submission on file and consider me for future events or programming.