CALL FOR ARTISTS - 2026

ArtistSpeak* is now accepting submissions from artists interested in being featured speakers for our 2026 season.

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 reflect on how creativity intersects with lived experience, social issues, and the world around us. Events are intimate, accessible, and rooted in care, curiosity, and connection.

Our mission is to create spaces where artists can speak honestly about their creative practices, share work in progress or performance, and engage in meaningful dialogue with audiences—while recognizing creativity as a vital tool for personal, collective, and cultural well-being.

Themes, Date & Venues

Mar. 12: A.I. – Trico Changemakers Studio, MRU
May 28: Social Media – Congress Coffee
Oct. 1: Parenthood – Congress Coffee
Nov. 26: Environment – Trico Changemakers Studio, MRU

Trico Changemakers Studio, MRU – Bissett School of Business, 4825 Mt Royal Gate SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6K6

Congress Coffee – 215 36 Ave NE #1A, Calgary, AB T2E 2L4

Who Should Apply

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

We are especially interested in artists whose work (past, present, or upcoming), engages thoughtfully with the listed themes and who are excited to share, listen, and be in conversation with others.

What Participation Involves

Receive a small honorarium for their participation
Be featured as a speaker and/or performer during the event
Attend the event in person, including the full program
Provide a short artist bio and headshot for promotional use
Respond to basic email coordination with ArtistSpeak* staff

Important Dates

Call opens: January 31, 2026
Submission deadline: February 15, 2026

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.

First name

Last name

Phone

Which ArtistSpeak* Event(s) / Subject(s) would you like to apply for as a featured artist speaker.

Artificial Intelligence - March 12th, 2026

Social Media - May 28th, 2026

Parenthood - October 1st, 2026

Environment - November 26th, 2026

Click all that apply

Tell us about your creative practice?

Tell us about how your creativity intersects with the event(s)/Subject(s) you are wish to apply for.

Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you or your application?

By clicking this box I confirm that I have read and understand the details of this call for artists, that the information I have submitted is accurate, and that if selected, I grant ArtistSpeak* permission to use my name, image, likeness, and submitted materials for past, present, and future ArtistSpeak* related marketing, promotional, and documentation purposes.

Keep My Application on File (Optional)

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

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!