Call for Artists: Brantford Beats & Eats Festival

Live painting at Brantford Beats & Eats festival, City of Brantford

Call for Artists, Performers, and Vendors
Brantford Beats & Eats

Submission Deadline: Friday, March 27, 2026, at 4:30pm ET

The City of Brantford’s second annual Brantford Beats & Eats festival returns to downtown Brantford on Saturday, July 18, 2026. This free festival brings together food trucks, a vibrant artisan market, a live painting competition, and a diverse lineup of live music and entertainment.

Project Requirements

The City is looking for a wide variety of artists, performers and vendors, including magicians, dancers, buskers, interactive artists, performance artists, plein air artists, muralists, chalk artists, and more, for this event. Approved participants will be placed at the Harmony Square Stage, Parkette Stage, or Art Alley, in downtown Brantford. Vendors or artisans looking to sell their products can also apply online to be included in the Artisan Marketplace.

The City is also seeking 12 visual artists to compete in Battle of the Brushes, a new, live painting competition that will take place during the event. Artists will have 40 minutes to paint a secret subject that will be revealed only at the start of the round. All materials will be provided. A live audience will cast their votes to crown the champion. First place will be awarded $500, second place will be awarded $250, and third place will be awarded $100. All participating artists will be paid $50 for their time. Interested artists can apply online and submit examples of their previous work.

Eligibility

This call is open to all artists based in Ontario.

Chalk artist at Brantford Beats & Eats, City of Brantford

Compensation

Compensation ranges from $500 to $1,000 depending on the type of performance. Artists will be asked to select a pay bracket when submitting their application.

Battle of the Brushes Live Painting Competition:
1st place Prize: $500
2nd place Prize: $250
3rd place Prize: $100
All participating artists will receive $50 for their time.

Please note that only approved artisans’ vendors will be required to pay a booth fee ($40 +HST), which includes one six-foot table and chair. Approved artisan vendors will be required to submit a Certificate of Insurance listing the Corporation of the City of Brantford as additionally insured by July 3, 2026. The approximate value for event insurance for marketplace vendors is between $25 to $55.

Selection Process

Artist applications will be reviewed by a jury on the basis of expressed written interest and other professional qualification criteria. The evaluation process is a subjective process and all applications will be judged against this and the goals and criteria.

Dance performance at Brantford Beats & Eats, City of Brantford

How to Submit

Performers, vendors, and artisans who are interested in taking part in Brantford Beats & Eats are invited to review the full details and complete the online submission form on the City of Brantford website.

Submission Deadline: Friday, March 27, 2026, at 4:30pm ET

For additional information or questions, please contact:
City of Brantford
culture@brantford.ca | 519-759-4150

City of Brantford
58 Dalhousie Street
Brantford, ON N3T 2J2
www.brantford.ca
culture@brantford.ca
519-759-4150

Facebook @discoverbrantford
Instagram @tourismbrantford

Accessibility:
The City of Brantford is fully accessible. For more information, Brantford.ca/Accessibility.