Call for Peer-to-Peer Presentations: 2025 Kingston Creative City Summit

Photo: Farhan Hussain

Reminder – Call for Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Presentations

2025 Kingston Creative City Summit
October 7 – 9, 2025 | Kingston, ON
Submission Deadline: May 15, 2025, 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Hosted by the Creative City Network of Canada (CCNC), the Creative City Summit, taking place in Kingston, Ontario, from October 7–9, 2025, is an annual national gathering that brings together culture professionals, municipal leaders, artists, and community partners from across the country to share ideas, innovations, and practical tools for building dynamic, diverse, and resilient communities.

This year’s theme, Cultivating Culture, Navigating Change, invites participants to explore how cultural work can bridge the past and present, strengthen local ties, and help communities adapt with confidence in a rapidly shifting landscape.

CCNC is seeking Peer-to-Peer (P2P) presentations that spotlight projects, challenges, successes, and key lessons learned—whether through presentations, panels, or interactive workshops. These sessions are a cornerstone of the Summit, offering delegates valuable, real-world insights they can apply in their own communities.

Looking for inspiration?

Last year’s abstracts included case studies on public art as a tool for reconciliation, municipal approaches to cultural equity, revitalizing rural spaces through creative placemaking, and innovative partnerships between cities and cultural organizations. Presenters shared successes and challenges, offering practical takeaways and candid reflections on what they would do differently—sparking meaningful discussion and cross-sector learning.

If you have a story, project, or insight to share, we want to hear from you! Submit your proposal by May 15, 2025, and help shape a program that will spark ideas, connection, and action across the country.

2025 Criteria & Deadlines Summary

Theme:

Cultivating Culture, Navigating Change – highlight work that supports arts, cultural programming, planning, or development, with an emphasis on bridging past and present, strengthening communities, and navigating change.

Session Types:

• Presentation (with Q&A)
• Panel (organize your own speakers)
• Workshop (hands-on or interactive)

Eligibility:

• Open to CCNC members and non-members Canada-wide.
• Multiple submissions welcome per municipality/organization (typically one selected per organization).
• Preference for municipal-led proposals, but individuals/organizations may apply (ideally in partnership with municipalities).

Presenter Requirements:

• Presenters must attend in person.
• Discounted Summit pass: $625 CAD, up to 3 per team.
• Book registration, travel, accommodations by July 1, 2025.

Deadlines:

• Proposal submission: May 15, 2025
• Final session titles and descriptions: July 1, 2025

Selection Criteria:

• Relevance to municipal cultural work
• Scalability and appeal to a broad range of municipalities
• Actionable insights and practical takeaways
• Alignment with CCNC mission and Summit theme
• Diversity of content, geography, and community size

Questions or accessibility needs? Reach out to Tara-Lynn Kozma-Perrin at tara-lynnkozma-perrin@creativecity.ca

Reminder – Call for Nominations: 2025 Creative City Impact Awards

CCNC would also like to remind everyone of the Creative City Network Impact Awards nominations! Apply now for an opportunity to highlight your municipality’s achievements in leadership and innovation.

Last year’s Creative City Impact Award winners inspired the jury with their creativity and community impact.

Highlights included Lethbridge’s Civic Culture Plan, a bold roadmap for cultural inclusion; Ottawa’s MONAHAN by Laura Taler, an innovative public art experience blending sound, nature, and technology; and Edmonton’s Sipikiskisiw by Michelle Sound, a powerful tribute to Indigenous resilience. Regina’s Star Stories Night brought together science and Indigenous storytelling under the stars, while Burnaby’s Harmony for All program removed barriers to music access. We also cheered on the Town of Caledon’s Diwali drone show and Oakville’s youth-led mural project for their creativity and community spirit.

Submissions are due by June 2, 2025, 11:59pm (PST).

Creative City Network of Canada
135 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, ON K1P 5J2
www.creativecity.ca
info@creativecity.ca
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Akimbo is a media partner of the Creative City Summit 2025.