Call for Performance Artists: ArtFest 2023

Guests gather at Esplanade Park, City of Pickering.

Call for Performance Artists: ArtFest 2023

Deadline: April 6, 2023
Festival Date: May 27, 11am-5pm

ArtFest is an annual festival held at Esplanade Park at The City of Pickering. Through installation, performance, vendor booths, workshops, and more, the city connects residents and visitors with contemporary art and culture.

We are currently seeking proposals from Ontario-based performance artists for projects to be presented on May 27th between 11am and 5pm.

Submissions deadline: April 6, 2023 at 4pm

The Opportunity:

The City of Pickering is seeking proposals for new or existing performance works that will be ready for presentation on May 27, 2023.

We are interested in works and artists that respond to the space, address community engagement, and consider contemporary questions of our time.

Performances will take place in or around Esplande Park. Esplanade Park is a centerpiece in the municipal landscape; it is a space where community members gather, including for many of our city-run events.

Esplanade Park is home to a number of permanent public sculptures and is surrounded by City Hall, Pickering Public Library, and Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex. Esplanade Park is quickly-accessible from Pickering GO Station by walk, bus, or car ride. Fully accessible bathrooms are available at City Hall.

Proposed performances can take place on park walkways, grassy areas, within the park’s gazebo, and/or on the event stage.

The City of Pickering encourages submissions from Black, Indigenous, racialized, disabled, and 2SLGBTQ+ artists.

Proposals are encouraged from established and emerging performers.

Submission Requirements:

Artists are invited to respond to this call by submitting a single pdf document that includes:

1. CV (one for each team member, if applicable)
2. Artist statement outlining your interest in the project and describing the proposed performance including duration and intention
3. Maximum ten (10) images of work, with caption including title, materials,
   dimensions, location, and commissioning body (if applicable).
4. Audio / Video files may be provided via URL
5. A list of material and technical requirements

This pdf document must be labeled with the name of the artist and project (LastNameFirstName_ ArtFest.pdf)

Email submissions to: lcabral@pickering.ca

Submissions must be received by April 6, 2023 at 4pm

What you can expect from us:

• Selected projects will be featured during ArtFest (May 27th, 2023)
• The Festival provides a framework, which includes Festival publicity and marketing, technical and performance scheduling, and administrative support.
• Selected performers will be provided a fee of $750 CAD
• An engaged and collaborative team. We provide guidance and advice for all performers. Please reach out if you’re unsure if something is possible.

Artist Expectations:

• Artists will be expected to be on-site in advance of their performance to prepare for their presentation
• To be open and receptive and maintain open communication with the event staff and project facilitators
• To provide related materials, props, costumes, etc.

Contact:
Lucas Cabral
Coordinator, Public Art
City of Pickering
lcabral@pickering.ca

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