Organizer Information

This opportunity is hosted by the Delegation of the European Union to Canada (EUDEL) in partnership with OCAD University (Ontario College of Art & Design University) and the DemocracyXChange Summit. The Delegation of the European Union to Canada represents the European Union’s interests in Canada, fostering diplomatic, economic, cultural, and educational collaboration between EU Member States and Canada. OCAD University is Canada’s largest art and design university, recognized for innovation in contemporary visual art, design, and critical discourse. DemocracyXChange is Canada’s flagship summit on democracy, civic engagement, and social innovation, bringing together policy leaders, creative thinkers, and civil society partners to explore emergent ideas shaping civic life and democratic futures. This collaboration situates art and creative practice at the heart of civic engagement and cross-cultural exchange.

Title & Description

Utopia Rewired: Creative Visions for Democratic Futures invites emerging artists to conceive and present original artworks for exhibition during the DemocracyXChange Summit 2026 (April 16–18, 2026) in Toronto, Canada. The central theme challenges artists to reimagine democratic life and economic systems through artistic practice. Applicants are asked to explore how creativity can illuminate new forms of value, solidarity, shared prosperity, and regenerative economic structures. The work should reflect both a critical engagement with dominant narratives of efficiency and scarcity and imaginative propositions for systems that nurture belonging, reciprocity, and inclusive civic life. Selected works will be showcased at the Summit’s opening night, with artists participating in the broader Summit and contributing to conversations around democracy, civic innovation, and public engagement.

Categories

Visual Art, Installation, Mixed Media, Performance, Multimedia, Social Practice, Public Art. Works that cross experimental boundaries and engage civic narratives are encouraged; all media aligning with thematic goals are eligible.

Eligibility

  • Open to emerging youth artists aged 18–29 at the time of application.

  • Applicants must be residents or citizens of Canada or a European Union Member State.

  • Canadian applicants must hold a valid Canadian passport, visa, or residence permit.

  • EU-based applicants must hold a valid EU passport or residence permit and be eligible to enter Canada (valid visa or Electronic Travel Authorization – eTA).

  • Artist duos or collaborative pairs may apply, provided all members meet the eligibility criteria.

  • Applicants must be available to travel to Toronto, Canada, and participate in the program between April 15–19, 2026.

  • Artists working across all contemporary visual and interdisciplinary practices are eligible, provided the proposed work aligns with the thematic framework of the call.

  • Applications from equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous artists, racialized artists, artists with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ artists, are strongly encouraged.

  • Applicants must be able to produce work that fits within the exhibition’s technical and spatial constraints and complies with international shipping and travel regulations.

Program Benefits & Awards

  • A €2,000 honorarium (approximately 3,000 CAD), shared if awarded to a duo.
  • Round-trip travel coverage for one artist to Toronto (EU travel rules apply).
  • Accommodation for the exhibition and Summit period.
  • Production/material budget up to €1,000.
  • Shipping support up to €500.
  • Installation and technical support (power, lighting, AV, furniture).
  • Full access to all Summit programming at no cost.
  • Exposure and visibility within an international civic, cultural, and policy context.

Application Fee

None

Application Requirements

Submit a single PDF (max 10MB) including:
  1. Name, age, passport country, contact information.
  2. Short bio (150 words max per artist).
  3. Artist statement / conceptual framing (250–400 words).
  4. Project proposal (up to 1,000 words) outlining concept, thematic alignment, and installation needs within a 10 × 10 ft footprint.
  5. CV (max 3 pages per artist).
  6. Portfolio samples: up to 5 images, and video/audio links (combined max 5 minutes), with titles, years, medium, role, presenter/venue.
  7. Budget plan detailing production/material costs (up to €1,000) and shipping estimates (up to €500).
  8. Confirmation of ability to travel to Toronto April 16–18, 2026.

How to Apply?

Email your application PDF to: eupopcanada@gopa.eu with the subject line clearly indicating the call title and artist name.

Key Dates:

  • Application Deadline: 2 February 2026
  • Notification of Results: 20 February 2026
  • Summit / Exhibition: April 16–18, 2026 (with artist travel April 15–19, 2026)

Location

Toronto, Canada

Additional Details

  • Up to three solo artists or artist pairs will be selected.
  • Artwork must fit within a 10 × 10 ft footprint and be air-transportable.
  • Evaluation criteria include thematic alignment & ingenuity, artistic quality, feasibility, and public engagement potential.
  • Selected artists will sign a contract with GOPA PACE, the consultancy managing the partnership.

Website Link: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/canada/open-call-emerging-youth-artists-ages-18%E2%80%9329_en