Organizer Information
The open call is organized by the Delegation of the European Union to Canada in partnership with the OCAD University, specifically through its Global Centre for Climate Action.
The EU Delegation to Canada, established in 1976 in Ottawa, is the European Union’s official diplomatic representation in Canada. It plays a significant role in fostering political, cultural, and environmental collaboration between Europe and Canada. As part of its cultural diplomacy initiatives, the EU actively supports artistic exchange and interdisciplinary projects addressing global challenges such as climate change.
OCAD University, based in Toronto, is Canada’s largest and oldest institution dedicated to art and design education. Its Global Centre for Climate Action is a research-creation hub that connects artists, designers, and researchers worldwide to explore creative responses to climate issues. Through exhibitions, public programs, and collaborative initiatives, the Centre promotes innovative artistic engagement with environmental sustainability and collective futures.
Title & Description
Toronto Nuit Blanche 2026 EU–OCAD Open Call for Projection Artists
The Toronto Nuit Blanche 2026 EU–OCAD Open Call for Projection Artists invites artists from Canada and the European Union to develop a site-specific projection artwork for presentation at Nuit Blanche Toronto on 3 October 2026.
This opportunity centers around the monumental Canada Malting Silos on Toronto’s waterfront—an industrial heritage site reimagined as a large-scale canvas for artistic experimentation and public engagement. Selected artists will create immersive projection works that respond to the curatorial theme “What We Carry Forward”, aligned with Nuit Blanche’s broader 2026 theme, Tomorrow’s Memories.
Artists are encouraged to explore questions of memory, responsibility, and collective futures. Proposals may address themes such as environmental stewardship, climate action, shared histories, and the interconnectedness of social and ecological systems. The call prioritizes poetic, visually ambitious, and conceptually rich works that move beyond critique toward regeneration, resilience, and collective renewal.
Two selected artists will present projection works (4–5 minutes each) that will loop throughout the night, engaging an audience of over one million visitors during the festival.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Digital Art
- Video / Film
- Multimedia
- New Media
- Installation
- Interdisciplinary Arts
Eligibility
- Open to artists residing in Canada or the European Union
- Canadian applicants must hold a valid passport, visa, or residence permit
- EU applicants must hold a valid EU passport or residence permit and be eligible to travel to Canada
- Applicants must have experience with projection mapping tools (e.g., Resolume, TouchDesigner)
- Artists must be available to travel to Toronto for the event (October 2026)
- Open to emerging and established artists, designers, and interdisciplinary practitioners
Program Benefits & Awards
- Artist Fee: $6,000 CAD per selected artist
- Fully covered production costs, including technical equipment, installation, and crew
- Travel support: Round-trip travel to Toronto (subject to EU regulations)
- Per diem expenses covered during stay
- Opportunity to present work at a globally recognized festival with over 1 million visitors
- Participation in an artist panel and opening event
- International exposure through EU and Canadian cultural networks
- Collaboration with curators, technical teams, and institutional partners
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Name and contact details
- Website and social media links
- Project title and proposal (max 500 words)
- Artist statement (max 300 words)
- Collaboration approach (max 200 words)
- CV (max 3 pages)
- One visual image
- Storyboard
- 30-second sample video
- Up to 10 minutes of previous work with descriptions
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted via email: eupopcanada@gopa.eu
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 11 May 2026
- Information Session: 1 May 2026
- Artist Selection: Week of 1 June 2026
- Collaboration Period: June – September 2026
- Artwork Delivery: 28 September 2026
- Event Date: 3 October 2026
Location
Toronto, Canada
Additional Details
- Selected artists will participate in a collaborative development process with EU and OCAD teams, including regular check-ins
- Artists may be involved in storytelling and promotional activities
- Optional participation in public talks or panels is encouraged
- Works must be suitable for public audiences of all ages
- Sound elements are optional and will be localized
- Technical templates and site specifications are provided after registration for the info session