National Indigenous Artist Development and Showcase Program

Kiyanaan Indigenous Theatre Festival in partnership with Native Earth Performing Arts and Gwaandak Theatre invites First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists to apply to the National Indigenous Artist Development and Showcase Program. This new initiative supports the development of new, unproduced work across performance disciplines—including theatre, dance, music, puppetry, clown, cabaret, drag, and more. This groundbreaking opportunity supports creation from the seed stage to early presentation, with access to mentorship, support, and two national presentation opportunities. We welcome submissions from emerging and established artists. 

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In this inaugural year of the program the selected artist(s) will work to develop a new performance piece with the support of all three festivals and organizations, with the goal of creating a 30-60 minute piece that can be presented at varying stages of development in all three festivals. 

 

The Offer

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In the first phase the selected artists will receive:

• Up to 2 weeks of in-kind workshop and rehearsal space

• Up to 20 hours of dramaturgical support

• $4,000 artist fee

• Production and administrative support

• Mentorship (optional, depending on the need and interest of the artist(s))

• A technical workshop presentation at the Kiyanaan Festival.

Second and third phase:

• A presenting contract with Gwaandak Theatre’s Awaken Festival, April 12-26 2026 in Whitehorse Yukon.(Presenting fee and travel included)

• A presentation slot at Native Earth Performing Arts’ Weesageechak Begins to Dance Festival, November 2026 in Toronto, ON.

• More details including travel, accommodations, and funding about these opportunities will follow once the artist(s) is selected. 

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Your Commitment

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We’re looking for artists who can:

• Be available for the Kiyanaan Festival February 6–8, 2025

• Take part in satellite meetings and check-ins

• Share a 30–60 minute workshop presentation of your piece during the Kiyannan Festival

• Share your work and participate in the Awaken Festival, April 12-26 2026 and Weesageechak Begins to Dance Festival, November 2026. 

• Commit to working alongside the partner organizations to create a new piece of performance.

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Who We're Looking For

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We welcome submissions from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists:

• Residing in Manitoba or with deep community and/or familial ties to Manitoba
  We recognize the impact of colonial borders and seek to honour those with strong relationships to this land, wherever they currently reside.

• Across performance disciplines including but not limited to: theatre, dance, music, puppetry, clown, cabaret and drag.

• Who are emerging or established and can display a strong artistic practice and proven record of artistic excellence.

• With a strong ability to work independently and manage the development of a new work.

• A willingness to work alongside all partner organizations and uphold their values of creation and working.

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If you have questions about whether the above applies to you, please contact us! We would love to talk with you about your artistic expression and vision, and your interest in the program to help you through the process. Contact Charlene and Philip at kiyanaanfestival@gmail.com

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Call opens: September 22, 2025

Deadline to apply: *EXTENDED* to October 15, 2025

Selection made by: November 1, 2025

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This program is in co-operation with our partners GWAANDAK THEATRE and NATIVE EARTH PERFORMING ARTS

and is made possible through Echo Theatre's company in residency with PRAIRIE THEATRE EXCHANGE

and with the generous support of THE MANITOBA ARTS COUNCIL