National Indigenous Artist Development and Showcase Program – DEADLINE: 2026/06/30

Apply now to the National Indigenous Artist Development and Showcase Program!

Gwaandak Theatre in partnership with Kiyanaan Indigenous Theatre Festival and Native Earth Performing Arts invites First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists to apply to the National Indigenous Artist Development and Showcase Program. This initiative supports the development of new, unproduced work across performance disciplines - including theatre, dance, music, puppetry, clown, cabaret, drag, and more!

In this second year of the program, the selected artist(s) will work to develop a new performance piece, supported by all three festivals and organizations at varying degrees throughout the season, with the goal of creating a ~45-90 minute work that can be presented at all three festivals throughout 2027. Developing from an unproduced work to a nationally touring performance, the selected artist(s) will have access to mentorship and support provided by Gwaandak Theatre as well as three performance opportunities (in Winnipeg MB, Whitehorse YT, and Toronto ON) to showcase this new work.

For the 2026/27 Season of this program, we welcome submissions from both emerging and established Indigenous artists residing in the Yukon or with deep community and/or familial ties to the Yukon.

Applications Open: April 12th, 2026

Applications Close: June 30th, 2026

Recipient(s) Selected By: September 1st, 2026

To access the application form or to find out more, please our website at: gwaandaktheatre.ca/opportunities