09.11.26 - 14.11.26
The CINARS Biennale is a flagship event for performing arts professionals in North America. Every two years, Montreal becomes a bustling hub, bringing together performing arts companies, agents and presenters from near and far.
This unique event provides an exceptional opportunity to discover bold and inspiring works, exchange ideas, and establish long-lasting collaborations. Over the course of a few days, creativity flourishes, perspectives broaden, and connections are established across borders.
The 2026 CINARS Biennale reaffirms its vision of contemporary storytelling, hybrid forms and diverse artistic voices. It aims to serve as a living laboratory where artistic boldness meets a variety of formats.
Our program celebrates committed voices and diverse artistic styles, whether on large stages or in unexpected intimate venues, bolstering a special focus on young audiences.
The Biennale is more than just a performing arts market; it is committed to being an inclusive networking space that fosters unexpected encounters and meaningful professional exchanges, with the aim of redefining the performing arts of tomorrow.
Disciplines
Acrobatics, aerial acts, balancing acts, object manipulation, or clowning: contemporary and street circus highlights the body’s virtuosity and the poetry of movement. It is a universal, accessible and deeply humanistic language, embodying the same spirit of openness, generosity and boldness that guides the Biennale.
A theatre made up of living objects where matter, light and technology join forces to create sensory and immersive narratives.
A cornerstone of the Biennale encompassing contemporary, neoclassical, and urban dance. Showcasing the diversity of physical expression, it pushes cultural boundaries and fosters meaningful dialogue between artists and audiences.
A diverse line-up featuring classical, jazz, modern, experimental, contemporary and world music, all of which are distinguished by their hybrid nature, boldness, and ability to surprise. Inclusive concerts where musical boundaries dissolve.
A space for emerging scenographic writing, the intermingling of practices, and hybrid aesthetics. Theatre engages in dialogue with other disciplines to redefine the boundaries of the performing arts.