Pitch Sessions allows eight artists or companies, selected by a jury, to present a work-in-progress to programmers, artists and agents attending the CINARS Biennale.

Types of projects sought :

• projects whose creative process is not yet complete at the time of submission;
• relevant to performances that do not lend themselves to the format of the CINARS Biennale’s official showcase events (e.g. duration, set design, etc.).

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION
3 June 2026, 23:59 (Eastern Time)

Selected applicants must register as an exhibitor with a stand, a half-kiosk or a table at the Place du Marché, or register as an additional exhibitor for the 2026 CINARS Biennale.

Please note that a $50 fee applies upon registration. This fee is non-refundable.

The CINARS Recognition Awards celebrate the excellence, commitment, and contributions of individuals, presenters, institutions, agents, agencies, and professionals who have played a significant role in the international development and visibility of the performing arts.

Presented as part of the CINARS Biennale, these awards shine a spotlight on careers and initiatives that concretely contribute to the vitality of the performing arts and the international circulation of artistic works.

This year, and for the first time, applications for the Recognition Awards are open. Don’t miss your chance to apply!

Each award includes a grant as well as visibility through CINARS communications.

• Elan Award

Recognizes a person from Quebec or Canada for a recent, innovative, or impactful contribution since the last CINARS Biennale.

• Presenter Award

Recognizes a presenter or institution in Quebec, Canada, or internationally that has made a significant contribution to the presentation, co-production, or international dissemination of the performing arts.

• Uriel Luft Award

Recognizes the essential role of agents or representation organizations from Quebec or Canada in the international circulation of artists and artistic works.

• Tribute Award

Recognizes an outstanding and enduring career of a figure from Quebec, Canada, or abroad who has had a lasting impact on the development of the performing arts and their international reach.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
June 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time)

CINARS is evolving My First Biennale into Generation CINARS:

CINARS is announcing the evolution of its My First Biennale program into Generation CINARS: a broader, more structured, and more ambitious initiative designed to support mid-career artists, companies, agents, producers, and representation organizations, as well as those at a pivotal stage in their international development.

Applications may be submitted on one’s own behalf or as a recommendation for an individual, company, or organization.

Generation CINARS will provide a true leverage effect through visibility, mentorship, market access, participation opportunities, and networking with the professional communities gathered around the CINARS Biennale.

Support Offered

• A shared booth at the CINARS Biennale,
• Participation in an international mission (covered by the program),
• A 2000$ financial contribution,
• A strategic workshop,
• Visibility through CINARS communication tools,
• A digital strategic consultation,

Selection Criteria

• International development potential
• Clarity of the applicant’s approach
• Leveraging effect of the support provided
• Contribution to the renewal of the sector
• Ability to fully benefit from the proposed support

APPLICATION DEADLINE

June 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time)

Questions? Contact Adrien Bussy at abussy@cinars.org