Workman Arts is seeking member artists to submit live performance proposals for a one off performance as part of this year’s 33rd Rendezvous with Madness Festival (scheduled to take place October 23-November 2, 2025).

Rendezvous with Madness is the first in the world and largest arts and mental health festival in North America. Using art as the entry point to illuminate and investigate the realities and mythologies surrounding mental illness and addiction, Rendezvous With Madness spotlights the human capacity for endurance in the face of great challenges.

We are especially interested in works that touch on our 2025 theme Disrupt the Focus, calling audiences to turn their attention to unseen narratives.

We are especially interested in works that touch on the themes of:

  • Global dialogues + global issues surrounding mental health
  • Mental health during genocides, wars, climate crisis, etc.
  • World without mental health borders
  • Global mental health is health
  • Breaking down borders / barriers
  • Art as Resistance/Criticism/Activism

We invite you to submit a proposal for a short performance to present at Rendezvous With Madness.

The due date for applications is Friday, July 25th, 2025 by 5:00 PM EDT.

Applications are due Friday, July 25th, 2025 by 5:00 PM EDT.

APPLY HERE
If you have questions about performance submissions, please contact:
Misha (Meek) Bauer
Festival Operations & Production Coordinator
647-210-7069
misha_bauer@workmanarts.com
  • Live performance can include: short play, dance, performance art, cabaret, drag, music, DJ, multi-disciplinary performance, etc.
  • Must be a stand alone piece that works as a single performance
  • Must be already completed (works in progress are also accepted)
  • Performance length preferred 30-45 minutes (please specify, thanks)
  • Must have minimal tech needs (please specify technical requirements in your application, details are greatly appreciated!)

We place priority on performances that engage the audience and space in a unique and bold way (i.e. may not be on the stage, but in the lobby, outside the venue, in the crowd, etc) and fall radically in alignment with this year’s theme (see above).

*For music / audio / sonic art please think outside of the stage for possible inclusion at receptions, public space, etc.

Eligibility is open to Workman Arts members and/or anyone who has previously / currently accessed CAMH services. We will prioritize WA members for this call.

Selected artists should hear back in mid-August. We will only be contacting those selected, but thank everyone for their submissions.

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IN CRISIS? Distress Centre: 416-408-4357

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Workman Arts would like to acknowledge the Indigenous land on which we are presently located; Toronto comes from the Kanien’kéha word Tkaronto, which can be translated as “where the trees meet the water.” It is part of traditional territories of many nations: the Huron Wendat, the Haudenosaunee, and the Anishinaabe and the Mississaugas of the Credit.

Workman Arts recognizes this is an ongoing dialogue; we are grateful to live and work on this land with all people—those Indigenous to Turtle Island and those from all over the world.

ANTI-OPPRESSION STATEMENT

Workman Arts values inclusivity, anti-oppression and safety at all levels. Everyone has a role to play in maintaining that spirit. Please see our full statement and code of conduct here.

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