There are 4 ways to apply to the festival. Select the option below that is most suitable for you
Apply Online:
Complete the Online Application Form
Apply by email:
Download and complete the Application Form and email it to voaf@cacv.ca
Apply by mail:
Print and complete the application form (pen and pencil will be accepted) and mail it to us. If sending submissions by mail, performers should be prepared to audition.
Mailed applications must be postmarked on or before May 14, 2024.
Mailing address: 440-111 West Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1H4
Apply by phone:
If you are unable to apply through any of the above options, you can call us at 604-682-0010 to complete your application over the phone. Since examples of your work are required, we will plan out how to receive photographs/videos of your work.
The Community Arts Council of Vancouver (CACV) is excited to present the 8th annual Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival. This festival offers opportunities for exhibition, performance, connection and learning to visual and performing artists facing social exclusion and other barriers. The Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival invites artists and performers from varying disciplines, backgrounds, and levels of experience to apply!
Application Guidelines:
- Applicants may be self-taught or trained
- Applicants are self-identified “Outsider Artists” devoted to their creative practices, coming from a viewpoint outside the mainstream art world trends.
- All applicants must be 19 years or older and have a body of work that will be ready for an October 2024 festival.
- Applicants must reside in the Metro Vancouver Area.
- Performer applicants are asked to attach a video with an example of their work. This can be a past performance (on Youtube, Vimeo, etc.) or a video recorded solely for this application. If you are unable to submit a video, we will get in touch with you to set up an audition time instead.
- Due to an overwhelming number of applications, artists who have previously participated in 2 consecutive years of the festival will be ineligible to participate in 2024 to allow new artists a chance to exhibit their works. Therefore, an artist who performed in both 2022 and 2023 must wait until 2025 to apply again.
Feasibility/Safety:
As this is a festival environment, we are unable to accommodate any performances with excessive technical requirements (including but not limited to in-ear monitors, intricate lighting cues, messy props, etc.)
Any theatre performances selected must have been performed successfully at least one time before the time of application and must be reviewed and approved by CACV staff before acceptance to ensure their technical scope is within our means
No props that endanger any member of CACV staff, the Roundhouse tech crew, or festival attendees may be permitted – including, but not limited to helium gas, fire, sharp objects/weapons
Application deadline: May 14, 2024, 11:59 pm (PST)
Dates of Festival: October 2024, exact dates TBA
Festival Location: Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver, BC) Venue Information
Performance timeslots will be 20-30 minutes each, with the exact schedule to be determined in July. Shorter performances may also be possible depending on the type of work being showcased.
Accessibility: Our staff will work with each artist to meet their needs and make their experience at the festival as comfortable as possible. If you have any accessibility needs for the application process, please contact our team at voaf@cacv.ca or 604-682-0010.
How Will We Choose Performers?
Our primary value is the inclusion of self-identified Outsider Artists. Artists must also have committed artistic practices and a body of work that will be ready for the festival exhibition in October 2024, reside in the Metro Vancouver Area, and be 19 years of age or older at the time of application. All artists meeting the above eligibility requirements will be evaluated by a small committee of peers comprised of past VOAF artists and community members. To read more about our Inclusive Curatorial Guidelines, please click here.