Convergence Cohort 2026 Open Call

ORGANIZATION: re:Naissance Opera
DEADLINE: January 19, 2026
WEBSITE: http://reopera.com/

CALL FOR ARTISTS:
The Convergence Cohort was created in 2024 in response to the need for emerging artistic producers to cultivate their artistic visions, develop new works, and bring their creations to life. As the funding landscape continues to shift, the program focuses on strengthening collective capacity through shared resources and collaborative production practices that contribute to the city’s cultural and creative vibrancy.

re:Naissance Opera is now accepting applications for the next Convergence Cohort, a mentorship and learning program designed to support equity-deserving artists in producing their work independently, leading with vision, and engaging with emerging technologies in their artistic practice.

re:Naissance is a small team of producing artists that has spent the past eight years developing new approaches to conceptualizing, funding, and producing original works. This open call is an opportunity to connect with artists and explore how re:Naissance’s processes and support can meaningfully contribute to their artistic practice.

The program seeks boundary-pushing work by grassroots and independent artists who explore personal and thematic questions, experiment with alternative modes of creation, and evolve both form and artistic process. Artists who are iterating on their practices and challenging conventional production models are encouraged to apply.

The program is open to all Canadian artists and permanent residents of Canada. It is an in-person program taking place on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, and Squamish Nations (colonially known as Vancouver).

Participants will engage in ten learning modules covering artistic visioning, production planning and dramaturgy, values-based policy building, digital innovation, and strategic fundraising. The cohort also includes one-on-one mentorship sessions tailored to individual artistic goals, hands-on training in emerging technologies, and the opportunity to perform at IndieFest’s Opening Gathering. Participants will be compensated for their time.

re:Naissance strongly encourages applications from BIPOC artists, women and non-binary people, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and others whose voices contribute to a more equitable and diverse arts sector. This is a dedicated space for QTBIPOC artists.

HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants must submit their materials using the online Google Form. Submissions will be accepted until January 19, 2026.
Application form: https://forms.gle/duncEtsHgRFKjcoK8

FEES/COMPENSATION:
There are no fees to apply. Artists selected for the cohort will be paid for their participation.