CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS 

Studio 303 in Montreal, Mile Zero Dance (MZD) in Edmonton and Plastic Orchid Factory (POF) in Vancouver are coming together for RELAY—a joint initiative that nurtures artistic creation, fosters local dialogue and exchange, and expands touring opportunities across Canada. RELAY mirrors the natural flow of an artistic process—researching, creating, and producing—each phase unfolding in a different city at a distinct moment. The transitions between these phases remain intentionally porous, allowing space for ideas to shift and evolve organically. RELAY is an opportunity for artists eager to dive into their creation and expand their touring network nationally as well as connecting with artists communities gravitating around MZD, 303 and POF. RELAY is made possible with the support of the CanDance Network’s Creative Exchange Project program. 

Who it’s for

• Self-defined mid-career independent dance artists, collectives and small companies not currently receiving operating funding, with a good working knowledge of self-producing or self-presenting.
• Must be based in one of the host cities (one applicant per city will be selected).
• Artists who have a dance, movement and/or interdisciplinary performance practice
• Artists who are interested in working on small scale productions and in intimate venues

What format of work is welcome

• Self-defined presentation with a preference for stage work.
• This project is geared for new solo performances of 15 to 20 minutes. Duets and small group projects are also possible (see section ‘What is provided’).
• The three selected artists can work on their own project or decide to work together. Joint applications of two or three artists living in each city are possible.

When it happens 

Tio’tia:ke – Mooniyang – Montréal, Studio 303

Research residency, November 18-25, 2025; followed by an informal presentation at SPARK during Parcours Danse, November 26, 2025.

Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Territories – Vancouver, Plastic Orchid Factory

Creation residency and tech time, Jan 24-31, 2026; with experiment-in-process performances at Left of PuSh, Jan 28 & 31, 2026

ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ (Amiskwacîwâskahikan) Treaty 6 – Edmonton, Mile Zero Dance

One-week residency including tech, July 10-17, 2026 as part of “The Magpie Collection: A Dance Festival” with showing and artist talk back on July 17, 2026

What is provided 

• A total fee of $7,500 to each selected artist, to cover artist fees, travel, accommodation, per diem. Artists are autonomous to allocate the funds as they wish. Funds will be distributed as follows:
  • $2,500 upon signing
  • $2,500 in December 2025
  • $2,500 in June 2026
• Access to space during the residency. Schedule will be shared between the three artists.
• Photo and video documentation.
• Technical, producing, marketing support will be provided by each host organization.
• Artistic/dramaturgical support or input also available, as desired.
• Artists are welcome to apply regardless of whether they have secured project funding. 303xPOFxMZD is pleased to offer letters of support for selected applicants seeking additional resources through external grants.  

Equity Statement 

Plastic Orchid Factory, Mile Zero Dance and Studio 303 are artist-run organisations deeply committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Each has long-standing policies and practices that prioritise historically marginalised voices and actively challenge systemic barriers in the arts. We operate with an equity lens across all aspects of our work—from curation to community engagement—and this extends to how we will collaboratively approach artist selection for this initiative. Grounded in care, accountability, and relationship-building, our decision-making processes are shaped by lived experience, cultural responsiveness, and a commitment to creating space for artists who work at the intersections of underrepresentation. Together, we bring a shared ethos that understands equity not as a checklist, but as an ongoing practice embedded in how we listen, select, and support artists and communities.

How to apply

Please e-mail your submission with a link to a Dropbox or Google folder containing all the documents below to: hello@plasticorchidfactory.ca Use “CEP Application 2025” in the subject line. 

• Artist name(s) and pronouns, contact information including email and phone number

• Link to websites or other online platforms

• CV or biography

• Artistic Statement and creative interests *optional (150 words)

• Project description (250-500 words)

• Examples of previous or proposed project (2-5 mins of videos)

• Other samples (2-5 photos or other visual or written materials) *optional

• Access needs