Apply Now: CINARS 2026 – A Global Stage for Puppetry and Performing Arts
Applications open 22 September – 24 November 2025
Are you ready to share your work with the world?
The CINARS Biennale (Montreal International Performing Arts Conference) is one of the most important international events for the performing arts — and applications are now open for the official 2026 programme.
Artists and companies are invited to submit full-length works (up to 90 minutes) in dance, theatre, circus, interdisciplinary arts, and puppetry, or 25-minute excerpts in music.
The selected artists will present their work live in Montreal as part of the CINARS 2026 Biennale, in front of programmers, producers, and artistic directors from around the world.
Application details:
⏰ Deadline: 24 November 2025 – 11:59 PM (Montreal time)
🌐 Open to artists from all countries
👉 See the full terms and conditions
About CINARS
Founded in 1984, CINARS (International Exchange for the Performing Arts) is a non-profit organisation based in Montreal dedicated to promoting and supporting the export of Quebec and Canadian performing arts. Its mission is to strengthen cultural exchange and make Montreal an international hub for the performing arts.
Every two years, the CINARS Biennale transforms Montreal into a meeting point for the global performing-arts community — a place for shows, showcases, networking, workshops, and professional dialogue.
At the 2024 Biennale, CINARS welcomed:
1,379 participants from 47 countries
340 exhibitors
329 presenters/programmers
476 artists
…with over 120 shows across disciplines — including dance, theatre, circus, music, and multidisciplinary work.
Beyond the Biennale, CINARS works year-round through:
International representation of Quebec artists at global conferences (e.g. APAP New York)
Professional training for agents and producers
Mentorship and expert services supporting international distribution
Collective promotion of Canadian performing arts abroad
Why This Matters for UK Puppetry
For British puppeteers and object-theatre makers, CINARS offers a unique opportunity to present your work on an international stage and connect directly with presenters, venues, and festivals from across Europe, North America, and beyond.
This year’s puppetry and object-theatre strand focuses on “the living object and contemporary puppetry” — inviting works that blend material, movement, light, and technology to re-imagine how audiences connect with the stage object.
If your work explores scale, visibility of manipulation, immersive environments, or sensitive storytelling, this could be a perfect international platform for you.
Questions & Contact
📧 coordination@cinars.org