CALL FOR ARTISTS

Honens invites artists to submit proposals for its 2027 community concert series, Piano Project YYC. We are seeking engaging, innovative, and high-quality projects that place the piano or keyboard instrument at the centre of a meaningful artistic experience.

ABOUT PIANO PROJECT YYC

Piano Project YYC is a curated community concert series bringing live piano music into everyday spaces throughout Calgary. Performances take place in libraries, museums, shopping and recreation centres, parks, plazas, and community hubs, transforming familiar environments into vibrant spaces for artistic discovery. 

Designed to be welcoming, accessible, and barrier-free, the series creates opportunities for both dedicated concertgoers and curious listeners to experience live music in a relaxed community setting. Concerts showcase innovative and high-quality performances while fostering meaningful connections between artists and audiences. 

We welcome proposals that reflect diverse musical traditions, artistic perspectives, and creative approaches to audience engagement. We are particularly interested in projects that are interactive, accessible, and well suited to non-traditional performance settings, where audiences may encounter live music unexpectedly. 

Successful proposals will consider the unique nature of community and public-space performance, where audiences may include both intentional attendees and casual passersby. 

Apply Now

CALL FOR ARTISTS

What We Offer

Selected artists will receive:

  • Artist fees ranging from $250-$750 CAD per artist, depending on project scope, ensemble size, and experience 
  • A curated performance opportunity in 2027  
  • Venue, a keyboard instrument, AV equipment, and basic technical support 
  • Marketing and promotional support 
  • Opportunities to connect with diverse communities throughout Calgary

Eligibility

We welcome applications from: 

  • Emerging, mid-career, and established artists 
  • Solo performers and ensembles 
  • Interdisciplinary collaborators 
  • Arts organizations and music presenters 
  • Local, national, and international artists*

*Please note that travel and accommodation expenses are not provided. Touring artists who anticipate being in the Calgary area in 2027 are encouraged to apply.

Eligible Projects

We welcome proposals across genres and disciplines. Proposals must include a piano or keyboard instrument, such as harpsichord, marimba, or accordion. Ideas include but are not limited to:

  • Classical and contemporary piano repertoire 
  • Jazz, improvisation, and global musical traditions 
  • New music and experimental performance 
  • Interdisciplinary collaborations involving voice, spoken word, dance, theatre, visual arts, or multimedia 
  • Creative projects that engage audiences in participatory or community-focused ways 
  • Presentations by music organizations, collectives, and arts presenters 

Performance programs should be approximately 60 minutes in length, including any audience engagement components.

Proposal Guidelines

1. Project Description (300–500 words): 

Please describe: 

  • The artistic concept 
  • What you hope to accomplish through the project 
  • The intended audience experiences 
  • Why the project is a good fit for Piano Project YYC 
2. Proposed Program:  

Please include: 

  • Repertoire list with approximate timings 
  • A short promotional description (50–100 words) 
3. Availability

Are there any periods in 2027 when you would be unavailable for this opportunity? Please include any known dates, months, or recurring commitments.

4. Artist Biography

Maximum 150 words per artist.

5. Work Samples

Links to audio and/or video recordings.

6. Technical Requirements

Please outline any technical, staging, or equipment requirements.

7. Community Engagement Ideas (optional)

Applicants are encouraged to include ideas such as: 

  • Audience participation 
  • Artist talks or demonstrations 
  • Educational components 
  • Community partnerships 

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed according to: 

  • Artistic merit and originality 
  • Clarity and feasibility of the proposed project 
  • Alignment with Piano Project YYC’s community-focused mission 
  • Potential to engage audiences in accessible and meaningful ways 
  • Contribution to a diverse and balanced series 
  • Artist availability and logistical considerations 

Accessibility and Inclusion 

Honens welcomes applications from artists of all backgrounds, identities, cultures, abilities, and career stages. 

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible program that reflects the diversity of Calgary and beyond. Applicants who require accommodations during the application process are encouraged to contact us by phone at 403 299 0130 or by email at [email protected]. 

Timeline

  • Application deadline: Friday 30 October 2026, at 11:59 pm 
  • Notification of results: Friday 13 November 2026 
  • Performance dates: Throughout 2027, scheduled in consultation with selected artists

How to Apply

Submit your application using the online form below by Friday 30 October at 11:59 pm.

Program Partners

Funding Partner

Funding Partner

QUESTIONS?

We welcome your questions! Please be in touch with
Nadia Riterman, Community Program Manager, at [email protected] for any inquiries.

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