Workman Arts is seeking artists to submit live performance proposals for a one off performance as part of this year’s 34th Rendezvous with Madness Festival (October 22-29, 2026)

Rendezvous with Madness is the first in the world and largest arts and mental health festival in North America. Using art as the entry point to illuminate and investigate the realities and mythologies surrounding mental illness and addiction, Rendezvous With Madness spotlights the human capacity for endurance in the face of great challenges. 

The theme of Rendezvous 2026 is “The Complexities of Care”, an invitation to discuss, to witness, to investigate multiple perspectives on the experiences of care, both intimately and professionally.

Complexities of Care. Care is often messy, and, like Love, both good and harm are done in its name. Our experiences as care givers and care recipients are intimately connected to our social location. Who can consent? Whose care is compensated? How is it valued? What type of care is offered? Is it sustainable? The various levels of care and its disparities are linked to gender, race, ability, and class amongst many other identities. Join us as Rendezvous Artists illuminate multiple perspectives through Film, Performance, and culture, exploring what this conversation means in the context of Madness, Neurodivergence and culture.

We invite you to submit a proposal for a short performance to present at Rendezvous With Madness.  

Performances Guidelines:

• Live performance can include: short play, dance, performance art, cabaret, drag, music, DJ, multi-disciplinary performance, etc.
• Must be a stand alone piece that works as a single performance
• Must be already completed (works in progress are also accepted)
• Performance length preferred 30-45 minutes (please specify, thanks)
• Must have minimal tech needs (please specify technical requirements in your application, details are greatly appreciated!)

We place priority on performances that engage the audience and space in a unique and bold way (i.e. may not be on the stage, but in the lobby, outside the venue, in the crowd, etc) and fall radically in alignment with this year's theme (see above).

*For music / audio / sonic art please think outside of the stage for possible inclusion at receptions, public space, etc.

Eligibility is open to all, however, Workman Arts members and/or anyone who has previously / currently accessed CAMH services will be prioritized for this call.

Selected artists should hear back in mid-August. We will only be contacting those selected, but thank everyone for their submissions.