Q: Is the call for artists open right now?
A: Yep! Submissions for the 2027 Alternating Currents Festival (August 12–15) are open now through December 31.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Fill out the form below and tell us about what you’d like to bring to Alternating Currents. Include links, photos, videos or anything else that helps us understand your work and your idea.
🎥 Filmmakers: Film submissions are handled separately through our Filmfreeway portal. https://filmfreeway.com/AlternatingCurrents
Q: Is there a fee to apply?
A: Nope! It’s completely free to submit.
Q: What kinds of things are you looking for?
A: We’re open to a lot! Musicians, comedians, visual artists, dancers, writers and poets, podcasters, speakers, chefs, makers, health and wellness experiences, workshops, demonstrations, interactive projects and creative ideas we haven’t thought of yet.
Alternating Currents is about filling downtown Davenport, Rock Island and Bettendorf with things to see, hear, do and discover. We’re especially drawn to ideas that invite people to participate, try something new, connect with one another or experience downtown in an unexpected way.
Have an idea that doesn’t fit neatly into a category? Submit it anyway. Some of our favorite festival experiences start with an idea we didn’t know we were looking for.
Q: I don’t live in the Quad Cities - can I still apply?
A: Absolutely! We welcome local, regional and touring creators from anywhere.
Q: When will I hear back?
A: Selected artists will start hearing from us during our booking period February - May.
Q: Will I hear back if I’m not selected?
A: Due to the number of submissions we receive, we’re only able to contact artists and projects we’re actively considering for the festival. If it isn’t the right fit this year, we hope you’ll submit again!
Q: Are artists and creators paid?
A: Yes. Alternating Currents provides paid opportunities for participating artists and performers. Compensation varies based on the project, performance and scope of participation.
Q: Can I submit more than one project?
A: Definitely! Just submit a separate form for each unique project so we can review each one individually.
Q: I’ve been part of Alternating Currents before — do I still need to apply?
A: It’s not required, but we strongly encourage it. Submitting helps keep your current work, availability and contact information in front of our programming team as we build the festival.
Q: How competitive is it?
A: We receive hundreds of submissions each year and can only program a fraction of them. But this process is also one of the ways we discover new talent, make connections and find inspiration for future festival programming — so we’d genuinely love to see what you’re creating.
Q: When is the festival again?
A: August 12–15, 2027 - four days of music, art, comedy, film and creativity lighting up the Quad Cities.