Avignon and Edinburgh Fringe Missions
FAMILIARIZATION MISSIONS
This year, CINARS is organizing two essential familiarization missions: one at the Avignon Festival and the other at the Edinburgh Fringe. Each mission will host 5 artistic companies or artist representatives, offering them a unique opportunity to explore these major performing arts events. Tailored professional networking activities will be organized to help participants build connections with local presenters and organizations, while also allowing them to assess and better understand the potential of these events for their projects.
AVIGNON FESTIVAL
July 14–18, 2025
Avignon, France
The Avignon Festival and OFF-Avignon form the largest gathering of Francophone performing arts professionals. Thousands of Francophone and international professionals participate to discover works that will shape their upcoming seasons.
OFF Avignon 2024 highlights:
- 1,316 companies, including 147 international companies
- 24,664 performances
- 1,666 shows across 141 venues
- 157 events at the OFF Village
- 300,000 visitors
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EDINBURGH FRINGE
August 20–26, 2025
Edinburgh, Scotland
Every August, Edinburgh transforms into a hub of creative energy from around the globe. Artists and performers take to hundreds of stages across the city to showcase productions catering to all tastes. From world-famous entertainers to emerging talents building their careers, the festival offers something for everyone. It features theater, comedy, dance, physical theater, circus, cabaret, children's shows, musicals, opera, music, spoken word, exhibitions, and events.
Edinburgh Fringe highlights:
- 1,300 delegates from 45 countries
- Over 770 journalists from 27 countries
- 3,334 shows by artists from 63 countries
- 35 events at Fringe Central
Questions? Contact Victoria Rose at coordination@cinars.org
Registration for upcoming missions opens in Spring 2025.
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ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- Be an agent, representative of an artistic company, or artist with headquarters in Québec (please note that only one representative per company is accepted).
- Represent at least one production ready and available for international touring in dance, theater, circus, or music.
- Have the financial and human resources necessary to undertake market development efforts in the targeted regions.
- Demonstrate an interest in establishing new collaborative interactions and have prior experience in international touring.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
- The artistic quality of the submitted project.
- The touring potential in the targeted territories.
- The alignment between the artistic nature of the company and the relevant events and festivals.
PARTICIPATION COSTS
- Participation fee (if selected): $500 CAD + taxes for each in-person conference.
- Additional costs: Transportation, accommodation, and per diem are to be covered by participants for any in-person events.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The implementation of these activities is contingent upon CINARS securing adequate funding. A full refund will be issued if the event is canceled.
CINARS coordinates the following aspects related to meetings and communications:
- Communications: Booth management, website, promotional newsletter for the companies, and invitations.
- Venue Visits: Site inspections for scouting missions (venues and festivals).
- Networking: Facilitating connections with professionals on-site.
- Presentations: Showcasing (pitching) Québec-based creations and productions when applicable.
- Receptions: Organized in collaboration with Québec General Delegations when applicable.
Following these missions, participants from Québec will be required to submit a report, and CINARS will share the information with the Québec Ministry of Culture and Communications (MCCQ) and the Québec Arts Council (CALQ).
We strongly encourage applications from visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and others who can contribute to the diversification of theater, dance, circus, and music.
Thanks to our partners: Québec Ministry of Culture and Communications, the Québec Arts Council, and the Québec General Delegations.