FAMILIARIZATION MISSIONS
EXPLORE CONGRESSES AND FESTIVALS
CINARS' familiarization missions offer a group of approximately five emerging artists or companies the opportunity to discover a major specialized festival or a congress relevant to their discipline.
These missions provide an entry point into new professional networks while offering personalized support throughout the experience.
Included in our services*
- Personalized support for your strategy before the event (potential meetings, etc.)
- Support throughout the event and professional meetings initiated by CINARS
- Organization of networking events (cocktails, conferences, pitch sessions, etc.)
- Development of a professional itinerary (visits to venues and events, etc.).
*Activities may vary depending on the event.
Not included in our services
- Travel costs and arrangements
- Accommodation
- Per diems
Call for Applications
- Opening date: Tuesday, April 15, 2025
- Deadline to apply: Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time)
- Selection results: Approximately one week after the closing date
Ready to take your first steps into international professional development and networking?
Discover our new familiarization missions for Fall 2025:
Lyon Dance Biennale
September 16–20, 2025 / Lyon, France / DANCE / Partnership with La danse sur les routes du Québec (La DSR)
Founded in 1984, the Lyon Dance Biennale is one of the world’s largest events dedicated to contemporary dance. Every two years, it transforms the city into an open-air stage, showcasing bold creations by international artists. The festival embraces a wide spectrum of dance forms, from classical ballet to urban and hybrid styles. With performances, installations, outdoor shows, and workshops, the Biennale appeals to a broad audience. It is also a hub for encounters between professionals and the general public. The program highlights the vibrancy and diversity of contemporary choreography.
This familiarization mission will allow artists and companies to discover this major event while connecting with international dance professionals.
This mission is part of a collaboration between CINARS and La danse sur les routes du Québec (La DSR), designed to support a group of artists and companies in their international development strategies.
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Charleville-Mézières Puppet Festival
September 19–28, 2025 / Charleville-Mézières, France / PUPPETRY ARTS / Partnership with AQM - Association québécoise des marionnettistes
The World Festival of Puppet Theatres, founded in 1961, takes place biennially in Charleville-Mézières. It aims to promote the art of puppetry and showcase its evolution across the globe. The 10-day event includes official and fringe programs, street performances, and festive gatherings, attracting around 150,000 spectators. Around 30 countries are represented, with more than 130 companies and 150 performances, as well as exhibitions, artist talks, and workshops.
This mission is part of a partnership between CINARS and AQM (Association québécoise des marionnettistes), designed to support a group of artists and companies in their international development strategies.
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Circa Festival in Auch
October 18–25, 2025 / Auch, France / CIRCUS / Partnership with MICC - International Market of Contemporary Circus
Founded in 1988 by a group of volunteers, the Circa Festival has become one of Europe’s key contemporary circus events. It presents about twenty shows from some of the most innovative professional companies, blending circus with theatre, music, and dance to create a rich, interdisciplinary experience. The festival draws audiences, artists, and industry professionals, supported by the presence of international circus schools. Alongside performances, Circa offers children's workshops, exhibitions, film screenings, artist talks, and open stages.
This project is part of a collaboration between MICC and CINARS to support emerging artists and companies as they explore this major contemporary circus event and meet with presenters and professionals.
Special feature this year: A focus on Québec’s circus scene, offering a strong opportunity to increase the visibility of our artists.
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YPAM (Yokohama International Performing Arts Meeting)
Early December 2025 (dates to be confirmed) / Yokohama, Japan / MULTIDISCIPLINARY & NEW WRITING
YPAM (formerly TPAM) is the oldest performing arts platform in Asia. Over the course of one week, national and international professionals gather to share information, learn from each other, and build networks through a wide array of performances, discussions, and meetings.
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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: 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.
