ArtStarts Showcase
The ArtStarts Showcase is Western Canada's most important performing arts showcase and conference for arts programmers interested in booking performances for young audiences. Conceived over 20 years ago by a group of educators, the ArtStarts Showcase (formerly called ArtScan) has evolved in response to the needs of young people's arts programming.
The event takes place in Vancouver with approximately 30 artists and groups working in a variety of disciplines and cultural traditions, performing sample presentations of their current touring shows. A question period follows each presentation, and delegates have opportunities to talk with artists directly at breaks and receptions.
Read our blog post from the ArtStarts Showcase 2012 to get a taste of the event. This short video captures some of the behind the scenes action and event highlights.
Who Attends
Showcase delegates include school district arts contacts and community arts programmers, all of whom book performances for young audiences in schools and theatres in their communities across BC.
Showcasing Artists
The artists presented at the ArtStarts Showcase are of the highest calibre, diverse, entertaining and educational. Disciplines cover dance, theatre, music, storytelling and the ever popular interdisciplinary arts. Many of the artists are BC based while others come from other Canadian provinces, the United States and overseas.
Artists selected to showcase are chosen based on quality of performance, programming balance, grade suitability and showcasing history. Each application goes through a two-step review process. A Preliminary Review Panel made up of educators from across BC make their initial assessment. The final decision is then made by the Selection Committee comprised of educators and arts programmers. See the line up from 2012.
Performing artists interested in being part of the 2013 ArtStarts Showcase should contact sarah@artstarts.com. Artist application guidelines can be found on our Forms & Deadlines page.
The Venue
The ArtStarts Showcase 2012 was presented at the Orpheum Theatre Annex, Vancouver's newest, fully equipped theatre just one block away from the ArtStarts gallery in the heart of downtown Vancouver.
2013 Dates
ArtStarts Showcase 2013 will be held at the end of February, early March. Stay tuned for confirmed dates.
To Register
Regisration for the ArtStarts Showcase 2013 will open in December 2012. For information, the following notes the rates for 2012:
2012 Registration Fees:
- Early Bird Two Day: $250 (before Jan 15)
- Regular Two Day: $300
- One Day Only: $165
Registration Includes:
- Two full days of information and entertainment
- Over 30 artist showcases for young audiences
- Keynote address
- Catered lunch and coffee break refreshments
- Reception to mingle with fellow delegates and artists
- Guided tours of the ArtStarts gallery for young people's art
- Access to preferred hotel accommodation rates
