1. Initiatives
  2. International Project Incubator hosted by the Commission internationale du théâtre francophone
CITF logo

International Project Incubator hosted by the Commission internationale du théâtre francophone

The Commission internationale du théâtre francophone (CITF) supports theatre coproduction and circulation projects in La Francophonie. CITF funds artistic projects that promote dialogue and collaboration between artists from at least three countries on two continents. To date, several hundreds of projects have been supported, providing artists with the opportunity to meet on creative and theatre-based grounds, to challenge and enhance their artistic processes, to discover other French-language cultures and win over new audiences.

The Canada Council for the Arts holds a seat at the Commission on behalf of Canadian Heritage.

2023 Artist Profiles

Caroline Bélisle

Caroline Bélisle

Moncton, New Brunswick

Merlin Simard

Merlin Simard

Toronto, Ontario

Katia Café-Fébrissy

Katia Café-Fébrissy

Toronto, Ontario

I am thrilled to be part of this extraordinary program! I can’t wait to collaborate with like-minded individuals and express my vision of a theatre where multiple trans voices can finally be celebrated!

Merlin Simard

About

In collaboration with the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec and the Festival TransAmériques, the Commission internationale du théâtre francophone (CITF) is organizing a project incubator in Montréal, from May 24 to June 2, 2023.

The Commission was created in 1987 to support the realization of multilateral theatre creation and circulation projects. On behalf Canadian Heritage, the seat on this Commission is held by the Canada Council for the Arts.

Some 15 artists from various countries of the Francophonie will be taking part in creation labs; they will then meet with audiences and have conversations with thinkers and artists from Quebec who are politically engaged. This year’s theme is “Flamboyant(e)s, commes des oracles” (flamboyant, like oracles).

With this theme in mind, the CITF is looking for artists whose practice is driven by political engagement, who speak out on society’s hot button issues and who wish to share their art and their thoughts with other artists across the Francophonie. Over the course of the incubator, participants will meet with other artists whose approach is based in politically engaged art or the creation of works that make demands, decry situations, take stands or champion causes.

The Canada Council for the Arts will provide funding for three artists from Francophone and Acadian communities across Canada to attend the incubator.

Incubator goals:

  • Enhance the collective knowledge and the connections between artists from Europe, North America, and countries in the Global South.
  • Support the development of artistic collaborations and co-produced theatre projects between companies and artists in the Francophonie.
  • Contribute to the development of theatre practices.
  • Spark conversations about everyone’s respective practices and share knowledge.
  • Promote Quebec theatre.

Eligibility

Selected candidates must:

  • have five years of recognized professional practice in theatre;
  • have at least two of the following skills: playwriting, acting, stage directing, musical composition;
  • have a company with which they can carry out production projects;
  • demonstrate a genuine desire for professional resourcing and development;
  • want to collaborate on artistic projects with creators from other Francophone areas; and
  • be available for the duration of the incubator.

Submitting an application

Applicants must:

  • include a cover letter that explains the link between their artistic approach and the theme of the incubator, how international connections fit into their own journey and which incubator goals made them want to take part in the event;
  • confirm their availability for the duration of the incubator; and
  • send in their resumes.

Application deadline

Applications must be sent in no later than 11:59 p.m. (EST) on March 1, 2023, to the Canada Council for the Arts International division, at international.coordination@canadacouncil.ca.
Please include “Candidature Pépinière CITF” or “CITF Incubator Application” in the subject line. 

Selection Process

  • Peer evaluation is fundamental to the Canada Council’s decision-making process. A peer assessment committee will assess the eligible applications.
  • The committee will select applicants that represent local, geographic or cultural diversity, as well as a range of scopes of artistic practice.

Attendees will be selected in mid-March and notified by phone or by email.

Event agenda

The incubator event will be organized into three movements.

First movement – Upstream work (videoconference – date to be determined)

  • Meet & greet: Present the attendees, the program and the goals.
  • Attendees must prepare a short written presentation for the incubator.

Second movement – Artistic incubator (in Montréal, from Wednesday, May 24, to Friday, June 2, 2023)

  • Attendees will gather in various spots around Montréal to collaborate on creative labs and creation workshops. A Quebec-based team of artists will accompany the incubator attendees.
  • The labs and workshops will be varied (e.g., writing or movement workshops, creative work in smaller teams, brainstorming).
  • Shows presented as part of the Festival TransAmériques, which will be taking place in Montréal from May 24 to June 7, 2023, may also be included in incubator programming. Outside incubator labs, attendees will be free to attend Festival performances.

The OFFTA festival is also proposing a full program of activities.

Third movement – Post-mortem (once everyone has gone home)

At the end of the incubator, artists will have to submit a short account of their experience.

Join the conversation

X logo Twitter Facebook Facebook

For more information

international.coordination@canadacouncil.ca

613-566-4414, extension 0

1-800-263-5588 (toll-free)