Open call for emerging youth artists, aged 18 to 29

The Delegation of the European Union to Canada (EUD) and OCAD University invite emerging youth artists (aged 18–29) from Canada and the European Union (EU) to apply for an exciting opportunity to participate in the DemocracyXChange Summit taking place from April 16 to 18, 2026 in Toronto.

The DXC Summit is Canada’s flagship gathering for dialogue on democracy, civic imagination, and civic involvement. This year's summit, themed Side By Side: Building an Economy that Serves Democracy, is focussing on the role that people play in shaping democratic and economic systems, in cities and countries alike, underscoring the need to address global challenges through collaborative, creative, and action-oriented approaches.

For the second year, the EU and OCAD are inviting emerging artists to exhibit as part of the summit’s opening night on April 16, 2026. 

The application deadline is February 2, 2026, at 11:59 EST. For information on eligibility and submission requirements, please visit the DXC Summit website.

Selected artists will showcase their works during the DXC opening night exhibition and participate throughout the summit, contributing to critical conversations on the role of art in strengthening democracy, civic life, and civil society.

EXHIBITION THEME: UTOPIA REWIRED

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

Utopia Rewired invites emerging artists (ages 18–29) from across Canada and the European Union to imagine how creativity can help us re-envision not only democratic life but the economic systems that shape and sustain our collective future.

As DemocracyXChange 2026 explores building an economy that serves democracy, this exhibition invites artists to consider the economy as a cultural creation—something we can redesign, challenge, and collectively reimagine. We seek works that illuminate new forms of value, connection, and shared prosperity, challenging extractive systems by offering imaginative, relational, or regenerative alternatives.

Utopia Rewired asks:

• What might a people-centred, regenerative economy look and feel like?
• How could technology support—not hollow out—shared prosperity and public good?
• What rituals, infrastructures, or social systems could nurture belonging, reciprocity, and mutual support?
• How might artistic practice challenge dominant narratives of efficiency, individualism, and scarcity?
• What does economic democracy look like when envisioned through creative practice?

Presented in partnership with OCAD University and the European Union through its Delegation to Canada, Utopia Rewired will be exhibited during the DemocracyXChange Summit, April 16 to 17, 2026 in Toronto.

WHY APPLY?

Selected artists will receive:

1. Cross-border creative opportunity
A unique platform connecting emerging artists across the EU and Canada, fostering dialogue, exchange, and creative growth.

2. Visibility and exposure
Your work will be showcased at Canada’s leading public forum on democracy and civic innovation, supported by joint EU–OCAD communications and engagement activities.

3. Financial support

• €2,000 artist honorarium (~ $3,000 CAD) shared if awarded to an artist pair

• Round-trip travel for one artist to Toronto (subject to EU rules)

• Accommodation for the duration of the exhibition and Summit

• Installation and technical support, including production assistance

• Production/material budget up to €1,000 (~$1,500 CAD)

• Shipping support up to €500 (~$750 CAD)

4. Full summit access
Artists receive free access to all DemocracyXChange 2026 Summit programming.