www.prairiedebut.com

Artists: How to Apply

FOR TOURS IN THE 2013/14 SEASON

Guidelines and Criteria

APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE: Completed applications to tour in the 2013-2014 season must be post-marked no later than MARCH 1, 2012.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

Entering its 17th year of presenting, Prairie Debut invites established and emerging professional Canadian world and classical musicians to apply to tour in the 2013-2014 season. This is an exciting opportunity for artists to perform in communities throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta under the auspices of Prairie Debut.

Applicants:

  • May be individuals or small ensembles;
  • Must be a Canadian citizen, or satisfy the requirements for Canadian resident, according to requirements of the Canada Council for the Arts.
  • Must view the discipline as a vocation and be recognized as professional in their artistic discipline by their peers

How do I Apply?

Applications must include 4 copies of each of the following:

1. Completed Application Registration Form [Download PDF]

2. Professional quality CD and if possible a performance DVD. The submitted repertoire must include at least 3 contrasting works (concerto works are not accepted)

3. Printed/hard copy Press Kit, including biography, current reviews and photo

4. List of recent, current and upcoming performance activities

5. Proposed repertoire for tour performances. All selected applicants will be required to include a Canadian work(s) on their touring performance programme.

6. Technical requirements for tour performances (include instruments required, both those supplied by the artist/ensemble and those which must be supplied by the presenter (e.g. grand piano). Please specify sound equipment required for tour performances.

7. Artist’s statement on audience development/education as related to proposed repertoire (300 words max.), must be prepared and signed by artist

8. Artist’s goals and expectations for touring Western Canada (300 words max.), must be prepared and signed by artist

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The application will be evaluated by a jury process, with jurors situated throughout Canada, therefore all application requirements and number of support materials MUST be included in proper multiple copies.

Artists must be available to Showcase at a minimum of one of the following Provincial Contact events:

  • Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta, October 11 – 14, 2012 in Fort Saskatchewan AB
  • Manitoba Arts Network, October 12 – 14, 2012 in Virden MB
  • Organization of SK Arts Councils, Oct 19 – 21, 2012 in Prince Albert SK

All applications will be considered but only successful artists will be notified of the final selections.

Upon receipt, all materials become the property of Prairie Debut and will not be returned following the conclusion of the selection process.

Selected artists will be notified no later than June 1, 2012.

What is the Artist Selection Process and How Does it Work?

Applications will be reviewed in accordance with the goals and artistic selection criteria of the organization. The Prairie Debut Artistic Selection Committee, and the full Board of Directors, is responsible for all final selections.

Goals and Objectives of Prairie Debut’s Artistic Selection Process:

1. To develop a non-exclusive artist selection process.

Both emerging and established professional Canadian classical and Canadian world music artists are eligible to apply to tour under the auspices of Prairie Debut and will be assessed on the following criteria for selection:

  • artistic excellence
  • artistic seasonal balance
  • professionalism
  • affordability
  • availability to tour and availability to showcase as required
  • marketability
  • educational component
  • audience development

2. To ensure reasonable artists’ fees.
3. To ensure a fair fee for both artist and presenter.
4. To be responsive to the needs of both community presenters and touring artists.

Throughout the artistic selection process, the Committee will take into consideration factors such as:

  • community needs
  • artist technical and rider requirements (many communities have very limited technical support capabilities)
  • presenters’ timelines
  • affordable fees
  • presenters’ capabilities
  • marketing and publicity considerations
  • ability of the artist to travel independently, by vehicle, throughout the tour in the Prairie provinces (a valid driver’s licence is required)
  • size of ensemble

All applications will be considered but only successful artists will be notified of the final selections.