Manitoba Arts Network is the only organization that organizes performing arts and visual art showcases and coordinates tours in rural, Northern, and Indigenous communities throughout Manitoba. 18 of 20 MAN 2025 Showcase artists received tours— resulting in 106 concerts and $300,000 in artist fees for the 2026/2027 touring season.

Our members don’t book all their exhibitions or performances through our Booking Programs, so showcasing performing artists can receive future bookings beyond the blocked booking touring season. The rural Manitoba touring market is valued at an estimated $450,000 per year.

Showcase events are an opportunity for artists to offer a 15 - 20 minute sample of their show to a dedicated audience of presenters and buyers. These events also offer a Contact Room (trade show or exhibit hall), where artists set up booths, make new connections and have discussions with the presenters. It is often in the Contact Room where business deals begin.

For theatre and dance groups for whom showcasing is financially prohibitive, digital showcasing will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Besides being an opportunity to showcase, the conference also features seminars, workshops, visual art exhibitions, one on one meetings, and networking events, all focused towards connecting artists, agents, industry professionals, and arts presenters. It's a weekend of entertainment, inspiration and the ultimate place to connect with artists, presenters, industry professionals, colleagues and friends.

Technical Production and Touring Coordination

Technical Production (Provided by MAN)

The Manitoba Arts Network (MAN) will be responsible for technical production at Showcase and covers the following showcasing expenses:

• Stage facilities
• Sound system
• Basic lighting
• Technician
• Stage manager and crew

Performers must accept the technical stage equipment supplied by MAN; if a performer requires anything else it is the financial responsibility of the performer.

There will be a mandatory sound check scheduled on the day of your showcase.

Presenter Network and Booking Process

The Manitoba Arts Network engages an established member network and growing number of presenters (buyers) who attend Showcase and participate in subsequent booking meetings with the Manitoba Arts Network to confirm artists and form block booked tours that benefit all artists, audience and presenters.

Liaison and Contracting

The Manitoba Arts Network's Performing Arts Coordinator acts as the direct liaison between artists, representatives and presenters - from Showcase to tour show dates.

Tours and performance engagements in Manitoba resulting from this event will be coordinated and booked by the Performing Arts Program Coordinator of Manitoba Arts Network, in collaboration with artists/agents. Artists/Agents will be required to honour a contract with Manitoba Arts Network in this regard.

Artists agree to inform Manitoba Arts Network of any changes in contact or booking information, representation, or of any situation which renders them unable to fulfil their Showcase or touring engagements.

Fee Schedules and Negotiation

Artists/representatives must submit touring fees with application, subject to review and negotiation prior to Showcase.

An Artists' Fee Schedule will be distributed to delegates at Manitoba Showcase and available on our online artist directory.

Direct Negotiation with Buyers

Artists/representatives must agree to work collaboratively with the Manitoba Arts Network and are asked not to negotiate bookings and fees directly with buyers at any time before, during or after Showcase.

Terms and Application Details

• Artists must be tour ready and open for show bookings in Manitoba for the 2027–2028 season.
• Performing artists of all disciplines and genres can apply (i.e., music, dance, theatre, musical theatre, magic, comedy, etc.).

Application Fees and Deadlines

• Early Bird deadline to apply: March 15 — $50 fee
• Final deadline to apply: April 12, 2026 — $60 fee
• Incomplete, late, or unpaid submissions will not be considered. No refunds will be issued.

Notification and Confirmation

Successful applicants will be notified in June and will be given a deadline to respond and confirm their participation.

Eligibility and Timing

There is a minimum of four years between showcasing for a past Showcase performer.

Supporting Materials (Video Requirements)

Supporting materials with links to video samples must accompany your application.

• We strongly advise that you provide two samples, representative of the show you wish to tour.
• We suggest that one includes engagement with a live audience.
• The jury includes Manitoba arts programmers familiar with their audience base, and it is in your very best interest to be selective in what you submit.
• Please provide start and stop points to indicate your best footage, or create a 5-minute custom video to provide a cross section of your work.

Touring Consistency

Your showcase application must reflect the performance that you will showcase and tour.

How Are Artists Selected to Perform in Showcase?

A jury comprised of community presenters from different regions of Manitoba and industry representatives reviews all applications, and selects 15–20 applicants to perform at Manitoba Showcase.

The jury’s selection is based upon a rating of each application in four categories:

1. Artistic Merit
2. Marketability and booking potential
3. Engagement with Audience
4. Fee Structure*

*Your single show fee should be your highest price and then lower incrementally as the number of shows you could be booked for increases. Therefore your 8+ show price should be your lowest show price.

Pricing Guidance

When pricing your show:

• Include travel costs to/from Manitoba in your single show fee.
• Do not include the cost of accommodations in your show fee as Manitoba presenters will provide up to two double rooms for one night accommodation as part of their offer.
• Budget for meals, rental car and gas/mileage while on the road.

Average performance fees in Manitoba tend to range from $2,000 to $4,000 per show depending on number of performers, profile, experience, etc. While some shows book for higher fees, there are relatively few communities in rural and northern Manitoba able to afford those bookings on a regular basis.

Ability to travel with your own sound production which includes sound, lights and backline, will greatly enhance your application.

It may be to a performer’s advantage to include options for show types such as solo, duo, band, school shows and workshops. This may allow more flexibility in terms of providing options for presenters to meet their audience needs.

What Is the Next Step If I Am Selected to Perform in Showcase?

If your application to showcase is successful, you will be required to present a 15–20 minute performance at one of three performance times at the Showcase event:

• Friday evening
• Saturday afternoon
• Saturday evening

Your application and actual showcase performance must be indicative of the show you will be touring.

Self-Identifying in Support of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (Optional)

Manitoba Arts Network is committed to ensuring equity, inclusivity, and representation in our sector.

We especially encourage applications from artists who identify as Indigenous, Black, or People of Colour, artists with disabilities, Deaf artists, as well as artists from the LGBTQ2S+ community to apply, and will be placing emphasis on representation from these communities in our selection process.

MAN Terms & Conditions

Juried Showcase Application and Participation

Submitting this application form confirms that you have read, understood, and agree to the Terms and Conditions below related to applying for and, if selected, participating in a juried Manitoba Arts Network showcase slot.

Summary (Selected Artists)

• Selected Showcase acts will be required to sign a showcasing agreement with the Manitoba Arts Network, register for Manitoba Showcase 2026, and remit applicable conference fees (Early Bird Registration is $250 + GST prior to August 20). Registration includes one Contact Room table and two lunches.
• Once an application has been submitted, artist fees and the number of performers are final and locked. Artists and agents may not increase fees or alter the number of performers without prior written approval.
• All performers are responsible for their own travel and accommodation to attend Manitoba Showcase.

Application Requirements

Complete Application

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Fees and Payments

• All fees are non-refundable.
• Payment must be received by 11:59 pm on the application deadline for the application to be considered complete.

Information Sharing

Application information will be shared with Manitoba Arts Network member presenters through a password-protected directory, whether you are selected to showcase or not. By submitting this application, you consent to this sharing for presenter review and booking purposes.

Pricing Changes

Once an application has been submitted, artist fees and the number of performers are considered final and locked. Artists and agents may not increase fees or alter the number of performers without prior written approval.

Eligibility

The artist or primary representative applying must be 18 years of age or older.

If Selected to Showcase, the Artist Agrees to the Following

Notification Timeline

Successful applicants will be notified no later than June 30, 2026.

Required Registration for Showcase 2026

• Selected artists must register for Showcase 2026.
• Early bird registration is $250 and increases to $400 after August 22, 2026.
• Registration includes one set of meals and one exhibitor table in the Contact Room tradeshow.
• If cost is a barrier, email marketing@mbartsnet.ca.

Scheduling and Availability

If selected, you will be scheduled for one showcase performance slot during Showcase 2026, which will take place in one of the following time blocks:

• A. September 18, 2026 evening
• B. September 19, 2026 matinee
• C. September 19, 2026 evening

You are strongly encouraged to keep September 18 and 19, 2026 available upon submitting your application. Scheduling is assigned by Manitoba Arts Network.

Touring Readiness and Touring Priorities

• Selected artists must have strong availability to be booked in the 2027 and 2028 seasons.
• Selected artists are expected to include Northern Manitoba as touring options when routing and feasibility allow.

Showcase Format Requirements

• Showcases are 15–20 minutes long and must reflect the touring performance being marketed.
• The configuration you apply with is the configuration expected for showcasing and touring.

Agreement and Participation Requirements

• Selected artists must sign a showcase agreement.
• A representative such as an agent or manager must be present during all Contact Room hours.

Booking Outcomes

• Bookings secured at Showcase 2026 will be scheduled for the 2027 and 2028 season.
• Tours and performance engagements in Manitoba resulting from this event will be coordinated and booked by the Performing Arts Program Coordinator of Manitoba Arts Network, in collaboration with artists/agents. Artists/Agents will be required to honour a contract with Manitoba Arts Network in this regard.
• Artists agree to inform Manitoba Arts Network of any changes in contact or booking information, representation, or of any situation which renders them unable to fulfil their Showcase or touring engagements.

Costs and Responsibility

• Manitoba Arts Network assumes no responsibility for costs associated with participating in the showcase, including travel, accommodation, per diems, equipment, personnel, or production-related expenses.
• Manitoba Arts Network will provide the following for Showcase 2026: backline, grand piano, sound and lighting, stage crew, and technicians.

Selection Process

No Obligation

Submitting an application does not represent a commitment by Manitoba Arts Network to provide a showcase slot.

Jury Selection

A jury will select up to 15 artists for showcases and up to 5 additional artists for pitches. Selections are based on:

• Quality
• Professionalism
• Marketability and booking potential
• Fee structure

MAN Reserves the Right To

Promotional Use

Manitoba Arts Network may use selected artists’ names, bios, images, and submitted content for promotional, marketing, and reporting purposes related to Showcase 2026 and Manitoba Arts Network programs.

Manitoba Arts Network will photograph and video record Showcase performances and related activities. By participating, selected artists grant Manitoba Arts Network permission to use this photo and video content for promotional, archival, educational, and reporting purposes across Manitoba Arts Network platforms and materials.

Cancellation and Alternates

Assign an alternate if a selected artist cancels. No substitutions are permitted.

Changes to Showcase Configuration

Require pre-approval for any changes to the showcase configuration. Any proposed changes must be approved by Manitoba Arts Network in writing in advance.

Policies and Conduct

Manitoba Arts Network is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and safe environment for everyone involved in our programs and activities. Individuals and groups entering into a relationship with the organization are expected to adhere to MAN policies. These policies can be found on our website (www.manitobaartsnetwork.ca).