Call for Pop-up Performers - Creativity & Innovation Summit

Submission deadline: July 27, 2026

The Summit

The 2026 (Un)Common Threads Creativity & Innovation Summit will take place at the Sheraton Hotel on November 5, and will welcome 200–250 participants from across the private, public, and creative sectors. The annual Summit features speakers, networking opportunities, and experiences designed to explore creativity and spark new connections across sectors. Artists and their worldview and expertise are placed at the heart of this conversation. We’re seeking short performances to add a spark of surprise, moment of contemplation, or burst of energy to the day. 

Project Brief

We’re seeking performances from any discipline, including music, dance, theatre, standup comedy, and multidisciplinary arts. Performances should:

• Be short (2-8 minutes), taking place as the event starts, during breaks, or as a surprise mid-morning. 

• Be refreshing, offering attendees the opportunity to be surprised and inspired by something they wouldn't otherwise encounter at a work event.

And may:

• Offer an element of participation or interactivity for Summit attendees

• Respond to the theme of play and games

• Respond to the Summit theme of (un)common threads

Logistics

This event is taking place in the Garden Atrium and Main Ballroom at the Sheraton Hotel, with set up taking place exclusively the morning of the event, which starts at 8:30am. Equipment setup must therefore be fairly minimal and will be the responsibility of the performer(s). 

Budget

Our total budget for performances is $3000. Please provide a requested performance fee in your submission. 

Eligibility

• Newfoundland and Labrador-based artists of any/all performing disciplines.

• Emerging, mid-career, and established artists are encouraged to apply

• Business & Arts NL is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. We encourage applications from artists of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. 

Selection 

The selected activity will be chosen by a small focus group of Summit stakeholders, based on the project’s anticipated impact, and how it fits within the overall program. 

Submission Requirements

Please submit the following, combined into a single pdf:

1. A short proposal outlining your interactive idea (max 500 words) 

2. A brief bio or CV

3. Up to 5 images/clips of your previous work

4. A short note about why this opportunity interests you

5. Your requested performance fee

Project Timeline

Proposals due: July 27, 2025

Selected artist(s) will be notified by: August 11, 2025

Summit: Nov 5, 2025

Send your proposals to: Lynn Panting - lynn@businessandartsnl.com  

Have questions or want to talk through your idea? Reach out to Lynn.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• I don’t live in St. John’s - will travel expenses be provided if I’m selected?

  Yes, we will offer a travel stipend to cover kilometrage, accommodations and per diem for selected artists living outside of the Avalon Peninsula.