Utopia Rewired: Creative Visions for Democratic Futures. A partnership between the European Union through its Delegation to Canada, OCAD University and DemocracyXChange 2026
The Delegation of the European Union to Canada (EUD) and OCAD University invite emerging youth artists (ages 18–29) from Canada and the European Union (EU) to apply for an exciting opportunity to participate in the DemocracyXChange Summit (DXC), taking place April 16–18, 2026 in Toronto, Canada.
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, will focus 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. Selected artists will showcase their works during the DXC Opening Night Exhibition and will 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 16–18, 2026 in Toronto.
Why Apply?
Selected artists will receive:
1. A Cross-Border Creative Opportunity
A unique platform connecting emerging artists across the EU and Canada, fostering dialogue, exchange, and creative growth.
2. Visibility & 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.
Exhibition Details
- Exhibition Dates: April 16–17, 2026
- Opening Night Exhibition: April 16, 2026
- Travel dates to Toronto, Canada: April 15–19, 2026
- Location: Toronto, Canada (DXC Summit)
- Artists Selected: Up to 3 solo artists; submissions from artist pairs are also eligible
- Artwork Footprint: Must fit within a 10 × 10 ft floor plan
- Technical Support Provided: Power, lighting, furniture, AV support, and installation assistance
- Transport Requirements: Artworks must be physically transportable via airplane
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be 18–29 years old at time of submission
- Be emerging or early-career artists
- Canadian Applicants: Must hold a valid Canadian passport, Canadian visa or residence permit
- European Applicants: must hold a valid EU passport, a valid EU visa or residence permit, and must have either a valid visa to enter Canada or the right to apply for Electronic Travel Authorization
- Be eligible and available to travel to Toronto, Canada April 15–19 2026.
- Be able to transport artwork to Toronto (costs covered)
- Submit original work aligned with the exhibition’s themes
Applications from equity-deserving groups—including racialized artists, Indigenous artists, artists with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ artists—are strongly encouraged.
Collaborative groups may apply only if all members meet eligibility criteria.
Submission Requirements
Submit a single PDF file (max 10MB) containing:
- Name, Age, Passport Country, Contact Information
- Short Bio(s) (150 words max each)
- Artist Statement / Conceptual Framing (250–400 words)
- Project Proposal (up to 1,000 words) including:
- Concept description
- Alignment with the exhibition theme
- Installation needs (within 10×10 ft footprint; list power/AV requirements)
- Curriculum Vitae (max 3 pages per artist)
- Portfolio Samples
- Up to 5 images
- Video/audio links (max 5 minutes total)
- Include title, year, medium, role, presenter/venue
- Budget Plan
- Production/material costs (up to €1,000)
- Shipping estimates (up to €500)
- Confirmation of ability to travel April 16–18, 202
Submit your application by email to eupopcanada@gopa.eu by February 2, 2026.
Evaluation Criteria
Evaluations will be conducted by representatives from the EU Delegation to Canada, OCAD University, and the DemocracyXChange Team, based on:
- Thematic Alignment & Ingenuity (30%)
- Artistic Quality (30%)
- Feasibility (20%)
- Public Engagement Potential (20%)
Notification of Results
Selected artists will be notified by February 20, 2026.
Successful applicants will enter into a contract with GOPA PACE.
Unsuccessful applicants will be informed of the outcome by end of February 2026.
Questions or Accessibility Requests?
Contact: eupopcanada@gopa.eu