Application Deadline
Monday, November 10, 2025 by 11:59pm ET

With insight gained from the ‘Otherworld’ workshop series, we invite you to apply to develop a 15-minute presentation of your work for a group showcase, curated by DesignTO and JAYU. This one-day event will be featured as part of the 16th annual DesignTO Festival, January 23 – Sunday, February 1, 2026, in Toronto. 

We are looking for projects that reflect the program’s ethos: that the world is not fixed, nothing is static, and everything is in flux. Your presentation explores worldbuilding as a way of making space for new ways of thinking. This could look like:

  • Imagining sustainable futures in the face of the climate crisis
  • Reflecting on identity and belonging across cultures
  • Questioning how new technologies are shaping our relationships
  • Offering new models of care and community
  • Retelling overlooked histories through storytelling, or more!
We welcome all types of art and design practices, including but not limited to, video, objects, paintings, zines, film, photography, performance and sculpture. What matters most is that your work responds to concerns that feel urgent to you, and offers your vision of how things could be otherwise. Your presentation can take many shapes: a talk, a performance, a reading, a screening, or something more interactive. Alongside your presentation, you’ll also have the chance to share supporting material (e.g., objects, images, or an installation) to help bring your vision to life. 
 
Please note that you don’t have to be a polished public speaker to apply. There are many ways to present your work, and we’d be happy to help you find the format that feels most comfortable. 
 
All participants in the 2025-26 DesignTO Youth program are invited to apply. Please note that only a selection of applications will be accepted, and participation in the workshop series does not guarantee participation in the showcase. Projects may be new or existing works that have not yet been publicly shown. We encourage participants to work collaboratively on projects, but solo work is also accepted.
 

All submissions must include the following:

  • A description of the proposed project (max. 300 words);
    • Consider the following questions in writing your description: What is your presentation about? What inspired it? How does it connect to the program’s themes? Is it part of a series or is it a standalone project? What form will it take (e.g. talk, performance, screening)? Does it include objects, images or an installation?
  • Short bio on you and/or your creative practice (max. 100 words);
    • if working collaboratively,  include this information for each member of the group;
  • 1-3 images of your process or work  (max. 1MB per image); 
  • Video link(s) (if applicable); and
  • Your contact info.

Deadlines

Submissions are due Monday, November 10, 2025 by 11:59pm Eastern Time.

Submit to the Showcase!

FAQ

There is no fee for this submission or for participating in the showcase. However, if selected, you will be responsible for arranging the setup and installation of your work at the venue. Artist fees will be paid to artists selected for the showcase.

The showcase will be a one-day event on Saturday, January 31, 2025. The showcase and reception will be held at a venue in Toronto. We reserve the right to modify dates and delivery methods if required.

Successful submissions will be notified by email by the week of November 17, 2025.

Email questions to DesignTO Programs Coordinator, adé abegunde at [email protected].