Business Skills for Creative Souls
Artists’ Conference
Friday, April 24
Transform your artistic passion into a sustainable career
YES is here to help artists across Quebec thrive! Whether you’re just starting your creative journey or looking to elevate your career, our expert coaching, themed workshops, events and resources are designed to guide you every step of the way.
Why attend our Business Skills for Creative Souls Artists’ Conference?
The YES Artists’ Conference is our annual flagship event designed to equip artists and creative professionals with the tools, insights, and support they need to build thriving, sustainable careers.
Whether you’re a visual artist, performer, writer, or multidisciplinary creator, this conference delivers real-world business skills tailored for the arts.
What to Expect:
✓ Insightful panel discussions with industry leaders
✓ Inspiring keynote speakers sharing their success stories
✓ Networking opportunities with creative professionals and organizations
✓ Direct access to funding partners and arts organizations
Since 1999, this event has been a cornerstone of our thriving Artists’ Program helping countless artists achieve their professional and creative goals.
This year’s Artists’ Conference — April 24
Business Skills for Creative Souls: Art in the Face of Adversity
April 24, 2026 • Hosted by CBC’s Sonali Karnick
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Doors open at 9:00 AM for registration)
This full‑day conference is for artists trying to figure out how to adapt, grow, and build a sustainable creative life in a rapidly changing world.
Across panels, talks, and real conversations, you’ll explore the challenges artists are facing today — and, more importantly, how to move forward in a way that makes sense for your work.
What You’ll Walk Away With
• Practical tools to adapt your work in an AI‑driven landscape
• Clear guidance on funding and how to approach CALQ
• Strategies to build visibility and grow your audience
• Mental health insights for creative work
• A deeper understanding of how migration shapes artistic careers
Connect, Collaborate & Recharge
Beyond the talks, the day also includes:
- Live performances and special moments throughout the day
- Opportunities to connect with other artists navigating similar challenges
- A closing networking mixer designed for real conversations and future collaborations
This isn’t just about learning — it’s about being in a room with people who get it.
Attend Online or In Person
Join us in person or online, from anywhere in Quebec.
The event will be presented in English.
A day to step back, gain clarity, and connect with others navigating similar questions in their work.
Key Facts and Figures
We take pride in providing a vibrant hub where upcoming and well-established artists connect, share experiences, and, best of all, inspire. Over the years…
- More than 3,700 attendees have participated in over 22 successful conferences
- 329 speakers attended and shared their stories, experiences, and advice
- Countless connections have been made between Quebec artists
What You’ll Gain by Attending
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Connect with fellow artists in Quebec’s vibrant artistic ecosystem through interactive networking activities!
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Hear valuable insights from Quebec-based artists through panel discussions and a keynote speaker!
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Learn essential tips and tricks to develop your entrepreneurial skills as an artist!
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Become part of a supportive community dedicated to fostering artistic growth.
I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and listening to all the other wonderful panellists. We have a wonderful community of artists here, and it’s wonderful what the whole YES Montreal team does.
I just wanted to thank you for inviting me to be part of your conference today! It was a big pleasure and I feel privileged to be able to give back to you guys as you gave me so much at the start of my journey in Montreal. I loved being a part of it!
Thank you again for having me today on the panel, it was really fun. It was wonderful being surrounded by so many wonderful beings.
The conference was amazing, very inspiring, and it’s amazing to see how many lives of creative people have been touched by the work that YES does. Even though I’m still not great at networking, I met a few nice people, gave away some business cards, and left feeling as part of a community. I’m really happy to have been there.
Past Guest Speakers
We strive to feature a diverse range of experienced speakers to provide our guests with a rich and diversified experience. Notable past speakers include:
- David Usher (artist, bestselling author, and founder of Reimagine AI)
- Kid Koala (scratch DJ, music producer, theatre producer, film composer)
- Kevin Tierney (film producer)
- Steve Galluccio (screenwriter and playwright)
- Yann Martel (author of the Man Booker Prize-winning novel Life of Pi)
- Lorraine Klaasen (world music singer)
- Oliver Jones (jazz pianist, organist, composer and arranger)
- Andy Nulman (co-founder of Just For Laughs comedy festival)
Photos by Erica Steeves
With support from:
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