Business Skills for Creative Souls

Artists’ Conference

 

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.

Most Recent Session:

Business Skills for Creative Souls: Art in the Face of Adversity

April 24, 2026  •  Hosted by CBC’s Sonali Karnick

This full‑day conference was 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, participants explored the challenges artists are facing today — and, more importantly, how to move forward in a way that makes sense for your work.

 

Attendees Walked 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 included:

  • 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

 

    Stay tuned for photo recaps of the event! Also keep following us on our social media or sign up for our newsletter to get updates about next year’s editon.

    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

    • Connect with fellow artists in Quebec’s vibrant artistic ecosystem through interactive networking activities!
    • Hear valuable insights from Quebec-based artists through panel discussions and a keynote speaker!
    • Learn essential tips and tricks to develop your entrepreneurial skills as an artist!
    • 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.

    Victoria Sanchez

    Actress/Filmmaker & Keynote Speaker

    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!

    Cara Carmina

    Illustrator & Panelist

    Thank you again for having me today on the panel, it was really fun. It was wonderful being surrounded by so many wonderful beings.

    Stephen Voyce

    Recording Artist & Panelist

    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.

    Luis Valoyes

    YES Artist Client & Conference Volunteer

    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:

    Photos by Erica Steeves

    With support from:

    Media partners: