What the Pop! 2026

Call for Submissions Are Now Open

Apply by Sunday, June 7

Are you an emerging artist or musician based in Quebec looking to present your work publicly, build professional experience, and connect with new audiences?

Apply to What the Pop! 2026, a free professional development and pop-up exhibition opportunity presented by YES Employment + Entrepreneurship.

What the Pop! is designed for artists who are early in their careers and looking for supported, real‑world experience sharing or performing their work in a public setting.

Approximately 35–45 artists will be selected by a professional jurty to participate in one curated outdoor pop-up event, and receive training, support and promotion designed to help strengthen their artistic practice.

This opportunity is open to maker artists and musicians — see all accepted media in the Who Can Apply section below.

What's Included

Selected artists receive:

- 2–3 free skills-building workshops
- Participation in one curated outdoor pop-up event
- Targeted event support from YES staff

Who Can Apply

Open to emerging maker artists and performing artists who:

- Are 18+ and based in Quebec
- Are Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Have limited public presentation experience in Quebec

We particularly welcome applications from artists from marginalized communities, including BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+ artists, and artists with disabilities.

Accepted media:

- Painting, drawing, illustration, printmaking and photography
- Artist-made editions and publications
- Ceramics, sculpture and textile arts
- Jewellery, fashion, and wearable art, including upcycled design practices
- Musicians (solo artists or groups)

Key Dates

Applications open: May 8, 2026
Free workshop: Answering Artist Calls: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them: June 2, 2026 – Reserve your spot here.
Application deadline: June 7, 2026

How to Apply

Read the Submission Guidelines (available in English and French)
Attend the free submission workshop (recording available afterward)
Complete the bilingual application form, including work samples and artistic CV

All applicants will be notified of results by July 13, 2026.

If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].

Apply to What the Pop!

What the Pop! 2026 Dates and Locations

Selected participants will be assigned to one of the following outdoor events:

Cardinal Brewing

August 22, 2026 | Hudson, QC

Outdoor site

466 Rue Main, Hudson, QC J0P 1H0

Church of the Epiphany

August 29, 2026 | Verdun, Montreal

Outdoor site

4322 Wellington St, Verdun, Quebec H4G 1W4

Selected artists will be assigned to one outdoor event by YES. Please note that all selected musicians will be assigned to the Hudson event on August 22.

What the Pop! Gallery

See previous What the Pop! events:

What the Pop! 2023 | Cardinal Brewing in Hudson, QC

What the Pop! 2023 | Church of the Epiphany in Verdun, Montreal

What the Pop! introduces emerging artists to public, community-oriented spaces throughout Quebec.

Apply by June 7, 2026