Call for Expressions of Interest from the PACT international Relations Committee - Delegates to Sydney Festival 2027
OVERVIEW:
PACT aims to enhance the representation of Canada’s diverse theatre sector on the global stage by fostering new opportunities for collaboration, exchange, cultural export, sharing, and learning. To this end, PACT is seeking funding to offset the costs of supporting a delegation of Canadian theatre representatives to attend global festivals, marketplaces, and conferences. Due to the granting timeline, PACT is inviting member companies to submit a short expression of interest in participating in the upcoming delegation. This initiative is pending confirmed funding.
ABOUT THE DELEGATION:
The International Relations Committee is working with Sydney Festival and the Consulate General of Canada to organize a Canadian Delegation to attend the Sydney Festival in January 2027. We are seeking expressions of interest from the PACT Membership for those who would want to join this Delegation.
The Sydney Festival is one of Australia’s leading annual arts festivals, held each January across Sydney, showcasing a vibrant mix of theatre, dance, music, visual art, and large-scale public events. Known for commissioning bold new work and presenting major international artists alongside Australian talent, it transforms the city into a hub of creative activity. Since its founding in 1977, the festival has become a key cultural highlight, attracting audiences from around the world.
More information on the Sydney Festival here: Sydney Festival
The Industry event at the Sydney Festival will focus on fostering meaningful collaborations between Australia and Canada, featuring panel discussions, networking opportunities, and the chance to experience the exceptional work curated as part of the Festival. This gathering is intended to support relationship-building and future artistic partnerships between the two countries, with less emphasis on the presentation or sale of ready-to-tour productions.
DELEGATION TRAVEL DATE:
January 2027
ABOUT THE VIRTUAL EVENT
A virtual networking event has been planned that will allow PACT companies and presenters selected to connect with Australian companies and presenters in an effort to build relationships that may lead to potential future collaborations. This event will be entirely virtual and is envisioned to be a precursor to the in-person delegation for the Sydney Festival in January 2027.
VIRTUAL EVENT DATE & TIME:
Wednesday, April 1, 2026 6:00pm-7:30pm ET
Please note:
Applicants must be available to attend the online networking event April 1st at 6:00pm-7:30pm ET to be considered for the Australia 2027 In-Person Delegation in January.
PROCESS:
Submissions will be reviewed by members of PACT International Relations committee, and the delegation will be curated to represent a diversity of Canadian theatre practices, aesthetics, geography, organizational sizes, and goals. Pending grant results, successful applicants will be offered some funds towards costs for travel and accommodation. Successful applicants should be prepared to cover some portion of the cost of this trip. The number of successful applicants will be determined by available funding.
CONFIRMATION OF FUNDING:
The project will be contingent on confirmation of funding results in summer/fall 2026, and all delegates will be notified.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Please fill out the form by using the button below by Friday, February 27, 2026.
Apply now
NOTIFICATIONS:
PACT is aiming to notify all potential delegates the week of March 13, 2026.