Performance Artist Application Package

Thank you for your interest in applying to be a Bass Coast 2025 Performance Artist. 

Bass Coast takes place from July 11-14, 2025, in Merritt, BC on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Nlaka’pamux and Syilx people.

Bass Coast is an immersive, artistic experience, welcoming performing artists each year to contribute through dance, acrobatics, circus arts, and theatre. We aim to showcase movement artists who bring vibrant, engaging, and diverse performances, enriching the festival across dynamic platforms. 

We’re seeking the following:

  • Aerial Artists: Individuals, duos, or groups specializing in aerial arts (e.g., Lyra, Trapeze, Silks, Corde de Lisse) who can perform to their own music or alongside another musical act.
  • Group Stage Performances: Groups of 3 or more, with performances lasting 5-20 minutes on stage.
  • Pole Artistry: Solo or group artists specializing in pole artistry, with routines that can adapt to various music styles or complement other live performances.
  • Roving Performances: Moving performances that travel around the festival grounds, ideally incorporating interactive elements or characters.

Performance styles we’re unable to accept:

  • Fire Performances: Due to high weather-related risks, fire performances cannot be accepted, regardless of experience with fire safety or performance.

Bass Coast places a strong emphasis on creativity, integrity, performance style, and connection. Priority will be given to performers who create original choreography, use creative costuming, and present a style that complements the festival's musical programming. Performers must provide their own costumes, equipment, and music files if needed.

Each year, we curate a small, focused selection of performances, with only a few opportunities available. Please refrain from contacting us about your application status.

Thank you, we look forward to reviewing your application. We appreciate you and the art that you are creating.

KEY DATES in 2025

Feb 1: Application closed at 11:59 PM PT
March 31: All successful applicants contacted
April 15: Confirmed technical needs submitted
July 9: Gates open for Wednesday and Thursday Entry ticket holders

GENERAL INFORMATION
Bass Coast is a 19-plus-event and photo ID is required to enter the festival site. No animals are permitted on-site before, during or after the event. 

ACCESSIBILITY
Please take a moment to read about our Accessibility services.

SUSTAINABILITY
All presenters must use environmentally friendly packaging products. We encourage all presenters to source products locally whenever possible.

Please take a moment to read our Sustainability Education Series.

CODE OF CONDUCT
Bass Coast is committed to fostering its safe and inclusive community. In order to do so, Bass Coast requires that its team, contributors, volunteers and attendees understand and agree to this Code of Conduct in relation to all activities regarding the Festival.

Please take a moment to read our Code of Conduct.

CULTURAL APPROPRIATION
It is important for everyone to take responsibility for researching and educating themselves on this issue. When choosing your stylings (designs, costumes, makeup, hair, props, etc.)  for Bass Coast, consider the following questions:

  • Does this hold traditional significance to a community or culture?
  • Is this intended to express religious beliefs or political statements?
  • Does this designate respect or status within that culture?

If the answer is yes to any of the above, or if there is uncertainty, reconsideration is encouraged.

Bass Coast’s harm reduction strategy includes a commitment to providing a culturally safe environment for the entire community. A culture of mutual respect is a fundamental part of the Bass Coast experience. Even if the intention behind using or sharing culturally significant styling is respectful, other community members may find it insensitive or upsetting.

To maintain a welcoming and comfortable environment for all festival attendees, we ask that participants avoid these stylings, designs and/or wearing or using such items in performances.

Please take a moment to read about our Cultural Respect ETHOS.

ETHOS
Please take a moment to read more about our ETHOS:

    WEATHER
    Prepare for all weather. We may experience extreme heat, torrential rain, severe thunderstorms or high winds. Performances must go on, rain or shine, though in cases of extreme weather, performance times may need to be adjusted for safety reasons.

    HOURS OF PERFORMANCE
    We require that all performance artists are available to be scheduled to perform sometime between Thurs July 10 - Mon July 14.  If you cannot commit to these times, please note your availability in the special requests section of the application form.

    ENTRY & CAMPING
    Performance artists receive a Wednesday and Thursday Early Entry ticket which includes General Admission camping in select areas. 

    INSURANCE
    Performance artists engaging in higher-risk styles, such as acrobatics, aerials, or prop manipulation, may need to add Bass Coast to their liability insurance with the exact amount determined if hired.

    RELEASE OF LIABILITY
    Please take a moment to read our Liability Waiver.

    COVID-19 GUIDELINES
    Bass Coast Festival will continue to operate in accordance with provincial and local health guidelines and recommendations.  

    APPLY NOW