Net || Work
An AB artists platform series to connect artists and presenters
Introducing Net || Work;
Showcase and industry events highlighting Alberta-based artists with tour-ready work in dance, theatre and contemporary performance.
Net || Work brought together a blend of showcase and industry events—providing opportunities for artists to both perform and pitch their tour-ready works in dance, theatre and contemporary performance. This event spanned both Vancouver and Calgary, and saw a unique opportunity to create a meeting place for presenters to connect with dance and theatre artists. The result was a dynamic exchange of ideas, creativity, and collaboration across disciplines and regions. Net || Work not only highlighted incredible Alberta-based talent, but also strengthened and built connections to support future touring and artistic partnerships.
Here's what artists had to say about their Net || Work experience:
“Net || Work was profoundly meaningful for me as a prairie artist. Working outside of Canada’s largest cultural centers can often feel like creating in a parallel universe, where the scale of ambition and experimentation does not always register nationally. This opportunity disrupted that isolation. It positioned Alberta artists not as regional outliers, but as essential voices within the contemporary performance landscape.
The showcasing allowed me to articulate my practice with clarity and ambition while having genuine, curious conversations with presenters. But just as valuable was the time spent with fellow Albertan artists. Strengthening connections across Edmonton and Calgary built a sense of provincial momentum and solidarity that feels essential to our long-term growth. There was also something important about witnessing one another’s ambition. Seeing my peers step forward with bold, tour-ready work created momentum and raised the bar collectively. It reminded me that we are not competing for scraps. We are building a wave.”
“I had the pleasure of participating in two showcases featuring Alberta-based artists in both Vancouver and Calgary. It was inspiring to witness the level of innovation and diversity happening across our province. It offered a rare opportunity to assemble to share our work and connect with one another. Net || Work has left me feeling excited and hopeful for the future of art-making and performance in Alberta.”
Our presenters helped make Net || Work the success that it was. Read some presenter highlights here:
“Both the showcases and opportunities to connect with the artist were fantastic. I discovered a lot of artists and works we could consider for future programming years that I was not aware of before this event. I have left feeling like this event has made a big impact in connecting Alberta contemporary artists to multi-disciplinary presenters.”
“I was glad to see compelling smaller-scale dance shows. I'm committed to bringing more contemporary dance to Kelowna, but I can only afford one large-scale dance show each season. Having the opportunity to experience multiple artists in solo and duet formats is helpful for my programming.”
“I am so grateful for the whole Net || Work weekend, as it offered me the opportunity to see a number of dance/theatre pieces. It was a valuable opportunity for me to spread the word of our organization, and I truly hope that this event becomes an annual one.”
