Submissions are now open!
This initiative aligns with the vision of Mayworks “to incite the creation and production of art that engages diverse artists and workers in the advancement of cultural, economic and social justice.” The program was launched in 2021 and has since run annual call for submissions. We invite submissions from artists working in all disciplines: visual art, film and video, digital media, music, dance, theatre, performance, installation and beyond. 

This year’s participating organizations are Justice for Truck Drivers with Peel Region Labour Council and Anakbayan Toronto.

Justice for Truck Drivers are an organizing group of truck drivers fighting for their rights with the support of Peel Region Labour Council . Truck drivers often experience misclassification, wage theft, harassment, and unsafe working conditions. Most of their membership are racialized immigrants. As essential front-line workers, they demand laws and infrastructure for decent, safe and just working conditions. Learn more.

Anakbayan Toronto* advocate for Philippine issues and issues affecting the Filipino community in Canada. Anakbayan Toronto is a chapter of Anakbayan, a national democratic mass organization of Filipino youth with over 40,000 members around the world. Anakbayan believes that Philippine society today is not truly free or democratic. Rather, it is under the control of U.S imperialism, along with local landlords, big capitalists, and corrupt government officials. Their organizing and struggle seeks to build true national liberation for the country and the realization of the democratic rights of the people. Learn more.

*If applying to Anakbayan Toronto, please note the jury will prioritize applicants that self-identify as Filipino youth (35 and under).

About the program

Artists select the organization with whom they wish to work during the submission process. We encourage you to research their work ahead of applying. Mayworks staff facilitate initial meetings with the labour organization. Artists are then responsible for following up with their labour organization to continue  research. Artists create an artwork inspired and or informed by the work of selected labour organization.

Artists retain copyright and creative control of their work, but are expected to share a work in progress with the labour organization for feedback prior to completion of the artwork. The goal is to present the work at Mayworks Festival 2026.

Eligibility
Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, reside in Ontario and be available according to the timeline and locations listed above. Applicants must be 18+.

Mayworks acknowledges we live in a society rooted in oppression and inequalities; that structural injustice and unconscious prejudice influence our experiences; and the importance of incorporating the knowledge and guidance from oppressed people’s experience within the organization. We encourage applicants from members of these groups to apply.

Fees 
Both selected artists will receive $2,000 toward the creation of their artwork. If the artwork is presented during the Mayworks Festival 2026, artists will receive an additional exhibition fee of $800.

Costs
Artists are expected to cover the expense of creating their artwork for the Mayworks Festival in 2026. Mayworks will apply for funding to help artists offset costs such as research, production and mentorship, but this funding is not guaranteed.

Location
Project development including meetings with labour organizations, research, and interviews will take place in-person (Greater Toronto Area) and remotely. Presentation at the festival (performance, installation, other) and other accompanying programming such as artist talks and workshops require artists to be in the Toronto and/or Peel Region. Mayworks will apply for funding to offset travel costs but this funding is not guaranteed.

Project Documentation
Mayworks may commission a writer or documentarian to create documentation about the artwork and the artistic process. Artists will be required to share their process and progress with the assigned writer or documentarian.

How to apply?
Applications are submitted online. Click here to review the submission questions and apply.

Timeline

2025

April 7, 6PM: Labour Arts Catalyst information session for potential applicants. Register here.
Monday May 5, 11:59PM: Submission deadline
Early June: Selected artists notified
June 12, time TBD: Mandatory orientation
June/July: With the support of Mayworks staff, artists meet with labour organization and begin research and project development
August/September: Artists share project proposal and workplan with Mayworks
Fall: Artists share progress to date with labour organization

2024

February/March: Project completion
February-April: Build, implement, rehearse, etc., as required. Documentation created for festival promotion.
May: Presentation at the Mayworks Festival
June 12: Final report submitted to Mayworks
*Mayworks staff will be available throughout the timeline to offer project support and guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Can emerging artists apply?
Yes! Artists of all career levels are encouraged to apply. The jury recognizes self-taught practice, learning outside art institutions, and transferable skills.

Can mid-career and established artists apply?
Yes! Artists of all career levels are encouraged to apply. Mayworks prioritizes applicants of systemically marginalized groups.

What kinds of support material are accepted?
Diverse support materials are accepted (performance recording, poetry, photography, workshop facilitation, unexhibited works, etc). To strengthen application, work should be as relevant as possible to your proposal.

How specific should I be in the application?
Successful applicants use the word count as a frame for going into detail about past experiences and interest in being a part of this program with specificity to the organization they’ve selected.

I don’t have a personal connection to any of the organizations, can I still apply?
A personal connection is not required. Doing research about the organizations may be helpful in finding a meaningful connection and point of interest based on your experiences. Please note that when submitting to Anakbayan Toronto, the jury will prioritize applicants that self-identify as Filipinx youth (35 and under).

What can creation fee be used towards?
Artists have used their creation fee towards costs including but not limited to painting supplies, interview subject honorariums, printing, installation materials, technicians, designers, and more.