Call to Artists
High Performance Rodeo/Alberta Printmakers
What: High Performance Rodeo x Alberta Printmakers 2026 Poster Show
Overview Description
In January 2026, the High Performance Rodeo, presented by One Yellow Rabbit, will be celebrating 40 years of wild creativity with wonderfully curated performances.
To celebrate and expand the festival offerings, the 40th Annual High Performance Rodeo (HPRodeo) will include a poster show in collaboration with Alberta Printmakers (A/P).
One Yellow Rabbit (OYR) and Alberta Printmakers invite applications from local artists based in Calgary/Mohkinstsis to participate in this opportunity, which includes access to A/P’s Studio facility and in-person technical support and consultation to develop and translate artistic ideas into screen-printed posters that thematically celebrate the High Performance Rodeo’s 40 year history.
Resulting posters will be exhibited during the run of the festival for three weeks in January 2026.
Artists with any level of experience with screen printing (including both formal and community-based training) are encouraged to apply.
Project Description
The High Performance Rodeo x Alberta Printmakers 2026 Poster Show aims to:
- Celebrate and spread awareness of the High Performance Rodeo and the festival’s forty year history.
- Support studio access and artistic development while showcasing members of the visual arts community.
- Raise funds for the High Performance Rodeo and Alberta Printmakers to support sustained community programming.
Up to 10 local artists will be selected to participate in this project where they will each develop a limited edition screen-printed poster that thematically celebrates the High Performance Rodeo and its 40 year history (i.e., focusing on High Performance Rodeo shows, past artists, One Yellow Rabbit ensemble members or a combination of these). Please visit oyr.org/hprodeo for more information.
Studio Access, Project Materials and Technical Support
Selected artists will receive an A/P membership and a three-month A/P Studio Rental Contract ($630 value) from October – December 2025 to develop and complete their limited edition poster.
All materials toward the creation of the posters will be provided, and artists will receive up to three technical support/consultation sessions as needed to translate their concepts to screen prints.
During their Studio Rental Contract, artists may also work on their own projects within the A/P Studio in accordance with the A/P Studio Rental Contract. When working on independent projects during studio time, artists must provide their own project supplies (i.e., paper, plates and ink) outside of the regular studio materials that A/P provides for all Studio Renters.
In addition to studio access and technical support/consultation toward skill development, participating artists will receive: access to the 2026 High Performance Rodeo shows with an Artist Pass, one poster from each poster edition (one full portfolio set), and their poster included in the High Performance Rodeo x Alberta Printmakers 2026 Poster Show exhibition.
Exhibition and Edition Details
Exhibition:
- Final Posters will be exhibited as part of the High Performance Rodeo x Alberta Printmakers 2026 Poster Show activation in the Laycraft Lounge (or other prominent location) for a three-week period in January 2026.
- The High Performance Rodeo and Alberta Printmakers will promote the poster show and include artist details in channels used to promote the festival including website, digital and print materials.
Editions:
- One impression of each poster will be included in the poster show.
- One impression of each edition will be retained for inclusion in the One Yellow Rabbit and Alberta Printmakers archives (two impressions total).
- Each participating artist will receive one impression of each poster (one full portfolio set).
- Remaining impressions from each edition will be used toward fundraising purposes for both One Yellow Rabbit and Alberta Printmakers to support sustained community programming.
Project Timeline
Sept. 6, 2025: Applications due by 11:59pm MT
Sept. 22, 2025: Selected artists are notified.
Oct. 1 – 3, 2025: Studio orientation (one day during the first week of October; exact date/time TBD).
Oct. 8 to Dec. 31, 2025: Project development and completion
Oct. 24, 2025: Artist bios and statements due.
Jan. 6, 2025: Deadline to submit final completed and signed poster editions (no exceptions).
Jan. 12 – Feb. 1, 2026: Poster Show Exhibition
Application Assessment
All applications will be reviewed by a combined team of High Performance Rodeo staff, A/P Staff and or additional members of the visual and performing arts community.
Considerations include:
- Feasibility to execute the project based on having some familiarity with screen printing and scheduling availability to develop and complete the poster edition.
- Potential for artistic development by participating in the project.
- Interest in the High Performance Rodeo and a described creative approach to celebrating the High Performance Rodeo history of artists and productions through this project.
- Examples of previous work provided in the application.
When selecting applicants, additional considerations will be made with respect to supporting artists representative of the diversity of local artists. These considerations include and are not limited to: representation of a diversity of peoples, voices, identities, and perspectives; representation of varied professional arts training and trajectories such as educational background and current point in one’s career; and representation of a diversity of artistic practices and visual approaches.
How to Apply
A/P is an inclusive organization that embraces and respects diversity of peoples, opinions, and practices. We therefore encourage applications from equity deserving groups including those BIPOC (black, Indigenous, people of colour) newcomer, LGBTQIA2S+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/ Questioning, Intersex, Asexual,Two-Spirit) and persons with disabilities.
More more information, visit albertaprintmakers.com. Find the application form here.
High Performance Rodeo and Alberta Printmakers understand that traditional calls for proposals might not be accessible to everyone. Therefore we will accept proposals in both text based, video, or audio formats. Should you require assistance with this or have any questions, please contact director@albertaprintmakers.com or 403.287.1056.
