JAYU FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

Whether you're an emerging or established artist, we invite you to share work that explores human rights, identity, social justice, and lived experiences.

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WHAT IS JAYU FEStival of the arts?

JAYU Festival of the Arts (JFA) is a 7-day celebration of creative expression rooted in human rights and social justice, featuring films, workshops, performances, an exhibition, and an artist market. We believe art can be a tool for change by sharing human rights stories, building empathy, fostering healing and community, and sparking the conversations that help push the world toward a more equitable, loving place.

MULTI-DAY FESTIVAL

  • EXHIBITION

    ANNUAL JURIED EXHIBITION

    Bringing together emerging and established creators who invite viewers to see the world through their eyes and explore their stories and experiences.

  • FILM SCREENINGS

    SHORT + FEATURE LENGTH FILMS

    From short features to a feature film, each screening highlights voices often left unheard and explores themes of equity, resilience, and the human experience through a lens of truth and transformation.

  • POETRY SLAM

    JAYU SLAMS

    Poetry takes centre stage as artists share work that moves between vulnerability and strength awhile creating a space for reflection, and resilience.

  • ARTS WORKSHOPS

    YOUR TURN TO CREATE

    Get hands-on in our studio and explore a creative art-making experience led by talented artists and facilitators. Learn new techniques, experiment with different materials, and create a unique piece to take home while connecting with fellow creatives.

"I crawled out of my year long hiatus of being anywhere to see this happen, and it made me realize that sometimes being in the right spaces does amazing things for the spirit.”

– Artist & Attendee

JAYU FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS APPLICATION

    • Short films under 30 minutes engaging with themes of human rights, equity, and social justice

    • Fiction or non-fiction films over 30 minutes* telling powerful stories rooted in social justice, equity, and human rights.

    • Artists of all disciplines are invited to submit work for our annual juried exhibition throughout the festival.

    • Equity-deserving young artists and filmmakers from the GTA, ages 16–30.

    • Artists looking for a platform to showcase their work and connect with fellow storytellers.

    • Past and current iAM program participants, and community members who haven't taken iAM programming but share a passion for using art as a tool for change. iAM participants will be prioritized for the Exhibition.

    • If you've been part of an iAM Program, feel free to share work you created during it.

    • Deadline to Submit: Friday, October 2 at 11:59PM EST

    • Artwork Drop-off: November 1 – 7

    • Artwork Pick-Up: December 13 – 19

    • Exhibition Dates: November 18 – November 22

  • This form takes about 15–20 minutes to complete. Incomplete submissions will not be accepted. Before you begin, please have the following ready: JAYU Festival of the Arts 2026

    • Your artist bio (150–250 words)

    • A high-resolution headshot (JPG or PNG at least 1000px on the shortest side)

    • 2–5 high-resolution images of your artwork or stills if applicable

    • A link to your film or artwork (Vimeo, YouTube, or Google Drive — set sharing to “Anyone with the link can view”)

    • Basic artwork details: title, date created, medium, and dimensions or duration

    Please complete this application to the best of your ability. If you have questions or trouble filling out this form, contact info@jayu.ca with the subject line “JFA 2026 Submission Inquiry”.

thank you to our funders and sponsors!