BASS COAST
INTERACTIVE ART APPLICATION
Thank you for your interest in applying for the Bass Coast Interactive Art program.
Bass Coast takes place from July 10-13, 2026, in Merritt, BC on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Nlaka’pamux and Syilx people.
Since the inception of the Interactive Art program in 2012, Bass Coast has awarded over $350,000 in financial funding, showcased more than 500 artists, and welcomed more than 1,200 participants to the program. The program offers professional and emerging artists an internationally recognised exhibition platform for their work. With the support and mentorship of the Bass Coast team, artists are invited to present interactive installations alongside their idols and peers.
Exhibiting art outdoors in a festival environment comes with unique challenges. This application serves as a tool to help you prepare before you apply.
Before applying, please review all questions below and our Interactive Art Application Package for important details.
We’re seeking the following:
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Innovative ideas and unique concepts
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Installations that are interactive with the viewer
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Projects that showcase distinctive lighting and design
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Work that sparks meaningful conversation
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Designs that create environments where viewers gather
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Teams that use sustainable building materials and methods
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Structurally sound designs, built to B.C. code
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Art designed for outdoor use, able to withstand high winds and rain
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Art that is pre-existing or in the design phase at the time of application
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Evolution of an existing or returning piece to ensure a unique experience at Bass Coast
Applications exhibiting some or all of the following qualities have a higher potential for success.
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Increased Physical Size: Art that is larger than 6 feet high.
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Cause & Effect: Interactive art
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Lighting Design: Installations featuring advanced lighting design
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Flooring: Applications which include ground cover or mindfulness of how the piece is landing/framed in its environment.
SUBMISSION EXPECTATIONS
Bass Coast 2026 Interactive Art submissions will consist of 1 round.
ROUND 1: Oct 15, 2025 - Jan 10, 2026
Submissions will be reviewed Jan 10, 2026; successful applicants will be notified by Feb 15, 2026.
Radius Clause: Interactive Art receiving a financial funding of over $1,000 will be asked to sign a radius clause and cannot present the same project at any event within 500 km & 45 days on either side of the Bass Coast exhibition. Exceptions may be made if the other event matches Bass Coast’s funding amount.
Arrival: Interactive Art is located in two areas with different opening dates. Installations in the field must be set up by Wednesday at 11 PM, and installations in the forest by Thursday at 11 PM. All Interactive Art installations must be removed by 5 PM on Monday post-show.
Exhibit Locations: Bass Coast will determine the location of each installation, and artists must comply with the assigned location.
Safety: Interactive Art teams are responsible for ensuring their installation remains safe, secure, and functional throughout the entire festival. Bass Coast Festival is not liable for damaged installations.
BASIC STANDARDS
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No pop-up tents; if a tent is used, it must be disguised*
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No tarps, unless disguised*
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Blow-up pools and plastic seating must be disguised*
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No rental fencing
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Art must match the description provided or event access and/or funding will be revoked
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Engineering stamps and liability insurance are required for any weight-bearing overhead structures
*If a tent, tarp, blow-up pool, or plastic seating is absolutely necessary, it must seamlessly integrate with the installation and not be visibly recognisable as a purchased product.
KEY DATES in 2026
Jan 10: Applications close at 11:59 PM
Feb 1: All successful applicants contacted
July 8: Interactive Art participants arrive on-site
July 8: Interactive Art in the field complete and ready for safety inspection before 5 PM and completed by 11 PM
July 9: Interactive Art in the forest complete and ready for safety inspection before 5 PM and completed by 11 PM
July 13: Interactive Art must be removed by 5 PM
Please note: all questions with * indicate a required field.
Thank you, we look forward to reviewing your application.