ART - 2026 Interactive Application -



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:

  1. Innovative ideas and unique concepts

  2. Installations that are interactive with the viewer

  3. Projects that showcase distinctive lighting and design

  4. Work that sparks meaningful conversation

  5. Designs that create environments where viewers gather

  6. Teams that use sustainable building materials and methods

  7. Structurally sound designs, built to B.C. code

  8. Art designed for outdoor use, able to withstand high winds and rain

  9. Art that is pre-existing or in the design phase at the time of application

  10. 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.

  • Increased Physical Size: Art that is larger than 6 feet high.

  • Cause & Effect: Interactive art

  • Lighting Design: Installations featuring advanced lighting design

  • 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  

  • No pop-up tents; if a tent is used, it must be disguised*

  • No tarps, unless disguised*

  • Blow-up pools and plastic seating must be disguised*

  • No rental fencing

  • Art must match the description provided or event access and/or funding will be revoked

  • 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.

I have read and accept the above terms


PLEASE DO NOT NAVIGATE AWAY FROM THIS PAGE WHILE COMPLETING THE APPLICATION FORM.


USING THE BACK BUTTON WILL RESULT IN THE LOSS OF COLLECTED INFORMATION, REQUIRING YOU TO START AGAIN.

FINANCIAL FUNDING WILL ONLY BE AWARDED TO FINISHED PROJECTS THAT MATCH THE DESCRIPTIONS GIVEN BELOW.

OVERVIEW

Legal First Name

Please choose one person as the primary point of contact for the installation.

Preferred Name
Legal Last Name
Email
Confirm Email
Phone Number
Installation Name

(MAX 50 CHARACTERS INCLUDING SPACES)

NEW in 2026:
We highly recommend picking a name that clearly describes the visual look of your installation to help make your piece more recognisable. Provide a title that is both concise and descriptive.

The name title will be featured on the Bass Coast website, app, signage and used for promotional purposes.

Best Image of Interactive Art
(MAX SIZE 5MB)

Please use a professional image, 3D model, or high-quality sketch that clearly showcases your Interactive Art or conception design. Rough sketches are not accepted as this is a crucial part of the application.

For successful applicants, any artwork images submitted may be used on the Bass Coast website, app, and for promotional purposes. However, the Bass Coast Art Director will make the final image selection. The Art Curation Team may select an alternate image for the profile if needed.

Image Specifications:

Accepted file types: JPG / PNG.
Accepted file dimensions: 600x600px min. - 1000x1000px max.
Accepted file size: 2MB max.
Aspect Ratio: The image will be cropped square as needed.

Supporting Image Upload
(MAX SIZE 5MB)

Submit a minimum of 3 supporting images. Must include one image with measurements and a human adjacent to the piece for scale, and one image with lighting renders at night.

Proposal Package

If you have created a multi-page proposal for your installation, please include a file link here. This is optional, as the application form will serve as a proposal.

    Accepted file links: Google Drive, Drop Box, etc.

    Video File

    Video submissions for installations are encouraged but optional. Include a file link to showcase an existing piece or proposed installation concept.

    Accepted video folder links: Google Drive file, Dropbox, etc.

    General Description

    Briefly describe your installation for the curation team below.

    How is the piece interactive?
    Footprint on the ground

    Width, Length, Height. Please give all measurements in feet/ inches

    Is your piece over 6ft tall?
    Support Categories

    Interactive Art projects are supported through a combination of event access and financial contributions.

    This support is intended to offset the costs of creating and presenting artworks. The program does not fund 100% of installation expenses. Artists are expected to use this support toward their project costs.

    If these terms are not acceptable, please do not apply.

    SUPPORT CATEGORIES

    Category 1: Event access for 2 people (equivalent value $1,200)

    Category 2: Event access for 2 people (equivalent value $1,200) + financial support up to $1,000

    Category 3: Event access for 2 people (equivalent value $1,200) + financial support exceeding $1,000

    Category 4: Event access for 2 people (equivalent value $1,200) + financial support exceeding $3,000

    Size of Team

    The majority of Interactive Art receive event access for two people.

    You will be asked to provide the following details:

    EVENT ACCESS ONE (1):

    • Legal First Name

    • Preferred Name

    • Legal Last Name

    • Job Duty / Role

    EVENT ACCESS TWO (2):

    • Legal First Name

    • Preferred Name

    • Legal Last Name

    • Job Duty / Role

      Additional event access may be allocated upon acceptance, subject to approval. A very limited number of extra team allocations may be available for individual purchase, which include Interactive Art accreditation, camping and early entry. Do not purchase through basscoast.ca, instead, a private purchase link will be sent in early June.

      Final allocations will be confirmed upon contract signing. No further team members or event access can be added after this point.

      If the installation requires access for more than two people, you will be asked to provide the following:

      • Specify the job duty per additional team member

      • A detailed explanation of why this role is essential for the installation

      Please select the total number of team members in your group.

      EVENT ACCESS ONE (1)
      • Legal First Name

      • Preferred Name

      • Legal Last Name

      • Job Duty / Role


        EVENT ACCESS TWO (2)
        • Legal First Name

        • Preferred Name

        • Legal Last Name

        • Job Duty / Role

        EVENT ACCESS THREE (3)
        • Job Duty / Role

        • Why is this role is essential for the installation?

        EVENT ACCESS FOUR (4)
        • Job Duty / Role

        • Why is this role is essential for the installation?

        EVENT ACCESS FIVE (5)
        • Job Duty / Role

        • Why is this role is essential for the installation?

        EVENT ACCESS SIX (6)
        • Job Duty / Role

        • Why is this role is essential for the installation?

        EVENT ACCESS SEVEN (7)
        • Job Duty / Role

        • Why is this role is essential for the installation?

        EVENT ACCESS EIGHT (8)
        • Job Duty / Role

        • Why is this role is essential for the installation?

        EVENT ACCESS NINE (9)
        • Job Duty / Role

        • Why is this role is essential for the installation?

        EVENT ACCESS TEN (10)
        • Job Duty / Role

        • Why is this role is essential for the installation?

        Budget

        What are the costs associated with your project?

        Bass Coast provides partial funding for each installation, intended as a rental fee. Artists retain full ownership of their work and are encouraged to exhibit and develop the piece at other events over its lifespan. In your budget, please include all costs, such as transport, storage, engineering, and insurance. Thoughtful and comprehensive budgets are required for successful applications. 

        Last-minute funding requests will not be granted to teams that have not budgeted appropriately.

        Please list your budget or provide a link to it. Accepted file links: Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.

        Transport Costs

        Please provide details on how your installation will be transported to and from the festival site, including the type of vehicle(s), distance, and estimated costs.

        Public Artwork Statement and Bio

        For successful applicants, the information provided will be used on the Bass Coast website, app, signage, and for promotional purposes. 

        Please save a copy of your artwork statement and bio from our confirmation email for future reference.

        Enter your artwork statement and bio in the field below:

        1. ABOUT THE ART - Max 350 characters. Provide context and brief instructions for the viewer.

        2. ABOUT THE ARTIST(S) - Max 250 characters. Provide a brief description of the artist(s) behind the installment.

        Refer to the 2025 Interactive Art profiles for formatting and inspiration here.

        EXAMPLE:
        ABOUT THE ART

        Echoes of Nature is an immersive installation that uses polished metal, wood, and stone surfaces to play with light and shadow. Soft lighting and earthy textures create shifting reflections on metal, inviting visitors to experience the beauty of subtle changes in perspective. Each visit offers a new way to see oneself and the natural world.

        ABOUT THE ARTISTS
        Elemental Collective has crafted immersive, nature-inspired installations since 2009. Their work blends natural materials and light to create introspective spaces, encouraging participants to explore their connection to the environment through creative reflection.

        Staging and Presentation

         All installations should aim to create an environment around their art. You must place your piece on the ground with attention given to how it is landing. You must add ground cover to your installation. This attention to detail is vital when creating professional art in the space allocated for each artist to exhibit.

        Examples include:

        • adding seating with a carpet,

        • placing the art on a piece of turf,

        • bringing organic ground cover for around the base,

        • adding details to create a:

          • perimeter,

          • platform, and/or;

          • floor.

        To support our green team's post-event efforts, moving rocks or wood on-site is not permitted and must remain in place.

        How will your piece be framed in its exhibit location?


        FOR SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS, WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES WILL BE USED ON THE BASS COAST WEBSITE, APP AND FOR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES.

        REMOVE THE URL FOR ANY PLATFORM YOU DO NOT HAVE AN ACCOUNT OR WEBSITE FOR. PLEASE INCLUDE THE FULL WEBSITE ADDRESS.
        Website

        Your company must own this website.

        Example: https://www.basscoast.ca

        Instagram

        Please include all the handles of team members who should be credited when Bass Coast shares an image.

        Example: https://www.instagram.com/basscoastfest

        SOCIAL MEDIA NOTE: Bass Coast includes tags in the asset, not in the caption of the post, unless specified. If you notice your art is untagged in a post where it is shown, feel free to direct message the festival on that platform to request tagging.

        ETHOS

        Please confirm that you took the time to read more about our ETHOS:

        Sustainability

        Explain how your project includes sustainable methods of installation and use of materials.

        Artist Past Experience

        (MAX 50 WORDS)

        Describe your experience, and if applicable, your team’s experience, in creating large-scale art. Include links to past work or similar projects currently in progress.

        Image of Past Work
        (MAX SIZE 5MB)

        Please upload an image of a finished piece of art you have created.

        THE DETAILS

        Have you attended and/or participated in Bass Coast before?
        Which years and in what capacity?

        If yes, please elaborate.

        Have you presented installations at other festivals?
        What festivals and which years?

        If yes, please elaborate.

        Artistic Impact

        How do you think your piece will contribute to the environment?

        Amplified Music

        Please note we do not accept any installations with amplified DJ areas, sound systems, musical instruments, or any other programming not approved by our curation team.

        Does your installation make amplified noise or use music?

        Amplified Music Description

        If yes, please describe.

        Power Plan

        Does your installation require power?

        Power Requirements

        If yes, please be very specific. List all the items that draw power during the show.

        Pre-show Power

        Main power hubs will be set up in the forest and field and ready for use on Thur. July 9, at 9 AM.

        Do you require power for set up and tear down?


        Pre-show Power Requirements

        If yes, please describe.

        Trenches

        Each installation team must dig their own trench (minimum 10 inches deep) to the power hub and lay power cords into the trench (some tools available). Teams are responsible for bringing enough power cables to reach an outlet. Installations may be located 20’–50’ from a power hub. After the festival, all trenches must be filled in by the art team.

        By checking YES, I confirm that I will bring my own extension cords, dig my own trenches to the power hub, and fill them back in after the festival to reduce the impact of my art on the forest.

        Lighting Image
        (MAX SIZE 5MB)

        Please upload an image or render of how your installation will appear at night.

        SAFETY

        Engineering Papers

        If your installation has more than one floor, large overhead components, or large moving parts, you must have an engineering stamp and carry liability insurance that lists Bass Coast Project Ltd. If you still need to get the papers, please note you will be required to obtain them if accepted to the exhibit. Please consult with a local engineer for an estimated cost.

        My piece has more than one floor, large overhead components, or large moving parts and will require an engineering stamp. I have considered this in my budget:

        Engineering Papers Other

        If Other, please elaborate.

        Engineering Stamp
        (MAX SIZE 5MB)

        If you already have this paperwork, please attach the engineering stamp here.

        Liability Insurance

        Do you have liability Insurance for this structure?

        All structures must be safe and built according to the BC Building Codes. An onsite safety inspection is mandatory for all installations. Large installations are required to have their own liability insurance. If you do not possess liability insurance, and it is determined to be necessary by our Interactive Art curation team, you may be obligated to secure coverage before the festival and list Bass Coast on that policy. 

        My piece has more than one floor, large overhead components, or large moving parts and will require insurance. I have considered this in my budget:

        Liability Insurance Other

        If other, please describe.

        Insurance Documentation
        (MAX SIZE 5MB)

        If you already have this paperwork, please attach here.

        Structural Plan

        Event access and/or financial funding will only be awarded to finished projects that match the description below.

        How is your installation engineered to be safe? How is your installation anchored, fastened, and supported?

        Please describe your structural plans in under 50 words.

        Structural Plan Images
        (MAX SIZE 5MB)

        Please upload supporting images.

        Rain Considerations

        Bass Coast may experience full sun, heavy rain, and thunderstorms. Your installation must be water-resistant, securely anchored, and able to withstand sustained rain, high winds, and gusts.

        NOTE: Tarps and pop-up tents are not permitted in the exhibit unless they are well disguised. In the event of heavy rain or storms, you may temporarily cover your artwork with a tarp, but it must be removed immediately after the rain stops.

        Could rain damage or compromise the safety of this piece?

        Anchoring and High Wind Action Plan

        Artists will receive high wind warnings when conditions include a sustained wind of 70km/h or more and /or gusts up to 90 km/h or more. A sober member of your team must be available to respond at any point in the show.

        What is your plan to monitor and ensure the safety of your piece and the people around it in the event of high winds?

        Rain and High Wind Safety Requirements

        By checking 'YES,' I acknowledge that the location may experience rain and strong gusty winds. I agree to ensure that the installation is designed to withstand rain exposure, properly anchored, and all items are securely fastened against wind.

        Sharp Corners and Tripping Hazards

        All installations are required to be safe. Remember, the exhibit is busy during the day and night. 

        Does your art have sharp corners or items that extrude at eye level? Are there tripping hazards that may create an unsafe area for people in the dark?

        Sharp Corners and Tripping Hazards Safety Requirement

        By checking 'YES,' I understand and agree that I am required to ensure the installation is free from tripping hazards and sharp objects that could cause harm.

        Rigging

        The trees on-site are not to be used for any weight bearing rigging points. If your art is suspended in the air, it must be SECURED by its own uprights, not the trees. If your art is airborne, you may require a rigger on your team. All suspended elements must be pre-approved by our rigging team.

        Please describe any suspended elements in your installation and specify if you need assistance from our rigging team, including the level of support required.

        Safety Terms and Safety Check Requirements

        Interactive Art presenters and their team are responsible for mitigating all anticipated safety concerns before applying and or arriving on site. If any unexpected safety concerns arise during setup or throughout the festival, immediately notify the Bass Coast installation curation team.

        Once your artwork is installed on site, a safety check will be conducted. If any safety issues are identified, you we will be asked address them. Bass Coast reserves the right to remove any art posing a safety risk, and financial funding and event access may be revoked.

        By checking 'YES,' I confirm that I have understand and agree to the details outlined in the Bass Coast Safety Terms and Safety Check Requirements.

        Storage and Transportation

        Making art for festivals involves unique transport and storage factors that must be well thought out.

        How are you transporting your art to and from the festival? What are the costs involved? Do you have a backup plan? Where will you store the art, and what is the storage footprint?

        Heavy Machinery

        Does your installation require heavy machinery?

        Heavy Machinery Equipment

        Bass Coast does not provide any tools, lifts, ladders, extension cords, power bars or other equipment or hardware. Bass Coast has very limited access to heavy machinery. In special cases artists may request in advance assistance from the Bass Coast team to support them with bucket lifts, skid steers, tall ladders and lull (telehandler).

        What heavy machinery is required?

        Heavy Machinery Details

        If you require any of the above please be specific with your request: machine needed, amount of time for set up or teardown, do you have the required safety tickets & harnesses?

        International Interactive Art

        Artists may qualify for a work permit exemption letter for crossing the Canadian border. If your installation is currently located outside of Canada, please state its current location and any prior instances of border crossings associated with it.

        Is the installation located outside of Canada?

        International Installation Details

        If yes, please elaborate.

        Bass Coast Team References

        Do you have any references from the Bass Coast team?

        Bass Coast References Details

        If yes, please include name(s), department(s), and if you worked together at Bass Coast Festival. Working together at Bass Coast is not a requirement. Contact info can also be included.

        Other References

        Do you have any other references that can speak to your Interactive Art experience?

        Other References Details

        If yes, please include name(s) and contact details (phone number, company, and position). You can use this field to share any other details related to this experience.

        Opportunity for any further comments, links or information
        Final Payment by Cheque

        As the primary contact, please provide the full name or business name and address details in the fields below.

        Building Name/Street Number
        Street Name
        City
        Province/State/County
        Postal Code/ZIP
        Country
        Company GST or Tax ID

        If a company, please provide your company's GST number or Foreign Tax ID.

        Interactive Art Application Package

        By checking 'YES,' I confirm that I have read, understand and agree to the details outlined in the Bass Coast Interactive Art Information Package.

        Interactive Art Application Package

        Liability Waiver

        By checking 'YES,' I confirm that I have read, understand and agree to the details outlined in the Bass Coast Liability Waiver.

        Liability Release

        Code of Conduct

        By checking 'YES,' I confirm that I have read, understand and agree to the details outlined in the Bass Coast Code of Conduct. 

        Code of Conduct

        Harassment and Assault Policy

        By checking 'YES,' I confirm that I have read, understand and agree to the details outlined in the Bass Coast Harassment and Assault Policy with particular attention to Section 6.1.

        Section 6.1 - Harassment and Assault Policy

        Please sign on the line below to accept terms and conditions.

        Review your signature

        Draw your signature

        Draw It Clean