Application FAQ’s

What is Queer Spectra Arts Festival?

Queer Spectra Arts Festival is a multidisciplinary multiday festival dedicated to showcasing diverse LGBTQIA+ artistic perspectives. This year will be Queer Spectra’s 8th annual festival. There are typically performances, a gallery, workshops, artist gatherings, panels, and more. To learn more about past festivals, check out our website: https://www.queerspectra.com/past-festivals

When and where is the festival?

The 2026 Queer Spectra Arts Festival will be Thursday May 14th to Saturday May 16th in Salt Lake City Utah at the Sorenson Unity Center (1383 S 900 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84104).

Can out-of-state artists apply?

Yes! We have had many out-of-state artists participate in the festival. Please note, once accepted, you can apply to the scholarship to cover some shipping or travel cost. Queer Spectra Arts Festival does not provide housing.

Can international artists apply?

Yes! We have had multiple international artists participate in the festival. Please note, once accepted, you can apply to the scholarship to cover some shipping or travel cost. Queer Spectra Arts Festival does not provide housing.

Is there any cost to share work as an artist in the festival?

Thanks to generous support from grants, donations, and our community, there are no fees or costs for artists to participate in the festival. Queer Spectra does not charge any fees to apply or present/perform your work. 

The Festival is open to the public with a suggested donation NOTAFLOF (No one turned away for lack of funds).

What is the Queer Spectra Artist Scholarship?

We are excited to be able to provide direct financial support to artists. Scholarships are available to cover costs involved in creating your work such as compensation for materials and space. They can also support costs involved in presenting your work such as shipping and travel. Scholarships are intended to offer support for the creation process, especially for those who would otherwise not be able to present their art without financial assistance. The scholarship application will be available to artists after acceptance in the festival. Scholarships will be awarded based on financial need and individual merit.

What is the theme for 2026?

The theme is Troubling the Line. Add link here

Does my work have to fit the theme?

Every year, the organizing committee selects a theme for the festival and asks artists to respond to this theme in their work. We also curate workshops and presentations around this theme. This year, the theme is Troubling the Line. Artists are asked to tell us how their work aligns with the theme and we encourage artists to take this theme in many different directions. However, if your work does not align with the theme, we ask artists to tell us why you would like your work to be included in the festival. 

How many submissions am I allowed?

Only one submission will be accepted per artist.

In their application, 2D/3D artists may submit a single work or small series of works. A series must be connected and identified in the application.  

Literary artists may present multiple works as long as their reading is 8 minutes or less. Do not submit multiple applications for multiple works; submit only one application with all of the works including.

Is there a limit on the size of the work I submit? (for 2d and 3d artists)

We do not put restrictions on the size of your work. 2D/3D artists may submit a single work or small series of works. Queer Spectra is fortunate to showcase the works of many wonderful artists in our festival gallery and adjudicators will 

Is there a time limit for my work?

In each performance, we showcase around 7-10 artists so we cannot program extended or evening length works. In the past, we have had artists perform excerpts from longer works. Please refer to the following guidelines for time-based works:

For time-based art works, we encourage the following time limits: Dance, theatre, performance art: maximum 8 minutes for solos, 10 minutes for group works (including duo). Music: 10 minutes max. Short films: maximum 8 minutes.

For literary works, artists can read their pieces and/or have them available for audience members to read them in the gallery. For reading literary works, 8 minutes for solos, 10 minutes for group works (including duo).

Will I perform on both show days?

To include so many amazing performers, time-based artists will only perform/present their work in ONE show. If you have conflicts the weekend of the festival, please include them in your application. Any show on Thursday or Friday will be in the evening.

How do I know what work I submitted or my responses to the questions?

The form will automatically send a copy of your answers to the email address you entered.