FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OTTAWA, ON – October 6, 2026 – CAPACOA is pleased to share a new opportunity for artists and presenters in support of Canada–Ireland 180.
What is Canada-Ireland 180?
Canada–Ireland 180 is a landmark cultural initiative taking place in 2027, marking 180 years since the Famine migration of 1847. This season of Irish arts programming in Canada will celebrate our shared heritage by reflecting on the role of the Irish in Canada since that time, while deepening cultural exchange to reimagine a creative future. The initiative is a partnership between the Government of Ireland’s export office, Culture Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in collaboration with the Government of Canada.
Booking Irish Artists Through the Canada-Ireland 180 Portal
As part of Canada–Ireland 180, Canadian presenters will have the opportunity to book tour-ready Irish artists and shows through the Canada–Ireland 180 portal on the Arts Touring Connector (ATC), a digital platform that facilitates tour block booking. Presenters who book through this portal in the ATC will also have access to subsidies designed to help reduce the financial barriers associated with touring, making it easier and more accessible for presenters to participate in this initiative.
“For over 40 years, CAPACOA has helped Canadian artists connect with audiences at home and around the world. I’m proud to see its expertise supporting Canada–Ireland 180, which will bring our Canadian and Irish arts communities even closer together. By deepening our cultural and economic ties abroad, we are building a stronger, more resilient creative economy.”
—The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages
Preview Tour-Ready Irish Artists and Shows at CINARS
Presenters attending CINARS are invited to attend Spotlight on Ireland, a special showcase presented as part of Canada–Ireland 180.
Taking place on November 11, 2026, at 7PM ET (doors open at 6:30 PM) at the Rialto Theatre in Montreal, Quebec, the showcase will feature four Irish artists and productions that will be available through the Canada–Ireland 180 portal:
More information about the featured artists and Canada–Ireland 180 will be shared through CAPACOA’s All Access newsletter and social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.
Canadian presenters interested in attending Spotlight on Ireland can contact CAPACOA at [email protected].
Social Networks to Follow for This Initiative
| CAPACOA | Facebook: @CAPACOA Instagram: @capacoa_arts |
| Canadian Heritage | English Facebook: @Canadian Heritage French Facebook: @Patrimoine canadien English Instagram: @cdn.heritage French Instagram: @patrimoine.cdn |
| Culture Ireland | Facebook: @Culture Ireland Instagram: @cultureireland |
| The Embassy of Ireland in Canada | Facebook: @Embassy of Ireland – Canada Instagram: @irlembcanada |
For More Information, Please Contact:
For questions about the Canada–Ireland 180 portal, booking artists through the portal, or the subsidy program, please visit the Canada–Ireland 180 webpage or contact CAPACOA at [email protected].
For questions about the Canada–Ireland 180 program, and ongoing funding from Culture Ireland, please contact the Embassy of Ireland’s Cultural Attaché at [email protected].
Acknowledgements
This initiative has been made possible by the Government of Canada, Culture Ireland, and the Embassy of Ireland in Canada.
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About CAPACOA
The Canadian Association for the Performing Arts/l’Association canadienne des organismes artistiques (CAPACOA) is Canada’s only national arts service organization dedicated to fostering a healthy performing arts touring and presenting community. CAPACOA cultivates national and international partnerships and networks that represent approximately 1,000 professional and volunteer organizations, associations, and companies. CAPACOA’s membership includes over 180 professional for-profit and not-for-profit presenter organizations, festivals, artistic companies, agents, managers, artists, and other stakeholders working across the presenting and touring sector in Canada.
About Culture Ireland
Established in 2005, Culture Ireland creates and supports opportunities for Irish artists and companies from across the island of Ireland to present their work to global audiences. Funding is available to cover artists’ showcase and touring costs, and for buyers to attend showcases in Ireland.
