Kathy M. Austin in partnership with National accessArts Centre invites all curious creators to apply for Cryptids on the Margin, a two-day creative intensive to explore community resistance through creativity.
Information about the Intensive
A cryptid is an animal or creature that people believe is real but there is no solid proof or scientific evidence available to prove that it does actually exist.
– Cryptidophilia
The scariest thing about Cryptids is that, like those who live in the margins of society, they may actually exist.
Cryptids on the Margin is a blind-led intensive that brings together creatives to investigate the radical power of experimental, collaborative, curiosity-based creativity. Led by Kathy M. Austin, participants will engage in a two-day intensive that centers the experiences of socially marginalized creatives.
Participants will attend two 5-hour sessions where Kathy M. Austin will lead them through a series of collaborative exercises, creative prompts, and experimental processes.
Work created during the intensive will be shown as part of a paid presentation opportunity afterwards.
About Kathy M. Austin
Kathy M. Austin is a multidisciplinary artist whose visual art has been exhibited in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, British Columbia, Italy, and Dubai. She has performed in numerous dance productions, including ICONIC at Tangente in Montreal (2024) and Inside Out Theatre’s Eau Claire show (2022). In 2021, she created and staged Malocchio, a live performance featuring guest artists.
As an artist with the National accessArts Centre, Kathy has recorded audio tracks, created a painting that inspired a dance film, and written audio descriptions for her own films. Her photography has been shown in Edmonton, California, and Australia.
Legally blind, Kathy is passionate about educating the public on the diverse experiences of marginalized communities through engaging and entertaining work. She is also a published author, with three books and numerous poems released in Canada, the U.S., the U.K., India, and in translation in Argentina. Kathy lives in Calgary with her husband, Tom.
This Intensive welcome applications from:
- Creators of any medium, including but not limited to dance, writing, art, music, and film.
- Open-minded people of all abilities, genders, races, sexualities, religions, aged 18+.
- Creators who are interested in working within a short time-frame.
- Creators who are interested in collaboration and skill-sharing.
- Priority will be given to artists working in Calgary and surrounding areas.
*Please note that out-of-town participants will be responsible for their own travel and accommodations.
Important Dates
Submissions open August 1, 2025
Deadline to apply is October 2, 2025
Applicants will be contacted by November 6, 2025
Intensive takes place February 21 and 28, 2026
SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW CLOSED
