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The Midwest Arts XPO has a robust schedule of over 250 artist showcases including Dance, Theatre, Music and more! Presenters will have an opportunity to see live performances and learn more about artists who are available for touring in the Midwest.
To express your interest in receiving information about showcasing at MAX, please fill out the online Artist Showcase Inquiry Form below. We will email the showcase information to you once Showcase Room Producers have been confirmed.
ARTIST SHOWCASE INQUIRY FORM
The MAX Youth & Family Programming Symposium features a panel discussion on critical issues in the field, thematically specific small group conversations, networking with colleagues and a curated showcase. Topics include artistic programming, commissioning new works, marketing to schools and families, and supporting artists in new and innovative ways. Session Leaders are to be announced.
The 75-minute, curated Youth and Family Showcase will consist of six 12-minute showcases and five 3-minute artist pitches during the transition between showcases. The showcase will be curated by a panel of seasoned performing arts industry professionals who have extensive experience in working with youth and family programming
YOUTH & FAMILY FAQs
Date
Thursday, Sept. 24 | 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 AM
The Y&F Showcase will be immediately after the Y&F Symposium 8:30-10:15 AM.
Location
The Baird Center, 4th floor
Cost
There are no application fees. If selected for a Y&F Showcase, the showcase fee is $1,000-1,200. If selected, the artist pitch fee is $200-300.
Staging
The performance area is approximately 20' x 40'. There will be a video screen to accommodate multi-media presentations.
Load in
Artists must be available to tech, load-in and soundcheck between 7:00-10:00 AM on Thursday September 24, 2026.
Contact
For more information or questions, please email info@midwestartsxpo.org.
Stay tuned - more showcase information coming in May!
SHOWCASE FAQs
Will there be live artist showcases?
Yes! The Midwest Arts XPO (MAX) will offer more than 250 artist showcases over the course of the four-day event. Showcases will be produced by an impressive group of experienced showcase room producers who will be selected from a pool of qualified applicants. Showcase producers will be selected and approved by the Heartland Performing
Arts, Inc. Board of Directors.
Will there be online showcases?
No. Not at this time.
Will there be juried showcases?
There are NO official juried showcases. All showcases are produced by independent producers.
How do I learn about becoming a Showcase Room Producer?
All room producer positions are currently filled. Please email us your interest at info@midwestartsxpo.org and we will contact you if any opportunities become available.
As an Artist, how do I find out about showcase opportunities?
To express your interest in receiving information about showcasing at MAX, please fill out the online Artist Showcase Inquiry Form above. We will email the showcase information to you once Showcase Room Producers have been confirmed.
Is there a fee to Showcase?
Yes, there is a fee to showcase. Showcasing fees are set by the Showcase Room Producer. The cost of a showcase slot will vary based on the length of the showcase and the technical equipment supplied in the room. Please work directly with the Showcase Room Producer on fees and payment.
How will attendees see my showcase listing and my marketing materials?
Artists, both on-site and off-site, may promote their MAX showcase in the conference APP and on the Midwest Arts XPO website by using a link provided by the XPO and adhering to strict deadlines. The cost to list your showcase is $10 per showcase listing for on-site showcases and $25 per showcase listing for off-site showcases. To be included on the conference website and APP, showcasing artists must purchase and complete the Showcase Listing by mid-August, 2026, date to be announced.