The Tactile Image: Video Out Call for Submissions

For our 2026 Call for Submissions, Video Out Distribution is seeking video art created with an eye towards texture. How does the tactile manifest in your work? Is it as simple as grain, noise, or quality of light? Or does texture exist beyond the image, extending to the narrative, theme, or sound?

This year, we are primarily searching for short-form works with experimental inclinations, which respond to the theme above. Narrative, non-fic, and documentary works are all welcomed. We encourage you to interpret the prompt in your own way!

To submit, please submit a weblink of the work (WeTransfers not accepted), a short synopsis, and an artist bio to the Google Form. Digital (including digitized film) submissions only, maximum two submissions per artist. The form will close on March 1st, 2026.

For those requiring alternative formats, video or phone submissions are also accepted for accessibility purposes. For any questions or accessibility requests, please contact distribution@vivomediaarts.com.

Works accepted through the call will be added to VIVO’s distribution branch, Video Out Distribution. Video Out is an international, non-exclusive distributor with a focus on Canadian–particularly West-Coast–video art. Works in distribution have recently been screened at festivals such as VIFF, IFFR (Rotterdam), Antimatter, image+nation, and many more. Works in distribution further have the opportunity to enter the Crista Dahl Media Library & Archive (CDMA) at VIVO. Stretching over fifty years, the CDMA includes over 5,000 video titles, and is Canada’s most significant repository of video by artists and independent producers.