Rencontre Internationale d’Art Performance (RIAP), Québec City, Canada

Artistic Director: Stvn Girard

Rencontre Internationale d’Art Performance (RIAP) is one of the world’s oldest and most established performance art festivals. Founded in 1984 and organised by Le Lieu, Centre en Art Actuel in Québec City, the festival has played a pivotal role in the development of the international performance art field and has built a strong international reputation over more than four decades.

Held biennially, RIAP is distinguished by its clear curatorial vision and its extensive international network of artists, curators, and institutions spanning dozens of countries. Each edition is comprehensively documented and published in catalogue form by the French publisher Les presses du réel. The festival has also expanded its activities through the RIAP on Tour programme, bringing performance art to communities throughout Québec.

With its emphasis on critical dialogue, durational works, and theoretical discourse, RIAP serves as a leading platform for both established and emerging performance artists. Through its sustained commitment to artistic research, publication, and international exchange, the festival has played a significant role in shaping the development of contemporary performance art in North America and internationally.

Exchange 2026:
– Olof Persson (Gothenburg) to RIAP, Québec City
– Laurence Gravel (Québec City) to Live Action, Gothenburg

riap 2026