The 10th anniversary of the InSitu Multi-Arts Festival returns with a thought-provoking theme: The Storied Edition. Opening on March 5, 2026, and running through March 7, 2026, the biennial celebration once again transforms the historic Small Arms Inspection Building into a living canvas of contemporary art, performance, and shared narrative.

Presented by CreativeHub 1352, the festival invites visitors to consider a compelling question: Where do stories live? Across three immersive days, audiences will discover how storytelling exists not only on stage or canvas, but within architecture, memory, and collective experience.

Art Shaped by Architecture

Since its inception in 2016, InSitu has distinguished itself by encouraging artists to respond directly to the industrial character and layered history of the Small Arms Inspection Building. Rather than treating the venue as a neutral backdrop, participating creators integrate its structure, light, and atmosphere into their work.

Over the past decade, the festival has supported hundreds of artists across disciplines, from visual art and theatre to dance, music, craft, and digital media. Paid professional opportunities remain central to its mandate, ensuring that artists at different stages of their careers can develop ambitious, site-responsive projects.

The result is an environment where audiences do not simply observe art — they move through it. Installations unfold across expansive rooms, performances emerge in unexpected corners, and visitors are encouraged to explore freely, discovering moments that resonate on both personal and communal levels.

Intergenerational Exchange at the Forefront

The 2026 milestone edition places particular emphasis on dialogue between generations. Student artists will exhibit alongside established practitioners, creating a dynamic exchange of perspectives and approaches. Youth and post-secondary participants will present original works, activate live performances, and interact directly with festival-goers.

By embedding mentorship into the programming, InSitu strengthens pathways for emerging creatives while reinforcing Mississauga’s evolving cultural landscape. The festival’s commitment to professional development reflects a broader vision: nurturing the next generation of storytellers while celebrating those who have shaped the community’s artistic voice.

Stories in Motion

Throughout the three-day event, large-scale installations, intimate encounters, and collaborative works explore storytelling as something carried within individuals and shared across communities. Visitors become part of the unfolding narrative, contributing to a collective experience that evolves in real time.

For three days only, the Small Arms Inspection Building will pulse with artistic energy, reinforcing Mississauga’s reputation as a growing centre for innovative, multi-arts expression. As InSitu marks its tenth anniversary, The Storied Edition stands as both a reflection on the past decade and an invitation to imagine the stories still to come.