EMERGENCE

eMERGEnce is Small World Music’s signature creative and professional development program dedicated to career sustainability and integration into Toronto’s music landscape and the Canadian cultural infrastructure for newcomers and refugees, and other equity-deserving artists through a suite of activities. A cohort of 25 artists, chosen via an application process, will gain a toolkit of business skills, contacts and industry knowledge that will help them build careers in the Canadian cultural sector.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDE

Workshops

Expert-led workshops on understanding the funding and venue landscapes, management, content-creation, contract negotiation, self-promotion, social media, etc.

Artist Residencies & Jam Sessions

Dedicated ‘getaways’ where participants can interact, socialize and learn from each other. These creative Incubators will also provide studio space for new repertoire development and recording.

Panels

Featuring industry professionals and artists discussing topics including: benefits and challenges of working with agents/ managers/publicists, newcomer success story.

Mentorship

Establish relationships with mentors in significant positions across the landscape to gain expert guidance and advice.

Promotional Materials

Providing materials including photography and bio-writing services in the quest for ‘export-readiness’ and EPKs to be used to gain future opportunities.

Networking

Connecting artists to one another, and to other industry professionals who provide support and advice.

We are seeking applications for an approximate 9-month program (September 2021 – June 2022) that will bring together a group of 20-25 musicians who perform a diverse array of music.

Applications must be submitted by August 15, 11:59pm.

Apply Now

The online application form is the first step in the process. Successful applicants will be invited to online interviews between August 16 – 27, 2021. Notifications of final results will be sent by September 1, 2021.

Are you interested or know someone who will? Before apply please check eligibility criteria below:

In order to be eligible for Emergence Music Incubator you must:

1. Self-identify as an emerging artist

  • Aged 18+ at the time of submission
  • Demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a career in music such that your primary income will be derived from your artistic work
  • Have a paid presentation or public history
  • Recognized as a professional by other artists working in the same/similar artistic traditions

2. Be a newcomer

  • lived in Canada for less than 7 years

3. Be a refugee

  • forced to leave your home country and be an approved Refugee Claimant

AND and at the same time be:

  • A Canadian citizen
  • A permanent resident
  • An Approved Refugee Claimant (i.e. Protected Person)
  • Or have applications for permanent residency or citizenship pending

All successful applicants must be available to attend the meet and greet session planned for the second week of September, as well as the first artists’ retreat from September 10-13, 2021, inclusive.

Questions: emergence@smallworldmusic.com