SOCAN Foundation and CBC are launching the CBC Indigenous Music Residency, a new immersive songwriting program designed to foster the creativity and support the growth and artistry of six First Nations, Inuit, and Métis music creators from homelands across Canada.
Eligible Indigenous artists can submit their songs for consideration until Aug. 29 at 11:59 PM ET.
Six participants – two First Nations, two Inuit and two Métis artists – will be selected. They’ll have costs and accommodation covered for four weeks in Toronto, where they’ll each write two new songs. While completing the residency, they’ll receive mentorship, access to CBC video and production facilities, and networking opportunities with music industry experts. The program will end with the musicians performing their new works at a live event. The residency not only provides travel and accommodation but also offers honorariums and commission fees to support the music creators in their creative journey. The program is structured to offer flexibility, allowing participants to explore Toronto and draw inspiration from its diverse cultural landscape.
The selected artists will receive:
- Travel for the participant.
- Accommodation for the duration of the program.
- A $2,000 honorarium to cover participation costs (e.g. food, associated living costs, etc.).
- Canadian Federation of Musicians (CFM) scale rates applicable for creative work.
- A Presto card (public transit pass) to cover travel within the city.
- A showcase at a songwriters’ circle.
- Possible video/documentary coverage to be disseminated on CBC.
- A dedicated producer from CBC to support the cohort.
- Educational gatherings curated by SOCAN Foundation.
“The SOCAN Foundation is committed to expanding opportunities to empower Indigenous music creators, ensuring they have access to the resources necessary for fostering musical creativity and advancing their careers,” said Charlie Wall-Andrews, Executive Director of the SOCAN Foundation. “Our partnership with CBC enables the Indigenous Music Residency program to provide these artists with time, space, state-of-the-art facilities, resources, and guidance to support their artistic development.”
“CBC continues to prioritize programs and partnerships that support the growth and success of Indigenous storytellers, and launching the Indigenous Music Residency with SOCAN Foundation is an important addition to our commitment,” said Tara Mora, Senior Director, Radio, Talk and Music Programming for Unscripted Content, CBC. “By providing access to CBC mentorship and resources through this vital new program, we look forward to opening our doors to more Indigenous artists and helping lift their voices and music to the forefront.”