Call for Applications: Canadian Aboriginal Artist Showcase at WOMEX in Thessaloniki, Greece: 17-21 October 2012

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Manitoba Music is partnering with the Canada Council for the Arts to propose a Canadian Aboriginal artist “off-WOMEX” showcase at WOMEX World Music Expo in Thessaloniki, Greece, from October 17-21, 2012.

Up to three Aboriginal music artists and/or groups from across Canada who perform world music will be invited to participate. Participation will also include a set of pre-WOMEX workshops and meetings to prepare the artists for the conference and showcase.

Application deadline: Thursday, 14 June 2012 (see “How to apply” for details)

Note: this deadline is timed to follow WOMEX’s announcement of their official showcase program. If you think you are ready to showcase at WOMEX, we strongly encourage you to propose an official showcase, which is the best possible visibility for you. If your proposal is not successful, you will still have time to apply for our off-WOMEX showcase. The deadline to submit a showcase proposal to WOMEX is Friday, April 13, 2012.

Eligibility
To be eligible to apply, you must:

  • Be a professional Aboriginal (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) music artist or group
  • Be a Canadian citizen or have permanent resident status, as defined by Citizenship and Immigration Canada
  • Have a valid passport and be able to travel to WOMEX on the dates specified
  • Have a current or upcoming professional release (EP/full-length)
  • Have professional promotional material (photos, website, music videos)
  • Have a manager or agent that is also able to travel to WOMEX on the dates specified

* Applicants from Manitoba must be a member of Manitoba Music. For more information about Manitoba Music membership, visit manitobamusic.com or contact Donna Evans (204.975.4217; donna@manitobamusic.com).

How to Apply
Send an email to alan@manitobamusic.com, including all of the following:

  • Email subject line: “Native America North – WOMEX 2012”
  • Your full name and mailing address
  • 500-word biography of yourself or your group 
  • Link to a website where three of your songs may be downloaded
  • Name of your manager or agent, their profile and contact information
  • Performance history, listing your last 12 months of gigs
  • Explanation of how this showcase fits into your overall career plans, and what you would do to make the most of the opportunity (maximum 1000 words)

Selection process and criteria
The selection process will be managed by Manitoba Music in consultation with the Canada Council for the Arts, and will involve a selection committee of world music industry professionals with knowledge of Canadian Aboriginal artists and experience attending WOMEX. Decisions will be based on the overall merit of your application in comparison with the other applications in the competition.

Preference will be given to artists that:

  • Have great music
  • Demonstrate momentum (through tour history and/or recent accomplishments in the music industry)
  • Have a manager or agent that has attended WOMEX in the past

Final decisions will also reflect a balanced representation of artists and regions of Canada.

Costs
Manitoba Music and the Canada Council for the Arts will cover all showcase production costs. If you are selected to participate, we will also cover your registration fee for the WOMEX conference, return airfare and freight to Thessaloniki, Greece, airport taxi fares, and a contribution to accommodation and meal costs (at a flat rate). You must be prepared to make a personal investment in your trip.

Further information
If you have questions or require further information, please contact:

Alan Greyeyes
Aboriginal Music Program Coordinator, Manitoba Music
P: 204.975.0284
E: alan@manitobamusic.com

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