Now Taking Submissions for Canadian Aboriginal Artist Showcases during the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals (OCFF)

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Friday, September 17, 2010

Manitoba Music’s Aboriginal Music Program plans to support Aboriginal artists from across Canada at the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals (OCFF) conference in Ottawa this year. The project will include a pre-conference export training session in Ottawa along with marketing support and a set of sponsored showcase opportunities.

Now in its 24th year, the OCFF conference is a key event for Canada’s folk, roots, and traditional music community. The conference includes speakers and seminars, performer showcases, and jam sessions. Approximately 800 delegates attend the conference, including artistic directors, presenters, and provincial, national, and international industry organizations. The conference is set for October 14-17, 2010.

The proposed pre-conference export training session will provide participants with a chance to discuss showcasing strategies with peers and draw new ideas and best practices from qualified instructors. If funding for this component is confirmed, Manitoba Music will deliver the training in Ottawa and provide accommodations to participants for the duration of the session.

Performance spots at one sponsored showcase stage and two nights of music-floor showcases are confirmed and available. These showcase events offer Aboriginal acts from across Canada a unique opportunity to perform for and network with influential music industry professionals from the folk and roots community.

Artist selection will be made by a selection committee. Showcase dates and times will be provided to selected artists. Production costs will be covered by Manitoba Music; however artists will be responsible for their own travel expenses including registering for the conference.

To be considered for a showcase, you must: 
• Have a current or upcoming professional release (demo / EP / full-length)
• Have professional promotional material
• Be export-ready (prepared to capitalize on opportunities in Canada and internationally)

Preference may be given to performers that: 
• Have toured nationally or have upcoming tour plans
 
Submit by email to alan@manitobamusic.com with the following: 
• “OCFF” in the subject line
• A link to a MySpace or other page where your music can be heard
• Approximately 200 words explaining how this showcase fits with your development plan
• Two high-resolution digital photos
• A performance history, listing your last 12 months of gigs

For more info, please contact:
Alan Greyeyes, Aboriginal Music Program Coordinator
P: 204.975.0284
E: alan@manitobamusic.com