Emerging Artist Program
Mahikanuck Ah Ho To Chick is Manitoba Arts Network's Emerging Artist Program, providing musicians with mentorship and opportunities to develop their professional touring careers.
Each year, the program selects six emerging musicians and connects them with experienced industry mentors and Manitoba's presenter network. The program is free for selected participants and is designed for artists who have not showcased before.
At least 50% of places are reserved for Indigenous and equity-seeking artists. Musicians from all genres and regions of Manitoba are welcome to apply.
Application Information
The Emerging Artist Program is intended for musicians beginning to develop their professional performance and touring careers.
About Applying
The program welcomes applications from emerging musicians who have not previously showcased and are interested in developing their professional careers.
Participation is free for selected artists, with a stated program value of $1,000 per participant.
Information about upcoming application opportunities will be shared through Manitoba Arts Network.
Learn from Working Professionals
The Emerging Artist Program connects participants with musicians and industry professionals who bring experience in touring, performance and artist development.
MJ Dandeneau
French Anishinaabe/Métis bassist with more than 15 years of professional touring experience. A JUNO and WCMA award recipient with deep roots in Manitoba's music community.
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Rik Leaf
Creative Director with more than 20 years in arts education. A songwriter, music producer and Poet Laureate with Tribe of One, with a focus on supporting emerging voices in music.
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Rhonda Head
Nine-time international music award winner with 15 nominations since 2010. She has performed at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Centre and is the author of Mezzo-Soprano: Memoirs of a Rez Girl.
Visit WebsiteWhat the Program Includes
The program combines group mentorship with individual guidance and opportunities to prepare for professional performance and touring.
Curriculum
- Showcase application strategies
- Networking and showcasing techniques
- Mock showcase preparation
- Marketing, branding and EPK development
- Booking and show planning
- Contract negotiations and technical specifications
- Audience building strategies
- Funding and sponsorship identification
- Touring logistics
Program Structure
- Eight weekly online group mentorship sessions
- Two hours of one-on-one mentorship per participant
- A live 15-minute showcase performance at Manitoba Showcase, with an audience of industry presenters and buyers
- A live question-and-answer session with participants
Showcasing & Touring
A showcase is a short performance presented with professional lighting and sound in front of an audience of presenters and buyers. It gives artists an opportunity to introduce their work to organizations that book performances.
Touring involves consecutive performance dates across different communities. Alumni of the Emerging Artist Program have gone on to book tours, open for established artists and perform across Manitoba and beyond.
Where Are They Now?
Past participants have continued developing their music careers, with performance and touring opportunities following their involvement in the program.
“It was a pleasure being a part of the 2022 Emerging Artists Program. The mentors went above and beyond to provide resources and tools that are genuinely useful for building a career.”
Kwiat, 2022 Participant
“It was a great experience. I really enjoyed the conference and the mentorship and would recommend it to anyone.”
Mic North, 2022 Participant
Questions about the Emerging Artist Program?
For program information, contact Program Coordinator Rhonda Head at rhondavhead@gmail.com .
For general inquiries, you can also reach Manitoba Arts Network at 204-943-0036 or toll-free at 1-866-919-2787.