Calling all musicians: National Music Centre looking for 10 artists hoping to strike musical lightning

The National Music Centre issued a call for artists for 10 mini-residencies. Above, NMC alumni Bebe Bucksin.

The National Music Centre is celebrating its birthday by creating 10 artist mini-residencies for musicians that will take place over 2026-27.

Each mini-residency will give artists access to NMC’s collection of musical instruments and technology, recording studios and an expert studio team.

Over two days, selected artists will be able to experiment, write, record and explore their ideas in a fast-track opportunity where you might strike musical lightning.

“Through these residencies, NMC hopes to strengthen Alberta’s music ecosystem by supporting artists at home, and making sure they can live and work in this province and achieve sustainable careers,” said Stephanie Hutchinson, NMC’s director of programs.

“Knowing that many artists need the time and space to explore new musical ideas, we wanted to provide an opportunity to open our studio doors with unprecedented access in celebration of Studio Bell’s 10-year anniversary.

“Without creative constraints, artists can workshop new material, record singles or demos, cut a live off-the-floor record, or achieve whatever musical outcome they are working towards. Having access to our living collection makes the experience that much more impactful for emerging and veteran musicians alike who can use history to make history.”

Over its first decade, NMC has hosted hundreds of artists through its assorted residency and development programs, including The Halluci Nation (formerly A Tribe Called Red), Rich Aucoin, Jean-Michel Blais, Bebe Buckskin, Tanika Charles, Sargeant X Comrade, Polaris Prize winner Jeremy Dutcher, Jiajia Li, Major Love, nehiyawak, Perpy, John Wort Hannam, and others.

For more information about NMC”s artist mini-residencies, go here.