Artist Entrepreneur West Program Returns to Studio Bell in Calgary for 2025 Session
Application deadline for Western and Northern Canadian artists is July 14
(June 16, 2025 – Toronto, ON and Calgary, AB) After a successful year on the road in Edmonton, the Artist Entrepreneur West (AE West) program is returning to Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, in Calgary for its 2025 session.
Presented in partnership by Canada’s Music Incubator (CMI) and the National Music Centre (NMC), AE West is a professional development program designed to support emerging artists build sustainable careers in music. Artists based in Western and Northern Canada are invited to apply by July 14, 2025 at 11:59 pm MT at canadasmusicincubator.com/aewest.
"We're thrilled to welcome AE West back to Studio Bell in 2025," said Stephanie Hutchinson, Director of Programs, National Music Centre. "This program has become a cornerstone for nurturing emerging talent across Western and Northern Canada. Each year, we see artists leave with not only the tools to elevate their careers, but also a renewed sense of confidence and community. We can’t wait to meet the next group of incredible musicians ready to take that next step."
AE West is designed to empower emerging artists by providing them with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to thrive in the music industry. Artists will benefit from personalized mentorship, industry workshops, networking opportunities, and hands-on training. The program aims to bridge the gap between artistic talent and career sustainability. The ninth edition of the AE West program will take place from November 3 to December 4, 2025 at Studio Bell in Calgary.
“AE West continues to be a vital opportunity for emerging artists in Western and Northern Canada to expand their music industry knowledge and build career momentum,” said Gianna Antonacci, Programs Manager, CMI. “This program is about strengthening community and helping artists grow their businesses through mentoring, networking, and collaboration. We’re proud to bring AE West back to Studio Bell for another impactful year.”
AE West is a regional extension of Canada’s Music Incubator’s (CMI) acclaimed Artist Entrepreneur program, originally launched in Toronto. This Calgary-based version is made possible through a partnership between CMI, a national not-for-profit organization, and the National Music Centre. Thanks to the generous support of Canada Council for the Arts, the Government of Canada, Stingray Radio, and TD Ready Commitment, most program costs are covered for participating artists.
Over the years, AE West has helped shape the careers of many rising Canadian artists, including 2025 JUNO Award nominee Sebastian Gaskin, and 2024 WCMA-nominated hip-hop duo Ato-Mik, among others.
Eligible artists must be 18 years old or over and actively writing, recording, releasing (or about to release) music, and performing live. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed over the summer prior to final selection.
About AE West
Based on Canada’s Music Incubator’s long-running Artist Entrepreneur program (since 2012), AE West is designed to help emerging artists and bands from all genres build their businesses and careers. Artists will work closely with Canada’s Music Incubator and the National Music Centre team of social media, marketing, management, promotion, publicity, funding, touring, songwriting, and live performance experts. They will also be introduced to a wide range of active music industry professionals. Artists also have ongoing access to CMI mentors and industry resources post-program.
About Canada’s Music Incubator
Canada’s Music Incubator (CMI) is a Toronto-based national not-for-profit organization specializing in professional development, ongoing mentorship and live events for artists, managers, and music companies. Launched in 2012, CMI supports 1,700+ emerging music entrepreneurs, across all genres, in the development of long-term careers and sustainable businesses. To date, CMI has provided 12,500+ hours of programs and mentorship. CMI Live works with private and community partners across the country curating paid performance opportunities. Some 2,000+ shows have been programmed, paying $3 million directly to artists. For more information, please visit canadasmusicincubator.com.
About National Music Centre | Centre National de Musique
The National Music Centre (NMC) has a mission to amplify the love, sharing, and understanding of music. It is preserving and celebrating Canada’s music story inside its home at Studio Bell in the heart of the East Village in Mohkinstsis (Calgary) on Treaty 7 territory. NMC is the home to four Canadian music halls of fame, including the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Quebec’s ADISQ Hall of Fame. Featuring musical instruments, artifacts, recording equipment, and memorabilia, the NMC Collection spans over 450 years of music history and innovation. A registered charity with programs that include exhibitions, artist development, performance, and education, NMC is inspiring a new generation of music lovers. For more information about NMC’s onsite activities, please visit studiobell.ca. To check out the NMC experience online, including video-on-demand performances, made-in-Canada stories, and highly entertaining educational content, visit amplify.nmc.ca.
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Media Contact:
Julijana Capone, Senior Manager, PR & Marketing
National Music Centre
T. 403.543.5123
julijana.capone@nmc.ca | @nmc_canada