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NMC Artist in Residence

National Music Centre’s self-directed Artist in Residence program is designed to nurture artistry and innovation by providing musicians with the tools, time and space, and the use of our one-of-a-kind collection and expertise to create new works in a world-class facility.

The National Music Centre (NMC) has welcomed many exceptional artists to play, experiment, and record with its collection. Past alums of NMC’s artist residency program include singer-songwriter Shawnee Kish, indie alt-pop musician Rich Aucoin, R&B/hip-hop artist Jhyve, lo-fi soul duo Sargeant X Comrade, flutist and composer Jiajia Li, pop-rockers MAJOR LOVE, R&B/soul singer Tanika Charles, psych-rock trio nêhiyawak, classically-trained vocalist and composer Jeremy Dutcher, DJ-producer duo A Tribe Called Red, neo-classical pianist Jean-Michel Blais, guitar slinger Luke Doucet, singer-songwriter Basia Bulat, virtuosic scratch DJ and music producer Kid Koala, and many others.


NMC Artist in Residence presented by Partake Brewing

This year's Artist in Residence program will feed and nurture artistic creativity and technical innovation by providing Canadian artists with uninterrupted time and space, and the use our unique collection and expertise, to create new and innovative works in a supportive, world-class facility. Two winners, selected by a jury of NMC staff and industry professionals, will receive a five-day recording residency at Studio Bell. One act will be chosen over the spring from the call for applications, and the winner of CBC Music's Searchlight 2024 contest will receive the second residency. The NMC Artist in Residence presented by Partake Brewing will culminate with live performances by each selected act at Studio Bell.

Applications Now Closed

NMC’s Artist in Residence program applications for the 2024 season are now closed. Thank you to all those who applied.

About the Program

The self-directed Artist in Residence program offers access to unique studio environments, technical assistance from NMC staff, including an audio engineer and technical assistant, and access to NMC’s living collection, spanning 450 years of music technology and innovation.

Explore the Living Collection

NMC awards a limited number of residencies for recording and studio projects. Before the start of their residency, successful applicants will work with NMC staff to coordinate details such as residency length, studio and collections access, and working hours. Residencies typically take place in the day between the hours of 9:00 am and 6:00 pm. However, this may be negotiated around artist needs, resources, and other NMC programming.

Artists in Residence participate in a public presentation, such as a performance, workshop, live or recorded interview, or collaborative project. The public presentation will be developed before the residency with the support of NMC’s programming staff.

Transportation, accommodation, and meals are the responsibility of the artist.


The National Music Centre Artist in Residence program at Studio Bell is made possible by support from Partake Brewing.