OHSOTO’KINO Music Incubator 2025 Information Package
Thank you for your interest in OHSOTO'KINO Music Incubator! We hope the following information will answer any questions you may have about the program.
If you need any clarification or have questions, please reach out to us at programs@nmc.ca.
National Music Centre's OHSOTO’KINO initiatives at Studio Bell are made possible by support from TD.
What is OHSOTO’KINO?
OHSOTO’KINO is a Blackfoot phrase which means ‘to recognize a voice of.’ This title acknowledges the Blackfoot people and the territory on which National Music Centre resides. NMC’s National Indigenous Programming Advisory Committee leads the direction of the program designed to forge stronger bridges of understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
Launched in 2022, OHSOTO’KINO focuses on three elements: creation of new music in NMC’s recording studios via the Recording Bursary program, artist development through the Music Incubator program, and exhibitions via the annually updated Speak Up! gallery.
What is the OHSOTO’KINO Music Incubator?
The OHSOTO’KINO Music Incubator is a five-day artist development intensive for Indigenous artists in Canada. Each year, six Indigenous artists will converge at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, to learn new skills, connect with music industry experts from across the country, and to hone their craft and professional chops.
The program includes career guidance and mentorship from Indigenous music industry leaders, sessions on professional development topics, and songwriting and performance workshops.
This program will take place from Monday, September 15 to Friday, September 19, 2025. This is an in-person program delivered in Calgary, Alberta/Moh’kins’tsis, located in Treaty 7 territory/Métis Nation of Alberta District 6.
How do I apply?
To apply for 2025 OHSOTO’KINO Music Incubator, please fill out the application form. The current application period closes at midnight on May 31, 2025 (MDT). If you have questions regarding the application, please email programs@nmc.ca.
What do I get?
As an artist participating in the OHSOTO’KINO Music Incubator program, you will be given:
- Participation in a five-day artist development program, which includes:
- Networking opportunities with other artists and music industry professionals
- Workshops and group discussions on various business and artist topics
- Vocal and performance coaching
- 1-on-1 mentorship
- Live performance at artist showcase
- Video interview content capture to be published on NMC Amplify
- Accommodation at a hotel within walking distance of NMC for the duration of the program.
- Travel stipends to assist with transportation and meals.
Watch OHSOTO’KINO Videos on Amplify
Please Note: Special considerations of increased travel assistance will be given for artists travelling from remote communities.
Who should apply?
Canadian artists within First Nations, Inuit, and Métis community of all genres, backgrounds, and skill levels are encouraged to apply.
Artists will be selected based on the following criteria:
- Those who are within First Nations, Inuit, and Métis community.
- Those who have demonstrated excellence and a commitment to music.
- Those involved in projects with artistic merit that show promise and originality
- Potential impact of the project on the artist’s career
NMC's National Indigenous Program Advisory Committee will convene to review applicant submissions and select successful participants. Up to six individuals will be selected to participate in the program.
About National Music Centre and Studio Bell
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 Moh’kins’tsis (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.
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, is situated at the confluence of Bow and Elbow Rivers in Moh’kins’tsis and the traditional Treaty 7 territory. This includes the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations, the Tsuut’ina First Nations, and the Stoney Nakoda. City of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, District 6.
The National Music Centre's OHSOTO’KINO program at Studio Bell is made possible with support from TD.
Official Hotel Partner of the OHSOTO’KINO program:
Original OHSOTO'KINO branding and design by Leticia Spence.