*Applications are now closed
The COVID-19 pandemic has decimated the gig economy, impacting all aspects and individuals who derive a living from live music experiences.
Professional musicians who rely on performance income are among the most vulnerable cohorts. The Province of Alberta recognizes the urgent need to support artists through these challenging times, and also the importance that home-grown talent has in connecting Albertans through music.
In response to this challenge, the government is working with four of Alberta’s music industry organizations with provincial mandates – The Alberta Music Industry Association (Alberta Music), National Music Centre (NMC), CKUA Radio Network, and Stagehand – to develop an innovative program designed to showcase Alberta’s diverse talent and provide support for artists. The ALBERTA SPOTLIGHT online series is meant to connect Albertans across the province with music during these times of physical distancing.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Government of Alberta has pledged $125,000 to support an initiative that will pay musicians to perform online. Selected artists will receive a $1,000 grant to create a 3-song, pre-recorded, high-quality video to be shared as part of the ALBERTA SPOTLIGHT online series.
ALBERTA SPOTLIGHT is intended to support professional and semi-professional Albertan artists across the province through a online concert series to select artists who will participate in a series of recording 3-song performances that will be pre-recorded and shared virtually (via partner websites and social media channels). The performance will form part of a broader program that includes performances from artists from across the province.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To participate in ALBERTA SPOTLIGHT, artists must meet the following requirements:
I. Music Genre: All music genres may apply for ALBERTA SPOTLIGHT.
II. Age limit: Applicants of all ages may apply. Should an artist under the age of 18 be selected, a parent or legal guardian is required to sign the accompanying artist agreement.
III. Original Artists: Preference shall be given to Artists who perform their own songs or songs co-written with other Alberta-based songwriters. No cover songs shall be accepted in assessing
eligibility to the program.
IV. Residency: Artist must be an Alberta resident. Proof of residency may be requested. Failure to provide proof by deadline provided may result in disqualification. Majority of band must be
Alberta Residents; i.e. 3 out of 4 members.
V. Qualifying Artist:
A. Artists applying to ALBERTA SPOTLIGHT should have some track record in the music industry. As a Professional or Semi Professional artist you have released an album within the last 18 months or have an upcoming release in the next 6 months. A 12-month tour history may be requested.
B. Artists may apply as an individual, duo, or band (majority of band must reside in
Alberta).
C. Artists must have the ability to produce and submit a new performance video to be streamed for the first time as part of the ALBERTA SPOTLIGHT online series.
VI. Initial Artist Selection: Applications will be filed online through Stagehand. Inclusion of pictures, biographies, demos and live performance videos will be mandatory. Selection of the ALBERTA SPOTLIGHT artists will be by recommendation of independent juries administered by Alberta Music with final selection at the determination of the ALBERTA SPOTLIGHT committee.
FAQ
What is the Alberta Spotlight Series?
The COVID-19 pandemic has decimated the gig economy, impacting all aspects and individuals who derive a living from live music experiences. Professional musicians who rely on performance income are among the most vulnerable cohorts. The Province of Alberta recognizes the urgent need to support artists through these challenging times, and also the importance that home-grown talent has in connecting Albertans through music.
In response to this challenge, the government is working with four of Alberta’s music industry organizations with provincial mandates – The Alberta Music Industry Association (Alberta Music), National Music Centre (NMC), CKUA Radio Network, and Stagehand – to develop an innovative program designed to showcase Alberta’s diverse talent and provide support for artists. The ALBERTA SPOTLIGHT online series is meant to connect Albertans across the province with music during these times of physical distancing.
The Government of Alberta has pledged to support an initiative that will pay musicians to perform online. Selected artists will be selected to receive a $1,000 grant to create a 3-song, pre-recorded, high-quality video to be shared as part of the ALBERTA SPOTLIGHT online series.
Can all musical genres apply for Alberta Spotlight?
All original artists in any music genre may apply.
I’m under the age of 18, can I apply?
Yes, Applicants of all ages may apply. Should an artist under the age of 18 be selected, a parent or legal guardian is required to sign the accompanying artist agreement.
I play in a cover band, can I apply?
Preference shall be given to Artists who perform their own songs or songs co- written with other Alberta-based songwriters. No cover songs shall be accepted in assessing eligibility to the program.
Do I need to live in Alberta to apply?
Artist must be an Alberta resident. Proof of residency may be requested. Failure to provide proof by deadline provided may result in disqualification.
One of my band-mates is out of province, can we apply?
The majority of your band must be Alberta Residents; i.e. 3 out of 4 members.
I’ve been asked to create a Stagehand profile, is that correct?
Yes, applications will be filed online through Stagehand, which requires a profile that can be public or private.
What do I need to apply?
A completed Stagehand profile with the inclusion of pictures, biographies, demos and live performance videos will be mandatory.
I’m having technical issues with my Stagehand Profile, who should I contact?
support@stagehand.app
I have questions about the program, who should I contact?
How will I know if I’ve been selected?
You will receive a notification through Stagehand, followed by an email from Alberta Music with your artist agreement.
Will I be compensated for my video?
Yes, participating artists will receive a grant of $1000 for their video. Payment remains the same for solo / duo artists and bands. Payment will be issued upon completion, submission and approval of video.
How is the money for the program being allocated?
I don’t have a professional camera to make a video, is that a problem?
Artists must have the ability to produce and submit a new performance video to be streamed for the first time as part of the ALBERTA SPOTLIGHT online series. Funding may be allocated to Alberta-based suppliers to record, mix and master recordings.
Video Specs required are as follows:
Format: MP4
Quality: 1080p Full HD (1920 x 1080)
Audio: 48 kHz, Stereo
*Note that most smart phones made from 2015 onward should be able to shoot at a minimum of this standard. It is the artist’s responsibility to ensure their technology is able to produce a video that meets the technical requirements.
How long do I have to make my video?
Video must be submitted via Google Drive (1) week following the initial invitation to participate in ALBERTA SPOTLIGHT.
How long does my video need to be?
You’ll be asked to submit 3 songs, to a maximum of 15 minutes.
Do I have to record in my home?
The filming location is up to the artist’s discretion, however production must adhere to the Government of Alberta COVID-19 restrictions as they unfold.
Where will the video be played?
The Government of Alberta and partners Alberta Music, CKUA, National Music Centre and Stagehand may share this video on their individual social media platforms, and websites. The performance will be broadcast on the CKUA website and be archived as part of the ALBERTA SPOTLIGHT online series.
The Government of Alberta and partners Alberta Music, CKUA, National Music Centre and Stagehand may use the Artist’s approved name and likeness in promoting the ALBERTA SPOTLIGHT series.
How long will my video be online?
When do applications close?
Applications will remain open until all funding has been allocated.