Introducing READI: An All-Ages Artist Development Program

Folk Canada is excited to launch our pilot Ready & Emerging Artist Development Incubator (READI) Program presented by Réseau SPARC Network at the 2025 Folk Music Ontario Conference in Ottawa!

Over the past years, we’ve heard from our community that you wanted an all-ages artist development program… so we made one! The READI Program is for artists of all ages and genres to gather for an intensive day of training, peer sharing, mentorship, and community building before the Folk Music Ontario Conference kicks off. The program will also include a series of online training gatherings prior to the conference, with that schedule to be announced shortly.

Here’s what to expect for the in-person training component:

• When: 10AM-4PM, Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Delta Hotel, Ottawa City Centre

• What: A full day of in-person workshops on recording, networking and industry pitching, and album release strategies, led by various industry leaders and experts, including Gianna Antonacci from Canada’s Music Incubator

• Perks: Lunch and light refreshments provided throughout the day

• Showcase (optional): Participants will be invited to perform in a private showcase on Saturday, October 18th, 2025 at the Delta Hotel. This opportunity is optional for participants, and not mandatory for involvement in the program. Limited showcase slots are available so please RSVP early if you are interested in the performance component.

Who can join: Anyone registered for the 2025 Folk Music Ontario Conference (October 15–19, Ottawa) can participate, all you have to do is fill out the RSVP form below to confirm your attendance, so we can make sure there is a meal for you, get your dietary needs/preferences, and confirm if you’d like to perform in the showcase.

RSVP deadline: August 29, 2025 (so we have time to program the private showcase rooms and order lunch).

RSVP BY CLICKING HERE

If you aren’t registered for the conference yet, or would like more information on volunteering, click here.

Mentors will be announced soon, so keep an eye on this website and your inbox for further updates!