National Music Centre Announces Call for Applications for 10 Artist Mini-Residencies in Celebration of 10-Year Anniversary

ALBERTA-BASED Artists to receive two days to record new music with NMC’s world-class collection and recording studios

(Calgary, AB — April 16, 2026) The National Music Centre (NMC) has opened a new call for applications for NMC Artist Mini-Residencies, giving musicians a short but powerful burst of creative time at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. In celebration of NMC’s 10-year anniversary, 10 residencies will be awarded over 2026/27. These residencies are open to Alberta-based musicians. Applications are open now until May 10, 2026 at 11:59 pm MT at studiobell.ca/mini-residencies.

These condensed sessions will give Alberta-based artists access to NMC’s living collection of instruments and music technology, recording studios, and an expert studio team. Over two days, artists can experiment, write, record, and explore new ideas in an environment unlike anywhere in the world. NMC Artist Mini-Residencies provide a fast-track opportunity for musicians to spark inspiration, test new sounds, and engage with music history.

“Through these residencies, NMC hopes to strengthen Alberta’s music ecosystem by supporting artists at home, and making sure they can live and work in this province and achieve sustainable careers,” said Stephanie Hutchinson, Director of Programs, National Music Centre. “Knowing that many artists need the time and space to explore new musical ideas, we wanted to provide an opportunity to open our studio doors with unprecedented access in celebration of Studio Bell’s 10-year anniversary. Without creative constraints, artists can workshop new material, record singles or demos, cut a live off-the-floor record, or achieve whatever musical outcome they are working towards. Having access to our living collection makes the experience that much more impactful for emerging and veteran musicians alike who can use history to make history.”

Over the past 10 years, NMC has hosted hundreds of artists through its residency and development programs. Alums of NMC’s artist residency streams include The Halluci Nation (formerly A Tribe Called Red), Rich Aucoin, Jean-Michel Blais, Bebe Buckskin, Tanika Charles, Sargeant X Comrade, Jeremy Dutcher, Jiajia Li, Major Love, nêhiyawak, John Wort Hannam, and others.

To learn more about NMC Artist Mini-Residencies, head to studiobell.ca/mini-residencies.

About National Music Centre | Centre National de Musique 
More than a museum, the National Music Centre (NMC) is a registered charity dedicated to amplifying the love, sharing, and understanding of music. NMC’s work is guided by five key focus areas: Exhibitions and Collections, Artist and Professional Development, Performance and Recording, Education and Learning, and Music and Wellness. From its headquarters at Studio Bell in the heart of Calgary’s East Village neighbourhood, NMC celebrates Canada’s rich musical legacy, honouring legendary artists, nurturing new voices, and bringing people together through music. As the home for music in Canada, NMC houses a vast collection of rare instruments, artifacts and memorabilia, world-class recording studios, and four national 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. For more information about NMC’s onsite activities, please visit studiobell.ca. To check out the NMC experience online, visit amplify.nmc.ca.

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Media Contact:
Julijana Capone, Senior Manager, PR and Marketing
julijana.capone@nmc.ca | @nmc_canada