CALL FOR ARTISTS – WOMEX 2025

This year, the Northern Turtle Island Collective (NTI) and Mundial Montreal are once again launching a call for applications from artists wishing to take part in an unofficial showcase on 21 October, ahead of WOMEX 2025 (Worldwide Music Expo), taking place from 22 to 26 October 2025 in Tampere, Finland

WOMEX is the largest international gathering and networking platform for the global music industry, bringing together over 2,600 professionals from 90 countries every October for a programme of conferences, showcases, and film screenings.

Learn more about WOMEX

NORTHERN TURTLE ISLAND COLLECTIVE

Spearheaded by CINARS, Folk Canada, Folquebec, Global Toronto / Small World Music, the International Indigenous Music Summit, Mundial Montréal and Sunfest, the Northern Turtle Island Collective brings together leading organisations committed to promoting global music and showcasing talent from Québec and Canada on the international stage.

By building bridges across territories, cultures, and communities, the Collective creates meaningful connections between artists, industry professionals, and presenters from both home and abroad. Through artist showcases, professional gatherings, and collaborative initiatives, the collective works to highlight musical diversity in all its forms and to strengthen the presence of Northern Turtle Island in global cultural networks.

Turtle Island is the name many Indigenous Nations use to refer to North America. Rooted in this vision, the Collective honours the knowledge and voices of First Peoples while fostering dialogue with music scenes around the world.

PERFORM AT AN UNOFFICIAL SHOWCASE DURING WOMEX

The B2BBQ networking event and showcases are returning this year, with the unofficial showcase on 21 October featuring a selection of Canadian artists performing short sets in an intimate setting.

If you are interested in performing at the B2BBQ, please complete the call for applications form.

ABOUT THE CALL

Registration is free, but spaces are limited. Selected artists will be responsible for covering their own travel (to and within the host city), accommodation, and conference access badge. Only those who are already planning to attend WOMEX should apply. Participants must plan to arrive no later than 20 October.

Our teams are committed to working with and for underrepresented artists and groups, and we strongly encourage applications from Indigenous people, visible minorities, refugees, immigrants, members of 2SLGBTQAI+ communities, and women.

The call for applications will close on 8 June at 11:59 p.m. (EDT).

Apply now!

BENEFITS

Delegates can enjoy a range of benefits by participating in WOMEX, including the opportunity to connect with and be part of a Québec and Canadian delegation, as well as receiving guidance throughout the process!

• Selected artists will have access to Northern Turtle Island Collective (NTI) activities, including a mixer-style networking event designed to foster professional exchange. This networking opportunity aims to build strong connections between agents, managers, programmers, and artists from Finland and Canada/Québec, encouraging collaborations and touring opportunities within this ecosystem.

• Artists will also be featured in the Northern Turtle Island Collective delegation roster.

• As well as access to all activities scheduled as part of WOMEX (including the Welcome Session, NTI x Music Finland Mixer, Official Showcases, booths hosted by the NTI Collective, and more.)

FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR ARTISTS

You may be eligible for certain funding opportunities available at the federal and/or provincial levels, depending on your province of residence.

Travel and accommodation expenses are the responsibility of participants. However, financial assistance programmes are available to help cover part of these costs related to travel and representation. It is the responsibility of artists to undertake the necessary steps to apply to the relevant funding bodies. Please consult the programmes below, which you may be eligible for:

Canada Council for the Arts

Some expenses may be eligible for support under the Explore and Create
– Travel programme for self-employed artists.
Rayonner à l’international – Déplacement

FACTOR (Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings)

Artists who have received funding for the production of a sound recording (released or upcoming) may be eligible for support to assist with their participation.
Live Performance program.

Musicaction

International Market Development programme.
Programme d’aide à la commercialisatiion

Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ)

Travel for work outside Québec programme.
Circulation d’oeuvres hors Québec

We also recommend checking with your provincial arts council for other possible funding opportunities.

FILL UP THE APPLICATION FORM NOW