(June 4, 2024 – Halifax, NS) The Music Nova Scotia Export Accelerator supports exporting and export-ready artists to better position themselves in international and national markets. Since 2010, Music Nova Scotia has been working with partners around the world to bring Nova Scotian talents to international stages. As MNS expands and diversifies its International Business Development Program, it has become clear there are systemic barriers for both racialized artists and developing artists to participate.

If selected to participate in the MNS Export Accelerator, MNS will cover the cost of accommodations and air travel. MNS will provide administrative support in booking accommodations and travel for the showcasing artists. Additional members (managers, photographers, partners, etc.) will be required to book their own flights. However, MNS may be able to provide discounts where possible. 

The MNS Export Accelerator welcomes all exporting and export-ready artists to apply. Artists are still required to apply to the festival and CIMA partner stages (where applicable) to be considered for the MNS Export Accelerator. Selected artists would work closely with MNS staff to identify goals and opportunities and to pursue those goals on the ground at various export showcases.

Applications are open now – only those artists selected to participate will be contacted. The deadline to apply is 3 weeks prior to the festival start date.

Approved export showcases may include but are not limited to:

Fall/Winter Semester (24/25)

– PITCH Scotland – August 22 – 23, Glasgow, UK
– A3C – September 28 – October 1, Atlanta, USA
– Folk Music Ontario, October 3 – 6, Mississauga, Canada
– Come Together – November 25 – 26, Toronto, Canada
– Viva Sounds – November 28 – 30, Gothenburg, Sweden

Spring/Summer Semester (2025)

– Folk Alliance Internationa l- February 19 – 23, 2025 Montreal, Canada
– Focus Wales – May 2025, Wrexham, UK

Application

Genre

Short Bio (30 – 50 words)

Career Highlights (in point form)

Have you performed at least twice outside of Nova Scotia?
Yes/No
If yes, please provide a list of the most recent performances outside of Nova Scotia.

Career Goals

Please provide 3 – 5 SMART goals outlining the next 12 months for your music career.

Export Goals
Tell us where you currently are in your career and where you expect to be as a result of the MNS Export Program.

Please provide a list of your team members – if you do not have a team, please provide the rationale for how you will support your export mission.

Most recent or upcoming release
You must have released an eligible single, EP, or full-length record within the last 24 months or have music in these formats scheduled for release in the next 10 months.

Streaming Audience
Please provide your top 5 streaming audiences (by country).

Social Media Audience
Please provide the top 5 countries or regions your online audience is from.

Website link and social media links

Number of Band Members/Performers on Stage
Please have a stage plot ready.

Press Photo
Please provide a high-quality press photo that will be used in marketing for export events.