Art Music Denmark works to strengthen the international careers of Danish musicians and artists. As part of this mission, we are excited to offer Danish musicians, composers, and sound artists an exclusive opportunity to build visibility and professional connections in the vibrant Canadian music scene. Together with Canadian-based, multi-disciplinary artist Olivia Shortt, we are launching a career network program designed to boost and strengthen the international presence of Danish artists in Canada in 2026.

The programme
Art Music Denmark and Olivia Shortt will select up to two musicians, composers, or sound artists to participate in this tailored network program. The initiative supports participants in establishing a foothold in the Canadian music scene by facilitating new connections, meetings and potential performance opportunities. The program includes a 7-day music industry programme in Canada in 2026 as well as consultations with Danish and Canadian professionals.

Timeline:
The network program will take place over seven days in the fall of 2026 (October/November).

In addition, selected participants are expected to set aside time for preparatory work, meetings, and consultations leading up to the programme, ensuring it aligns with their artistic ambitions and career goals.

The network program includes*:

• Travel support from Denmark to Canada and back
• Domestic travel support within Canada
• 7 days of accommodation and per diem
• Visa funding and processing support
• Support growing the Artist’s network of industry professionals within Canada
• The opportunity to network with key players in the Canadian music industry.
• Support identifying performance and/or showcase opportunities

*Note: If you’re selected for the program, it’s mandatory that you purchase travel insurance. Art Music Denmark doesn’t cover this expense.

In reviewing the applications, we prioritise candidates who:

• Are active musicians, composers, or sound artists.
• Have a strong interest in expanding their career internationally, including Canada
• Are ready to engage in preparatory work, meetings, and consultations to tailor the program to their artistic and career needs.
• Demonstrate professionalism and a clear vision for their participation in the program
• Make an effort to engage with the opportunities presented during the program, building new connections and collaborations in the Canadian music scene.
  
  Who can apply:
• You can apply either solo or as a duo.
• Musicians, composers and sound artists of all ages who are eager to take the next step in their international careers.
• Applicants must be either Danish citizens (regardless of whether you live in Denmark or abroad) or musicians/composers of any nationality currently residing in Denmark
  
  Application:
  You can apply by filling out the application form: APPLICATION FORM 

Application deadline: February 2nd 2026, 23:59 (CET)
All applicants will receive a response by early March 2026.

Selection Jury: The selection jury will consist of a representative from Art Music Denmark’s music committee, together with Olivia Shortt.

About Olivia Shortt:
Olivia Shortt is a multidisciplinary artist and teacher in music, theatre and video art based in Toronto, Canada. Shortt is Anishinaabe (Indigenous) and a member of Nipissing First Nation, and of Irish descent through their mother.

Described by Musicworks Magazine (Canada) as a “glittering, rising star in the exploratory music firmament”, Shortt was named by the Canadian Broadcasting Company as one of “6 Indigenous composers you need to know in 2024”. Shortt has performed at The Whitney Biennial (New York City), The Holland Festival (Amsterdam, NL) and the Smithsonian Museum (Washington, DC), as well as at Canadian venues and festivals such as The Music Gallery (Toronto), Innovations En Concert (Montréal), Open Waters Festival (Halifax), and send+receive festival of sound (Winnipeg).

Shortt is the 2025-2026 Indigenous Artist-in-Residence at the Indigenous Creation Studio (University of Toronto, Mississauga) and is a graduate of Dartmouth College (USA).

If you have questions regarding the application or the network program, please contact: laura@artmusicdenmark.org

The network programme is supported by the Danish Arts Foundation, the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.