News

The UNESCO City of Music Tallinn and Music Estonia invite music companies to apply for a networking and business delegation trip to two Canadian music cities – London and Toronto. The trip, taking place during the second-to-last week of August, aims to connect Estonian music industry companies with local music professionals and businesses, while supporting the development of export activities in the North American market. Applications for the delegation are open until 27 May.

As part of the delegation trip taking place from 16–22 August, the Estonian delegation will also have the opportunity to visit the new Estonian Centre KESKUS in Toronto and participate in the Nordic Connect Conference (NCC), organised by VEMU (Estonian Museum Canada).

According to Ave Demelemester, Director of Music Estonia, the initiative marks an important step in developing Estonia’s music export activities: “Both Toronto and nearby London (Ontario) – which is also a UNESCO City of Music – are important hubs within the North American music industry. This trip offers our companies the opportunity to establish direct connections with local festivals, venues, promoters, and other relevant music industry stakeholders. At the same time, the European Music Exporters Exchange (EMEE) is increasingly focusing on the Canadian market and will soon visit music companies in both Toronto and Montreal, improving access to the market for European export offices. Considering Europe’s growing focus on Canada, the UNESCO music city profile, the large Estonian community, and existing activities already taking place in the market, it is important that we also strengthen our own presence in North America.”

Five music companies registered in Tallinn will be selected for the delegation. Eligible applicants should already have ongoing export activities in North America or a well-developed plan for entering the market. The final selection will be made by a jury formed by Music Estonia. In addition, VEMU will select five more companies from the applicants to participate in the NCC conference programme with support from the City of Toronto.

Support for Participants

Selected companies will receive organised target-market meetings and partial travel support. Music Estonia will provide each selected company with a fixed travel grant of up to €1500 based on expense documents. An optional free accommodation will also be provided at the Tartu College Student Residence in downtown Toronto, with the possibility to extend the stay through VEMU support.

About the Destinations

London (Ontario)
Known as a UNESCO City of Music with a strong sense of community, London is located halfway between Toronto and Detroit. Its closely connected music ecosystem enables more direct and meaningful industry relationships. Meetings in the local music sector will be organised in cooperation with representatives of London’s music office.

Toronto
One of North America’s most multicultural and internationally connected music markets, Toronto is home to major record labels, concert promoters, and music technology startups.

NCC x KESKUS Toronto Programme
The programme coordinated by VEMU begins on 20 August with guided visits to Toronto music organisations, followed by a networking dinner and B2B meetings.

The deadline for applications is 27 May (inclusive). More information about the conditions and the application form can be found on the Music Estonia events page. The project is supported by UNESCO City of Music Tallinn and organised in cooperation with London Music Office and VEMU – Estonian Museum Canada.