The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall Introduces the Launch of its First Artist in Residence Program

The Inaugural Group of Artist Participants:

As a not-for-profit charitable organization, The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall has spent more than a decade investing in the development and support of emerging artists, helping them pave their own unique roads to one day headlining Massey Hall and a career at the iconic venue. We are proud to announce the first-ever Artist in Residence Program and the inaugural group of participating artists who will hold this esteemed position: Celeigh Cardinal, Sebastian Gaskin, and Julian Taylor. 

This year-long residency will take place across multiple spaces throughout Allied Music Centre and is its first ongoing residency program that offers comprehensive support, including mentorship, studio time, live performance opportunities, creative collaborations, and professional development at Allied Music Centre – Canada’s newest cultural ecosystem and home of Massey Hall. 

This inaugural Artist in Residence Program is made possible through the generous support of a donor advised fund with Canada Gives, whose principal has committed to creating opportunities and supporting Indigenous artists at Massey Hall.

The year-long tenure dedicated to the exceptional participating artists is being developed in consultation with members of the Indigenous music community, including the Indigenous Music Office, sākihwe festival, Tkaronto Music Festival and the International Indigenous Music Summit – two of which, Tkaronto and International Indigenous Music Summit, host their annual events in Allied Music Centre. The program is designed to support the participants’ creative and professional development, fostering meaningful audience engagement and access to the stages and creative facilities at Massey Hall and Allied Music Centre.

As the Artist in Residence Program grows, more opportunities will be offered to artists from all backgrounds to take part in other Residencies at Allied Music Centre. This inaugural program is a stepping stone to a whole new world of opportunity for musicians and is an extension of Massey Hall's Artist Development efforts. This program supports the Corporation's mission to foster professional and audience growth - and ultimately helping artists achieve their dream of headlining the legendary Allan Slaight Stage at Massey Hall.