Love Local Music Program 2025 & 2026
Love Local Music, presented by RBC, is a two-year concert producer development program resulting in a locally-curated concert series.
Six participants will be selected through an application process and will have access to skill-building training and industry mentorship led by Canada’s Music Incubator. Topics covered include programming strategies, ticketing, and concert marketing.
Participants must be available for a full-day (10am-4pm) training session on Saturday, June 7 at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga.
Each participant will also receive ongoing one-on-one mentorship, as well as additional professional development sessions throughout the two-year term.
Following training and mentorship, participants will gain experience and generate revenue by hosting two ticketed concerts in a City of Mississauga venue. One concert will take place in 2025 and one in 2026. As part of the program, the City will cover venue, house sound system and technician, and staffing fees for each concert. Program participants are responsible for programming concerts, including negotiating performance agreements, compensating musicians, and leading marketing of their events.
Who is eligible to apply?
- Mississauga residents 18 years of age and over
- Musicians, promoters, event producers (example only, applicants are not restricted to one of these categories)
- Concerts must feature at least 50% Mississauga-based performers
Who is not eligible?
- Organizations that have produced a large scale event at Mississauga Celebration Square in the last five years
- Not-for-profit organizations that have received funding through Mississauga’s Culture Grants program in the last five years (Live Music Grant recipients are eligible to apply)
Program Venue
2025 concerts will take place at the Studio Theatre in the Livings Arts Centre on Saturdays in September, October and November. Studio Theatre is a black box style theatre with various configurations. Capacity is approximately 300 but varies with each configuration.
Equity Statement
The City of Mississauga is committed to equity and inclusion. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We continuously seek to improve access to our programs and ensure applications are received from diverse and underrepresented Mississauga communities. We recognize the diversity of the people of Mississauga and encourage the community to provide feedback on how this program can better meet the needs of Mississauga residents.
Assessment Criteria
Applications will be scored on the following criteria:
- Potential for business and audience growth
- Cultural impact
- Previous community involvement
Submissions
Applications are due by Sunday, April 20, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
Contact
For more information, contact Corey Poole, Music Development Coordinator via email at corey.poole@mississauga.ca.