Canadian Independent Music Association - CIMA

05/11/2026

Great news!! Today, Marc Miller, Canada's Minister of Identity and Culture announced that the federal government was permanently renewing the Creative Export Strategy.

CIMA looks forward to working with Minister Miller and his team to grow the global footprint of Canadian-owned music companies and the phenomenal artists they serve.

Canadian Heritage

05/08/2026

This September, CIMA will be organizing a business mission for 8 companies to BIGSOUND in Brisbane, Australia. CIMA will be holding curated business events during the week in partnership with the Sydney Consulate and the BIGSOUND team and invited Canadian participants will work with our in-market consultant to foster connections within the Australian industry.

Through CanExport funding, Canadian delegates selected for CIMA’s Business Mission will receive partial travel-related support (economy air, ground transportation) and accommodation/per diem expenses for up to 8 applicants.

Interested in attending this event? Let us know by filling out the form below! Note that this not guaranteed participation.

The deadline to complete this form is June 5, 2026.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CIMABIGSOUND26

05/07/2026

Interested in showcasing at Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg this September? Applications for Canada House close TOMORROW!

Details below:

https://www.cimamusic.ca/news/call-for-applications-canada-house-at-reeperbahn-2026/

05/06/2026

CIMA, in partnership with Young Music Professionals (YMP), is hosting a day-long, in-person workshop on June 2 for music professionals who are ready to move into the next stage of their careers.

Next Step is a practical leadership workshop for emerging and mid-career music professionals who already have their foot in the door and want to grow into more senior, decision-making roles. Drawing on The Art of Managing Your Career and proven leadership tools, this session will help you:

- Understand key business and leadership models relevant to the music industry

- Reflect on your strengths, values, and working style through guided self-evaluation

- Better understand the market, yourself, and your projects

- Clarify your career direction and map out realistic, actionable next steps

This session is guided by Culture Works Canada (CWC), led by Dr. Grégoire Gagnon. It is designed to bring together emerging music professionals to develop leadership skills, share perspectives, and support the next generation of industry leaders.

This program includes two components:

- Virtual Session: May 28, 2:00-3:00 PM ET (Available on demand; live participation is strongly encouraged)

- In-Person Workshop: June 2 Location: It’s Ok Studios (468 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2B2)

Participants are expected to engage with both components as part of the program.

Registration deadline: May 25 (end of day). Register using the link below:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M9X3TBY

05/04/2026

Who's going to be in Brighton next week for The Great Escape Festival?! 🇬🇧 Canada House will be running at The Green Door Store on May 14, 15 & 16 and will feature performances from 18 Canadian acts!

Get ready for 3 days of incredible music by hitting repeat on the Canada House playlist below 🎧:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2i980PGhOsoalhUr2gK27U

04/28/2026

The National Arts Centre / Centre national des Arts is partnering with CIMA to invest directly in the future of Canadian music.

The NAC is funding 50 free CIMA memberships for artists and developing music businesses across the country, helping remove barriers and unlock access to the tools, networks, and knowledge needed to build sustainable careers.

Benefits include:

- Professional development and industry-focused training

- Access to networking events and export opportunities

- Industry discounts and curated resources

- Entry into CIMA’s Make It Better mental health benefit program

Apply now for your chance to receive a fully funded 1 year CIMA membership and join a national community of independent artist entrepreneurs and industry leaders.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1fNs76jJN3sz4QzT8Dw5JlZi-4_B4T9vgSTNzTaTuwbfmPw/viewform?mc_cid=2284fa0b1e&mc_eid=UNIQID

04/17/2026

Call of Interest: CIMA’s Inbound Mission with the European Music Exporters Exchange (EMEE)
May 24-30, 2026
Toronto and Montreal

This May, CIMA will organize an inbound trade mission of Music Export Offices from Europe. CIMA will partner with EMEE on this custom trade mission to connect European music export offices from Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Ukraine, Ireland, Lithuania, Germany, France & more with Canada’s music industry through targeted one on one meetings, speed meetings, networking events, information sessions, on site office and venue visits, etc.

We’re looking for CIMA members, specifically labels, managers, publishers, sync, promoters, venue owners, agents etc, who are looking to further establish and build relationships with other European countries.

Business events will begin in Toronto, with the CIMA and EMEE delegation then moving to Montreal to connect with local industry. Note that this event is strictly by invite-only and filling out the form below does not guarantee participation. If selected, you will be contact by a member of the CIMA team.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/99K9LNY

04/16/2026

We're back in Brighton next month for 20th anniversary of The Great Escape Festival!! 🎉

From May 14-16, Canada House will spotlight 18 exceptional Canadian acts, offering them the opportunity to perform for UK and international delegates alongside music fans at The Green Door Store.

Canada House is presented in partnership with CIMA, Alberta Music, M for Montreal, Manitoba Music, Music BC, MusicNL, MusicOntario, SaskMusic, SODEC, and Music Yukon to present this lineup.

04/15/2026

CIMA is saddened to learn of the passing of Donald K. Donald, a longtime member and dedicated supporter of the independent music sector.

A true industry titan, his influence helped shape the music community as we know it today.

Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.

Influential Montreal concert promoter, record label head and record producer Donald K. Tarlton (a.k.a. Donald K. Donald) has died at the age of 82.

04/14/2026

This year, A2IM Indie Week 2026 will be held in New York City from June 8-11, 2026. CIMA is pleased to announce that we will be offering an exclusive discounted rate for members.

CIMA members will received an international delegate badge at a discounted rate of $649USD per ticket (regularly $1705USD).

Interested in receiving this discount? E-mail [email protected] for more information.

Note that you must be a CIMA member in good standing to receive this discount.

Deadline: Ongoing