Call for Submissions: Folk Alliance International 2026
Call for Submissions: Folk Alliance International 2026
Private Showcase
January 21-25, 2026 New Orleans, LA
MusicOntario and Folk Canada are joining forces under the FOLK NORTH banner to host three nights of private showcases at Folk Alliance International (FAI) in 2026.
It’s our 10th year of supporting Ontarian and Canadian artists and businesses at the world’s largest gathering of the folk music industry and community, which celebrates a diverse range of genres including Blues, Bluegrass, Roots, Celtic, Cajun, Appalachian, Traditional, World, and Singer-Songwriter. The event offers a comprehensive conference, tailored business opportunities, and hundreds of showcase performances.
Over the years, we have showcased more than 300 artists from Ontario and across Canada at Folk Alliance International, while supporting the businesses who work with them in developing connections in new markets. Our alumni include The Strumbellas, Digging Roots, Amanda Rheaume, Abigail Lapell, Julian Taylor, Tim Chaisson, AHI, Skye Wallace, Jeremy Dutcher, Aysanabee, Shakura S’Aida, Terra Lightfoot, Kaia Kater, Elisapie, OKAN, Ammoye, Lemon bucket Orkestra, and many, many more! We welcome applications from all folk traditions.
Please note:
- You must be a resident of and based in Canada to be eligible to apply.
- Applicants will be assessed based on export-readiness.
- Showcases are brief – 15 minutes each, with 5 minutes to change over.
- Showcases take place in suites in the host hotel. We will have light amplification but recommend an acoustic configuration, with only light percussion permitted.
- We will provide a sound technician for performers to access.
- Members of MusicOntario and/or Folk Canada receive preferred pricing and consideration for showcase slots.
- Artists are responsible for their own travel expenses and visas, where applicable.
- If selected to perform, each performing musician must be registered with the Folk Alliance International conference – head to https://folkconference.org/register for rates.
Exclusive Rates for MusicOntario Members
To attend FAI, artists and representatives must register for the conference. Fortunately, MusicOntario members are eligible for a discounted registration rate which reflect savings of more than $400 CAD:
- Artists: $300 CAD
- Industry: $400 CAD
If you would like to learn more about MusicOntario membership or discounted registration, please contact Siddhant Shah: sid@music-ontario.ca. If you would like to learn more about Folk Canada membership, please contact Joel Elliott: joel@folkcanada.com.
We appreciate all interest, however, for administrative purposes, only successful applicants will be contacted in December 2025. There is no need to follow up. Thank you.
About MusicOntario
MusicOntario is a non-profit, membership-based Music Industry Association (MIA) which builds community and career capacity across Ontario’s music sector. Through professional development, resources, networking, showcasing, international export, and advocacy, we nurture, elevate, and empower emerging artists and companies in Ontario. We help.
About Folk Canada
Folk Canada is the country's largest organization devoted to the folk, roots, and traditional music community. We are the combination of two member-driven arts service organizations serving the folk community: Folk Music Ontario and Folk Music Canada. If you would like to know more about the merger process, please feel free to view this overview of the history and progress: LINK. For over 39 years, Folk Canada and its members have supported the growth and development of the folk music community across the country through initiatives like the annual Folk Music Ontario Conference, Developing Artist Program, Festivals' Retreat, Export Development Program, Peer Sessions, Ontario Folk Music Awards, Folk in Film Festival, Year-round Professional Development Seminars, Community Folk Fests, and more!