Arts for All

Arts for All is a new province-wide initiative of the Soundbone Traditional Arts Foundation which aims to employ professional musicians to deliver interactive music programs in care homes, hospitals and other healthcare settings. Our mentorship program also provides emerging musicians across all genres of music with the skills and specialist support to perform in a variety of settings at the start of their professional careers.

Since 2017 the Soundbone Foundation has been working with students and arts organizations through our Cultural Ambassador Program, providing summer employment and mentorship for young musicians. Arts for All extends this concept to professional musicians who have finished their training and/or apprenticeship, enabling them to obtain employment and work experience at a crucial time in their careers. Artists are paid nationally accepted rates as a supplementary income. They will perform in a variety of venues and will be given mentorship training at the beginning of their contract as well as follow-up support throughout the program.

Eligibility:

• Must be at least 19 years old and at the beginning of their musical careers

• Must fulfill the definition of a professional artist as stipulated in ArtsNL’s Professional Grant eligibility criteria

• Be willing to learn music repertoire appropriate to the performance venues

• Have a valid drivers license and access to a vehicle for transportation

Benefits include:

• Paid performance opportunities

• Musically enriching experiences

• Mentorship and professional development in the field of music outreach

• Professional experience: planning, performing, programming, developing the range of music performance

• Development of communication skills

• Personal experience: meeting a wide variety of people in different settings to develop personal awareness and confidence

• A chance to reconnect with the reasons one becomes a musician

• Supplementary income: artists are paid at nationally accepted rates

Why Arts for All?

AfA can be the starting point for a fulfilling and successful career in the music profession. Soundbone provides emerging musicians with paid performance opportunities, training and support in professional development at the start of their careers. Learning to communicate with an audience is an essential part of becoming a musician. Working with people whose circumstances restrict or deny their access to live music gives you an invaluable opportunity to develop these skills as well as having a profound impact on your personal and musical development. Workshop skills are in great demand throughout the music profession and can greatly enhance the breadth and scope of employment for any musician.

Arts for All develops the potential of talented players based in Newfoundland and Labrador at the start of their careers. We select musicians, as soloists or in groups (usually up to 3 people) from a wide range of musical styles. Artists apply to join the program because they want the benefits of working with a wide range of audiences and an opportunity to develop their communication skills. Paid engagements are offered to them during their time on the program. Once accepted they may be offered work anywhere in the province, though we will attempt to place artists in their own communities where possible.

Musicians are drawn from the most talented emerging players living in Newfoundland and Labrador. Performing as soloists or in small groups, they come from a range of musical traditions. Applicants are selected through an audition process. They must combine both musical talent and an ability to communicate and establish a rapport with audiences.

For information about Arts for All participating artists, please visit Our Musicians page.

Contact:

Eric West

Artistic Director

Soundbone Traditional Arts Foundation 

ph: 709-670-3377

info@soundbone.ca