For immediate release:
EDMONTON, AB, March 9, 2023 – The Edmonton Public Library (EPL) is delighted to announce a new initiative with a focus on encouraging and developing local musicians. In partnership with Alberta Music and made possible by the 2023 Edmonton JUNOS Host Committee, the Musician in Residence will support Edmonton’s music community in the Stanley A. Milner Library recording studios downtown.
“As an innovative, community-led organization, we are thrilled to offer this initiative to amplify and encourage local music in our city”, says Pilar Martinez, CEO of EPL. “This offers a fantastic opportunity for our customers and Edmonton area musicians of all ages and abilities to take their love of music to the next level.”
The Musician in Residence will offer one-on-one support sessions, host classes and events and will act as the lead curator and jury member for Capital City Records during the open submissions cycle.
“The Musician in Residence initiative raises the profile of outstanding talent, provides opportunities for citizens to connect with and learn from local talents and equips talent with resources to help support the creation of new work,” says Carly Klassen, Executive Director of Alberta Music. “Alberta Music is thrilled to partner with Edmonton Public Library on this service.”
This initiative is made possible by the 2023 Edmonton JUNOS Host Committee. Each year the JUNO Awards host city is provided funds towards a legacy project. The 2023 Edmonton JUNOS Host Committee determined that a music residency would be the most impactful legacy for Edmonton’s music community, with EPL acting as the host and steward of this initiative.
"We're thrilled we could act as a catalyst to bring these organizations together to launch such an exciting new program that will continue the legacy and impact of the 2023 JUNOs in Edmonton for years to come," says Aimee Hill, Co-Chair of the 2023 Host Committee. "The Musician in Residence program is a great example of how our community works together to support artists, contributing to a strong and celebrated Edmonton music scene."
This continues EPL’s long-standing advocacy for local music, launching the award-winning Capital City Records in 2015. Since then, EPL has published a curated collection featuring almost 300 albums by over 250 local artists. In 2019, EPL was the first public library in North America to release a vinyl album, Riversides. EPL’s Stanley A. Milner Library and Whitemud Crossing Branch are home to state-of-the-art recording studios set up with new instruments and equipment for music enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.
The Musician in Residence initiative will be piloted at EPL for three years using the allocated JUNOS Host Committee funds for the legacy project.
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About Edmonton Public Library
Edmonton Public Library (EPL) is proud to be 2014 Library of the Year! We’ve come a long way since 1913 when books were all you could find on our shelves … and we’re just getting started! Today, EPL carries everything you care about. We are Edmonton’s largest lender of all manner of information and entertainment. Our professionally trained staff take you beyond Google with the knowledge, discernment and desire to help you navigate a universe of information. The second most visited place in Edmonton, every year EPL hosts over 15.4 million in-branch and online visits across our 21 branches and website. We deliver our incredible content to you everywhere – in the library, at home or on your handheld device. Unmatched access and unrivalled value – that is today’s EPL. EPL is a registered charity and relies on donations to enhance services. Spread the words. www.epl.ca/give
About Alberta Music
The Alberta Music Industry Association is a non-profit, service-based association dedicated to helping professionals in the music industry to succeed in their careers with the goals to build, connect and inspire a dynamic Alberta music industry.
Alberta Music has offices in Edmonton and Calgary. The organization provides professional development programming and networking opportunities, export and domestic showcasing and performance events, as well as advocacy and representation of the Alberta music industry on municipal, regional, and national levels.
Media Contacts:
Karen Chidiak | Marketing and Communications Manager | Edmonton Public Library
780-405-0617 | karen.chidiak@epl.ca
Carly Klassen | Executive Director | Alberta Music
780-965-8004 | carly@albertamusic.org
