La Slagues song and music artist residencies are back!

La Slagues song and music artist residencies are back!

La Slague is currently accepting applications for its 2026–2027 artist residencies.

The deadline for submitting an application is Monday, July 6, 2026.

La Slague is pleased to continue its artist residency program, which enables artists to develop a project in song and/or music. For the artist, this is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen their creativity. We accept projects in French or instrumental works.

For this call for proposals, we are looking for emerging or mid-career artists who wish to explore a new project or artistic direction.

The photo above features artist Luna Fox during the final performance as part of the 2025-2026 artist residencies.

The project has two components!

The Creative Component

The creative component focuses on mentorship and networking. La Slague provides professional guidance to help artists bring their artistic visions to life and refine skills that require further development and exploration (e.g., stage presence, instrumental technique, vocal technique, software proficiency, musical knowledge, songwriting, musical arrangement, etc.).

Support will be provided in French and supplemented by professional resources dedicated to supporting the artist and contributing to the project’s production.

The Performance Component

The performance component involves presenting three shows:

1. A first solo show in September 2026. This will allow the artist to present newly created works in a very intimate setting, before an audience of invited professional musicians. The goal is to receive constructive feedback to help the artist refine their songs or pieces.
2. A second solo performance will be presented in the fall, in a singer-songwriter circle format, alongside the other artists in the residency. This will be an opportunity to share the new works with a general audience and gather feedback, including on stage presence.
3. A final presentation will take place in March 2027, in a more elaborate format, where the artist will be accompanied by professional musicians.

Our artist residency also offers financial benefits worth over $10,000!

The artist-in-residence at La Slague will receive the following benefits:

• A “residency” stipend of $1,500 for the duration of the residency (paid in three installments: $500 at the start of the residency, $500 upon submission of sketches for at least three new works, and $500 after the final presentation);
• A development budget of up to $3,000, covering professional fees for mentorship and/or the purchase or rental of equipment or software;
• A “performance” stipend for the performances ($500 for the second presentation and $1,000 for the final performance). La Slague will cover fees for supporting musicians (if applicable) for the final performance and for one rehearsal ($300 per musician) up to a maximum of 5 musicians (i.e., $300 x 5 = $1,500);
• La Slague will cover travel expenses for the artist and mentor (if applicable) up to $1,200;
• The production of a press kit: including a photo shoot, the writing of a biography, and a report on the residency experience, valued at $1,200;
• A budget of $3,500 is allocated for the recording and production of a professional three-song demo, to take place between February and March 2027.

The artist selected for the residency will be required to attend monthly meetings from August 2026 to March 2027 with the artistic director of the residencies, Dan Bédard.

These meetings ensure the smooth running of the residency and allow the artist to discuss the project’s goals and progress, the artist’s needs (e.g., vocal coaching, script assistance, etc.), and the next steps.

The photo above shows artist Jonathan Okoua recording at Jacques Grylls’ studio as part of the 2025–2026 artist residencies.

How to submit your application!

Applications, submitted in French, must include the following information: 

• A cover letter that also includes your first name, last name (stage name if applicable), mailing address, email address, and phone number. Please briefly describe your background, your strengths, and, most importantly, the areas you would like to develop with us;
• An artist portfolio (collection of previews and/or creative works);
• Three recordings in MP3 (audio) or MP4 (video) format of your work, including lyrics if applicable, or links to websites where examples of your work can be heard. These recordings may be in the form of demos (for example, recorded on your phone);
• A project proposal or description including the elements to be explored, your strengths as an artist, and areas for improvement, as well as a proposed work schedule.

Submit your application in the French that feels authentic to you. We’re looking for work that rings true and resonates—in your own French, whether it’s from here or elsewhere.

Please submit your application by email before the deadline of Monday, July 6, 2026, to Daniel Bédard, Artistic Director of the residency (dbedard@mail.com), and Stéphane Gauthier, Executive and Cultural Director of La Slague du Carrefour francophone (sgauthier@carrefour.ca).

You will receive an acknowledgment of receipt. The two selected artists will be notified prior to the public announcement. For the other artists, the media announcement will serve as notification of the competition results. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

**La Slague aims to be inclusive, open to all musical genres, eclectic fusions, and artistic interdisciplinarity.**

The photo above shows artist Luna Fox recording at Jacques Grylls’ studio as part of the 2025–2026 artist residencies.