Music BC Announces 15 Artists for ARC 2026 Accelerator Program

Music BC, the industry association that represents the music sector in British Columbia, announced the 15 emerging artists selected for the 2026 cohort of its Artist Development Accelerator Program (ARC). The announcement, released on Tuesday, lists Anna Katarina, Bealby Point, CHLO, Chopping Spree, Cold Fame, Connor Roff, Dani Black, Dour, Felisha and the Jazz Rejects, Mauvey, Maya Jade, Paris Pick, Revay, Seven Taviss and Talel McBriar as participants.

ARC was launched in 2022 as a three‑phase accelerator that combines business education, mentorship and creative collaboration. The program has already worked with 60 artists from across the province, producing eight songs that originated during its songwriting retreat component. Those tracks have moved beyond demo status and entered the public domain, demonstrating the program’s ability to translate creative work into marketable releases.

The 2026 cohort is funded through a partnership of public and private bodies. Creative BC, the provincial government of British Columbia, FACTOR and the Canada Council for the Arts provide financial support that covers workshops, residency costs and a showcase performance. The funding arrangement reflects a broader provincial strategy to nurture local talent and strengthen the music economy.

ARC’s structure is organized into three distinct phases. The Clinic offers workshops on branding, marketing, revenue generation and career planning. The Retreat is an intensive residency that focuses on songwriting, recording and performance development. The Show concludes the program with a live showcase before fans and industry delegates, providing participants with a platform to present finished work and network with potential collaborators and investors.

The 15 artists selected for the 2026 cohort come from a range of genres and backgrounds, underscoring the program’s commitment to diversity. Anna Katarina is a singer‑songwriter known for her introspective pop; Bealby Point blends folk and electronic textures; CHLO delivers experimental hip‑hop; Chopping Spree is a DJ and producer; Cold Fame offers atmospheric indie rock; Connor Roff is a jazz‑influenced vocalist; Dani Black is a hip‑hop artist with a strong visual identity; Dour is a synth‑driven pop act; Felisha and the Jazz Rejects combine jazz improvisation with contemporary songwriting; Mauvey is a folk‑blues guitarist; Maya Jade is a pop‑R&B singer; Paris Pick is a lo‑fi producer; Revay is a techno DJ; Seven Taviss is a spoken‑word poet; and Talel McBriar is a folk‑rock songwriter.

Music BC executive director Scott Johnson said the program has become “an important part of the artist development ecosystem in British Columbia.” He noted that alumni such as Desirée Dawson, Kimmortal, Missy D, Vox Rea, daysormay, Teon Gibbs, FKA Rayne and Concrete Vehicles (formerly Computer) continue to build audiences, access new opportunities and achieve significant career milestones. Johnson’s comments highlight the long‑term impact ARC has had on participants’ professional trajectories.

The announcement comes as the province’s music industry continues to expand its support infrastructure. Creative BC’s role as a steward of the province’s creative sectors, including music, film and digital media, is reinforced by its investment in ARC. FACTOR’s Artist Development program, which offers up to 75 % of eligible expenses for activities such as recording and touring, aligns with ARC’s mission to provide practical resources.

With the 2026 cohort now confirmed, the next steps for the selected artists include attending the upcoming Clinic workshops, entering the Retreat residency, and preparing for the Show. The program’s schedule is set to begin in late summer, with the showcase slated for early fall. Participants will have access to industry mentors, recording studios and marketing support throughout the process.

Music BC’s announcement of the ARC 2026 cohort underscores the province’s ongoing commitment to nurturing local talent. By combining education, creative work and industry exposure, the program aims to help emerging artists transition from promising projects to sustainable careers.