Showcase Opportunity: BREAKOUT WEST FESTIVAL 2026
Early bird pricing ends: January 14, 2026
Deadline: February 4, 2026
BREAKOUT WEST FESTIVAL 2026
Perform LIVE for industry professionals at BreakOut West 2026 in Victoria, BC. Submissions for the festival are open to artists of all genres from all Western provinces and Territories, as well as Nunavut Territory.
Full Details & submit online at: https://breakoutwest.ca/showcase-submissions/
MUSICAL GENRE
The Western Canadian Music Alliance is an inclusive organization, and BreakOut West welcomes submissions from artists of any genre. However, selections are made by a jury based on qualification and fit for the festival; therefore, not every genre will be represented in any given year.
FESTIVAL ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
BreakOut West is a music industry showcase, designed to match export-ready artists based in Western Canada with industry professionals at their level. Artists are selected based on their goals, recent experience, and the likelihood of which they would find concrete business at the BreakOut West conference. WCMA recommends that submitting artists meet at least two, but ideally all four of FACTOR’s criteria for export readiness.
BreakOut West is a juried showcase festival that takes many details into consideration. These may include; diversity of genre, language, gender and cultural identity. The festival also strives to represent all Wesern Canadian Music Alliance geographic regions. Gender-non-conforming artists, Indigenous artists, and artists of colour are strongly encouraged to apply.
SHOWCASE SUBMISSION FEES
Early Bird----MIA Members:15% Off Non-Member: 15% Off
Regular ------MIA Members: $40.50 Non-Members: $45
FESTIVAL SHOWCASE ARTIST COMPENSATION
Each selected artist at BreakOut West receives the following benefits as part of their performance:
- Two performance opportunities at the BreakOut West festival. Performance times and venues are may vary and are at the discretion of WCMA.
- One delegate package (valued at over $250) per performing member of your ensemble. This package includes a festival wristband which grants access to all showcases, and a delegate pass to take part in the BreakOut West industry conference, including all workshops, panels, networking receptions, one-on-one meetings and more.
- All showcasing artists will be able to access early and exclusive sign-ups for one-on-one meetings with industry mentors, ahead of general access.
- Each selected artist will be given an honorarium for participation. One honorarium is provided per artist, not per performing member.
- As a showcase at a recognized music industry conference, selected showcasing artists may be eligible to apply for support through FACTOR, and their provincial showcase funding program for support of showcase expenses. This may include travel, accommodations, payment to artists, per diems, marketing expenses, etc. Please contact your provincial music industry association for more detail.
- Access to hotel room discounts at participating hotels
- Marketing tools to promote showcases, including electronic show posters, social media promotions and use of logos and branding upon request.
