Panels & Presentations

Building a Resilient Music Ecosystem

TIME: 11:25 AM

LOCATION: MNP District Lounge at Canada Life Place • 99 Dundas Street • London, ON

---

Across the world, music ecosystems face funding challenges, fragmented decision-making, complex regulations and a gap between cultural practice and policy. In Toronto, one of the most multicultural and diverse cities in the world, community-led programming is at the heart of the live music scene. Independent venues, festivals and presenters - many rooted in diasporic communities - drive artist development, audience building and international exchange.

Open communication with the City via the Music Office and the Toronto Music Advisory Committee (TMAC), ensures lived experience informs policy and removes barriers, while supporting business growth and equitable access to opportunity.

This session presents Toronto as a practical case study of how community-centred ecosystems can build resilient, inclusive and globally connected music scenes. Speakers will share how the model works in practice, and how other cities can establish a similar framework successfully.

---

Speakers

• 

  Jonathan Bunce

  Wavelength Music, Artistic/Executive Director

• 

  Kristyn Gelfand

  MD of Uma Nota Culture

• 

  Said Yassin

  Founder and ED of It's OK*

---

Moderator

• 

  Jaclyn Tam

  Supervisor Special Events Music, City of Toronto Music Office