The Canada Black Music Archives (CBMA) is excited to announce the Black Arts Professional Development Initiative supported by TD Bank Group. This initiative will enhance the development of an emerging Black arts professional through a two-year professional development opportunity.
The individual who has already been selected will gain invaluable archival insight through mentorship and the organization of several programs, including their annual Black History Month events. As a national archive, the CBMA will provide hands-on experience through this programming, offering events both in Vancouver and Toronto this February 2026. This will be the first CBMA programming slated for Vancouver, marking an exciting moment for the organization.
Co-founder and Executive Director Phil Vassell states “On behalf of the CBMA, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to TD Bank for their forward thinking support of this project. This initiative will help “preserve the music history of Black Canadians across the country as well as showcasing these largely under-represented musicians on the stage.”
Last year’s Black History Month programming was a sold-out show and featured iconic performers like Polaris Music Prize winner and JUNO Award winner, Haviah Mighty; beloved hip-hop guru and lyricist, Mathematik; and the JUNO Award winning and internationally acclaimed duo, Dream Warriors, took the stage for the first time in 20 years. Also featured was a stellar lineup of DJs including DJ Carl Allen, DJ DTS, and Joey from Soundquest.
The Black Arts Professional Development Initiative will help advance the next generation of Black arts professionals. Through this initiative the CBMA aims to amplify these diverse voices in the arts.
The Canada Black Music Archives will be announcing more programming details in the coming months. Stay up-to-date with their newsletter and on social media.