ADVANCE, Canada’s Black Music Business Collective, ArtHaus Community, Live Nation and MLSE have announced the expansion of the award-winning Inside LIVE! program – a first-of-its-kind initiative that creates pathways for Black youth to enter the live entertainment industry.
The quarterly initiative provides selected participants with a three-day experiential course designed to expose Black youth and their parents to different career opportunities available in the music industry. To reach more candidates, Inside LIVE! is now open to public applications, and community youth leaders are invited to nominate high-school–aged participants for the program.
“We are committed to creating transformative experiences that open doors and inspire the next generation of leaders in the music industry,” said Keziah Myers, Executive Director, ADVANCE Canada’s Black Music Business Collective. “ADVANCE is happy to collaborate on Inside LIVE!, a first of its kind initiative exemplifying our mandate to break down barriers and provide Black students with unprecedented access to live music events and career opportunities within the industry. Inside LIVE! is more than just a program; it is a movement to foster diversity, inclusion, and equitable access to the music industry. We are excited to continue this journey, and we are grateful for the support of our partners, participants, and community.”
The announcement follows the completion of six previous Inside LIVE! programs where participants, selected through community partners and their networks, had the opportunity to learn from industry professionals in the classroom and backstage at concerts featuring artists including Nelly, Ja Rule, Mary J Blige, Jessie Reyez, Missy Elliot, DVSN and Roy Woods.
“In developing the program curriculum, our goal was to create more than just a theoretical learning experience. We aim to spark curiosity between students and their mentors, encouraging them to see the live music industry not as something distant, but as a space where they feel welcomed and empowered to contribute,” said Sandy Pandya, ArtHaus Community Founder and Chairperson. “This is reinforced by bringing in amazing guest speakers with real, behind-the-scenes experience, who share their stories and insights, transforming learning into something tangible.”
How to Apply or Nominate a Participant
Inside LIVE! is now accepting applications from Black youth of high school age and nominations from community leaders. Interested nominators can submit a form online at InsideLive.org to join this immersive three-day experience. The program is designed to ensure accessibility and equitable opportunity for youth from across communities.
The three-day experience is structured to give participants both exposure and practical knowledge:
- Curriculum Day – Youth receive an overview of the live music business, learn about different roles and responsibilities, and hear from industry guest speakers.
- Concert Day – Participants attend a live concert and tour the venue, gaining a behind-the-scenes perspective on how a performance comes together.
- Career Mapping Day – Students explore potential post-secondary education, internships, volunteer roles, and job opportunities in the live entertainment industry.
“At Live Nation Canada, we firmly believe in the importance of nurturing young talent and providing them with opportunities to explore the diverse careers within the live entertainment industry. This program exposes students to the myriad of roles and pathways available in our field and plays a crucial role in fostering diversity and inclusion in our industry,” said Wayne Zronik, President, Business Operations, Live Nation Canada. “We are proud to be empowering the next generation with knowledge and experience and excited to see how it will inspire and shape the future of our industry.”
Inside LIVE! is designed to deliver on key objectives including education, exposure, access, creating a space for growth, and building a direct pipeline of Black talent into the live entertainment industry. In addition, parents and guardians are actively engaged to help support their youth’s career exploration. At the conclusion of the program, students receive a certification and pathways for internships at leading entertainment organizations such as MLSE and Live Nation. The program ensures that organizations engage with the communities they serve in a meaningful and impactful way.
“As experts in delivering world-class events, we know that enabling industry access to talent of diverse backgrounds and perspectives is a valuable advantage in creating the best experiences for our fans and in all areas of business,” said Neil Claydon, Vice President, Music & Live Entertainment, MLSE. “Our organization continues to strive to provide equitable and inclusive opportunities and level the industry playing field, and we are proud to work with our partners at Inside LIVE! to ignite marginalized youth’s passion for the live entertainment industry and grow this program to further community groups in years to come.”
For more information on the application process for Inside LIVE! and to review eligibility, please visit InsideLive.org.