EWIMI 2026 *FREE RSVP daytime program + Full Conference Pass

Empowering Women in the Music Industry (EWIMI) – 6th EditionApril 30, May 1 & 2, 2026 | Ottawa–Gatineau, CanadaCultural Connectors

EWIMI6 is a three-day, multi-venue conference and showcase program featuring 17 events across 9 venues, including live and DJ showcases, networking, pitching, keynotes, panels, workshops, mentorship, and wellness activities.

EWIMI is a national and international gathering dedicated to women-identifying, non-binary, trans, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse artists and music industry professionals, while welcoming allies of all genders into a respectful and supportive space.

The 2026 theme, Cultural Connectors, highlights artists and cultural workers as bridges between communities and cultures, emphasizing collaboration and knowledge-sharing as drivers of a more equitable global music ecosystem.

Presented by Axé WorldFest in partnership with the National Arts Centre, EWIMI connects industry leaders, emerging talent and ready to export artists, centring women’s voices while welcoming all genders in a safe, inclusive environment. Curated programming pairs emerging and established artists and showcases globally influenced, genre-blending music, creating meaningful opportunities for artists, cultural workers, and local businesses.

DAY 1: Thursday, April 30th, 2026

4 pm Networking mixer at Beyond the Pale - Byward Market / music by DJ Del Pilar

Emcee Janice Jo Lee / Folk Alliance International + Opening remarks by organizers

6pm Official Opening NIGHT * Red Carpet walk-in pictures at the National Arts Centre

Thurs April 30 Showcases at the Fourth Stage, National Arts Centre Doors 6:30 * shows 7pm

Opening blessings by Algonquin Elder Irene Compton

MC Treasa Levasseur / Folk Alliance International - Opening Remarks by Heather Gibson

• Miss Mcleod
• Divka
• Tara Moneka
• Ammoye

DAY 2: Friday, May 1st 2026 - 9 AM at Arts Court * Court room

Yoga by Yanira Heredia - Starting the daytime activities with yoga creates a grounded, supportive space that encourages presence, well-being, and openness, setting a thoughtful tone for conversations on leadership, diversity, and mental health throughout the conference.

10am Artist Pitchings Breakfast — Our updated version of B2B speed meetings, held in the Theatre with networking breakfast in the Studio.

• Luisa M. González (Marilyn Gilbert Management)
• Winnie Bower (Samara Sound)
• Danielle Lefebvre (Danielle Lefebvre Artist Agency)
• Nicole Rochefort (AIM Booking)
• Ewelina Ferenc (Sweet Beets Music)
• Genny Demerchant (Demerchant Agency)
• Carolina Gala (Chia Productions)

12:15 am Meet the Axé team - A brief introduction

12:30pm - Ice breaker activity

1:45pm Panel: Breaking Into South America: Insights from Latin Women Programmers How to get booked, build networks, and route a successful tour.

Moderator: Priscila Santana (SummerStage/City Parks Foundation, USA)

Panelists:

Priscilla D’Agostini De Faria - Cultural Manager - Sesc Palladium / Brazil

Maria Garces - Somos/Loa Productora, Colombia

Natália Lebeis - Co-curator Sim São Paulo

Melina Hickson - Porto Musical - Brazil

Luisa Pineros - Journalist/Programmer Festival Centro - Colombia

Friday, May 1st Showcases at the Fourth Stage, National Arts Centre Doors 6:30 * shows 7pm

• Samantha Christ François
• Siibii
• Kazdoura
• Mireya Ramos

Friday May 1st - 11pm LATE NIGHT At the Little Favela Studio

• 11 pm Juana Go-Gó
• 12 am Natália Lebeis
• 1 am La Niña Kiwi
  

DAY 3: Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 - 9:30am Arts Court - Suggested arrival 9:30am

10 AM - Kelly Lee Evans hosted by Fateema Sayani Axe's volunteer Director of Outreach & Communications - Kellylee speaks about her journey to recovery and sharing her inspiring message of self-care and finding one’s own super powers. It’s a timely and universal message that speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever had their life interrupted by an illness or a setback.

11:15am - 1pm - "Meet the Funders & Grant Writing Round Table – Insights from Public Funding Officers and Independent Grant Writers"

Moderator: Treasa Levasseur

Based on the success of 2025 - we return with this much anticipated activity this time diving into 3 categories: Artists, managers, agents grants and opportunities / Officers TBC

1 pm - Changing a Culture: Building a Future with Fair Wages and Paid Showcases for Artists in Canada - Moderator Heather Gibson

This panel will explore how systemic issues have led to a culture where artists are often expected to perform for free or for exposure. It will focus on strategies for shifting norms, establishing sustainable practices, and advocating for policies that ensure fair compensation for artists.

Speakers TBC

3pm - Closing of the day time activities - Networking guided tour to the Canadian Museum of History to the Indigenous Peoples’ exhibits and Canadian history overviews

Saturday May 2nd Showcases at the Azrieli Studio, National Arts Centre Doors 6:30 * shows 7pm MC Sarah Onyango

• Amanda Fox Jingle Dance Performance
• Empress Nyiringango
• The Pairs
• Rachel Therrien

10:30pm - Closing dinner at the Daldongnae Korean BBQ Restaurant in the Byward Market

+ Closing party 11:30 pm - Timekode at the D’Afrique with party specialists DJs Trevor Walker & Kewende - featuring MC/Dancer Alea De Castro from Moov Ottawa * SHOWCASING DJS : Seiiizi & DJ Karyen

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Host or Publisher Axé Worlfest