West Anthem is a volunteer-driven music advocacy group that gathers industry insights through sector-wide engagement, promotes music-friendly policies, and tenaciously makes the economic, social and creative case for investing in Alberta’s music ecosystem.
West Anthem supports the sector by sharing relevant research, insights, and language that can strengthen initiatives connected to Alberta’s music ecosystem. The group may also provide strategic input, facilitate connections to partners, and amplify aligned initiatives through its channels and networks. While West Anthem doesn’t typically act as a delivery partner, it may align with or support projects that advance shared goals and demonstrate broader ecosystem impact.
We advocate for the broader music ecosystem in Alberta, including the music industry (recorded, live, production, creation, marketing, spaces/venues), regulations and policies related to music (funding, tourism, education, licensing) on the provincial and municipal level, music export strategies, and night-time economy.
As a trusted voice in the music ecosystem, West Anthem guides and equips policy-makers and decision-makers with vital insights needed to foster a thriving industry and creative economy.
West Anthem focuses on four key areas:
West Anthem operates as a sector initiative and advocacy body. While it is not a traditional membership-based non-profit, it works in the public interest to support the growth and sustainability of Alberta’s music ecosystem.
No. West Anthem works alongside municipal and provincial governments as an advisor and connector.
We help translate sector needs into policy recommendations and support alignment between local strategies and broader cultural and economic priorities.
The Steering Committee is:
A Music City is a community (of any size) where music is actively supported through policy, infrastructure, investment and cultural recognition.
This includes live music venues, rehearsal spaces, workforce development, supportive regulations, and strong connections between music and other sectors like tourism and economic development.
Read more about Music Cities and the value of a music ecosystem in our reports.
West Anthem developed Music City Strategies for Calgary and Edmonton, along with a Rural and Small City Toolkit for other Alberta communities.
These provide practical recommendations and frameworks to help communities strengthen their local music ecosystems.
West Anthem focuses on four key areas:
West Anthem is not a funding organization.
From time to time, we may design and deliver targeted funding initiatives, such as the Alberta Music Cities Grant Program pilot, responding to the needs of the ecosystem.
No. While we may support or participate in events, West Anthem’s role is focused on strategy, advocacy and ecosystem development, not event production. However, we may utilize events as a form of advocacy and engagement.
West Anthem is not:
We exist to support the system as a whole, not individual commercial interests.
You can get involved by:
West Anthem’s work is supported through a mix of project-based funding, charitable donations, grants and sponsorships.
The traditional territories of the Treaties 6, 7, and 8 Peoples encompass the majority of Alberta. Many First Nations continue to make their homes on today’s prairies: Siksikaitsitapi (including the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations), Tsuut’ina Nation, Îyâxe Nakoda (comprising the Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Wesley First Nations), Cree, Nakoda Sioux, Dene and Saulteaux, among others. The Otipemisiwak Métis Government governs five Territories within Alberta, distinct from the province’s eight Métis Settlements. Many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, both from here and as visitors from elsewhere, have helped care for these lands for generations. We recognize that they have traditions and relationships with the land far outstretching the arrival of settlers.
We are extremely grateful for these lands on which we reside, work, and play. We make this acknowledgement as an act of gratitude and reconciliation. While championing the arts across Alberta, we intend for our work to contribute to the valuing of traditional art forms and result in greater opportunity for the creative Indigenous talent who walk these lands today.
Email: info (at) westanthem.com
©2026 West Anthem. All right reserved.
Call
Email