What is West Anthem?

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.


Who is West Anthem for?

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.


What does West Anthem actually do?

West Anthem focuses on four key areas:

  1. Research and strategy development
  2. Advocacy and policy alignment with municipal and provincial government
  3. Community engagement (ex. Sound Bites sessions)
  4. Pilot initiatives that test ideas and support sector innovation

What is West Anthem?

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.

Who is West Anthem for?

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.

What does West Anthem actually do?

West Anthem focuses on four key areas:

  1. Research and strategy development 
  2. Advocacy and policy alignment with municipal and provincial government
  3. Community engagement (ex. Sound Bites sessions)
  4. Pilot initiatives that test ideas and support sector innovation
Is West Anthem a non-profit organization?

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.

Is West Anthem connected to government?

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.

What does West Anthem actually do?

West Anthem focuses on four key areas:

  1. Research and strategy development 
  2. Advocacy and policy alignment with municipal and provincial government
  3. Community engagement (ex. Sound Bites sessions)
  4. Pilot initiatives that test ideas and support sector innovation
Does West Anthem provide funding?

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.

Can I apply to West Anthem for grants or support?

West Anthem doesn’t offer ongoing or open funding programs.

If future initiatives or opportunities arise, they will be announced publicly through our website and channels.

Is West Anthem an events production organization?

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.

What is West Anthem not?

West Anthem is not:

  • A funding body with ongoing grant programs
  • A membership organization
  • An event producer
  • A talent agency or artist management company

We exist to support the system as a whole, not individual commercial interests.

What kinds of ideas or initiatives are you interested in?
  • Ideas that align with the Music City Strategies or Rural and Small City Toolkit
  • Ideas that address gaps or barriers in Alberta’s music ecosystem to help support sustainability and growth
  • Ideas that explore new or experimental approaches
  • Ideas that create broader community or sector impact beyond a single project
  • Ideas that forge connections with other industries (i.e., tourism, film, etc.) or address emerging trends across sectors that may create opportunities or disruptions

 

How can I get involved with West Anthem?

You can get involved by:

  • Attending engagement sessions (such as Sound Bites)
  • Participating in surveys and consultations
  • Following updates and opportunities
  • Connecting with us to share ideas, feedback or initiatives
How is West Anthem funded?

West Anthem’s work is supported through a mix of project-based funding, charitable donations, grants and sponsorships. 

How can I support West Anthem?
  • You can donate to West Anthem (and recieve a charitable tax receipt for any donations of $20 or more). To donate, visit studiobell.ca/donate. Where it says: “Your gift will support Area of greatest need ˅” Click “˅” and select West Anthem.
  • Attend engagement sessions (such as Sound Bites)
  • Participate in surveys and consultations
  • Follow updates and opportunities
  • Connect with us to share ideas, feedback or initiatives
What is a “Music City”?

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.

 

What are the Music City Strategies?

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.

Is West Anthem an events production organization?

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.