Lifting women’s voices in music
Hamilton/Halton is the 11th chapter of Women in Music Canada, and will host local networking events, workshops, panels, artist showcases and meet-ups.
Male-dominated industries can be isolating, intimidating, and at times hostile to women and gender-diverse people navigating careers within them. The arts, often lauded as industries of progress, are not immune to this power imbalance. The non-profit Women in Music Canada (WIMC), now with a Hamilton/Halton chapter, is attempting to reinforce the shattering of the music scene’s glass ceiling.
Lisa La Rocca, co-chair of the Hamilton/Halton chapter and the director of operations at Hamilton music label Sonic Unyon, describes the development of this chapter as an opportunity to showcase and highlight the talent in our local arts communities, while forging connections and making space for all. She co-chairs with Hamilton Arts Council board member Sherry Sinclaire of Sinclaire Creative Studios.
“It was Sherry's idea to create a Hamilton/Halton branch, and I was on board right away,” La Rocca told HAMILTON CITY Magazine. “There is so much talent and musical history in the Hamilton/Halton area, and we wanted to find a way to connect everyone together and really represent our community, while also creating important networks with the greater Canadian industry.”
She says Women in Music Canada’s executive director Robyn Stewart and operations coordinator Rebecca Szymkow were “extremely supportive and helped us get started. We're so excited to be involved with Women in Music and meeting all of the other Canadian chapters as well.”
Established in 2014, and now with 11 chapters, Women in Music Canada is one of the largest music industry associations in Canada. Through programming, community building, and building online resources, it attempts to strengthen the gender and socio-economic balance of the music industry.
La Rocca and Sinclaire plan to organize a number of local networking events, educational workshops, panels, artist showcases and event meet-ups.
“Our goal is to empower, support and advocate for established and developing artists, musicians and industry professionals in the Hamilton/Halton area,” said Sinclaire.
“Connecting talented Hamilton/Halton WIMC members to ensure they have an established network and the correct tools to succeed when working directly with top Canadian and international music industry figures will guarantee they are able to grow and meet their career goals.”
La Rocca hopes that Women in Music Canada can provide opportunities for members, eliminate gatekeeping and break down walls.
“That we can all work together for a stronger, more inclusive industry where everyone has the chance to flourish in their careers,” said La Rocca. “I hope we can create longstanding community relationships and networks for local artists and music industry members alike.”
Find more information here.
