What happens when industry leaders, policymakers, and creatives come together to imagine the future of music?
Last week, that question came to life at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, where more than 300 delegates from around the world gathered for Alberta Music Cities Convention 2026. Across three days of conversations, performances and connections, delegates explored how music can shape communities and what it takes to build thriving music ecosystems.
For the National Music Centre, the convention was a natural extension of a decade’s worth of advocacy on the role music can have on Alberta’s economy. It was also an opportunity to bring voices from across the country and around the world together in Calgary to share ideas, learn from one another, and imagine what comes next.
What Makes a Great Music City?
We asked leaders from around North America what they think makes a city a great place for music. Their answers highlight the people, places, and policies that help music thrive.
What Can Calgary Learn from Other Cities?
Bringing music leaders from different cities together also meant an opportunity to learn what’s working in other cities. We asked delegates what Calgary could take away from their own music communities.
A Future in Music
A week on from Alberta Music Cities Convention 2026, we’re still carrying the ideas, conversations and connections that came out of three days at Studio Bell. A huge thank you to the 300+ delegates who joined us from Alberta, across Canada, and around the world to share their perspectives, exchange ideas, and imagine what’s possible for Alberta’s music communities.
The convention may be over, but the conversations continue—and we’re excited to see where they lead next.
Thank you to our partners and sponsors for helping make Alberta Music Cities Convention 2026 possible: Sound Diplomacy, West Anthem, Alberta Music, the Government of Alberta, CKUA Radio, Spruce Meadows, Calgary Arts Development, Craig Senyk Initiatives, OCL Studios, the Scotlyn Foundation, and Walt and Irene DeBoni.
Relive the experience below.
