Who it’s for
Emerging & developing artists
Artists ready to grow their practice, participate actively and develop a thoughtful music career strategy.
Artist development · Hamilton
The Blueprint.
Build what
comes next.
A 12-week artist development program connecting emerging and developing artists with mentorship, industry knowledge and live performance experience.
2026 cohort completed · Stay tuned for application updates
Purpose
Talent is the start.
Access changes
the possibilities.
The Blueprint helps artists build the creative, professional and industry knowledge needed for sustainable careers in music.
Presented with the Hamilton Arts Council, the program addresses gaps in access, representation and mentorship through hands-on learning, professional feedback and meaningful connections.
Format
12 weeks. A small cohort.
Meaningful mentorship, individualized feedback and a professionally produced public showcase.
Typical timing
Spring programming
Applications typically open in March, with programming from April to June. Future dates will be announced.
Blueprint 4.0 · 2026
See the program in motion.
A 90-second look at Blueprint 4.0 and its artists on stage.
Artist voices
In their words.
“It has given me the confidence, skills, and resources to continue growing on my artistic journey while connecting me with an incredible community of talented individuals.”
“The Blueprint equipped me with lifelong friendships and tools needed to build my music career.”
What artists receive
The tools behind the music.
Creative identity
Branding, styling, visual identity, professional photography and media readiness.
Career knowledge
Music business, career strategy, grants, funding, pitching, networking and booking.
Performance practice
Stage readiness, vocal development, audience engagement, live performance and industry adjudication.
Support for the whole artist
Mental wellness and sustainable creative practice are part of the program.
Connection beyond the showcase
Alumni stay connected through the Blueprint Collective and may be considered for paid performances and future opportunities. Selection is not guaranteed.
Professional development · Blueprint: JUNO Edition
Make your next submission with more clarity.
A practical walkthrough of choosing a project, understanding categories, and preparing a JUNO Awards application.
Hosted by Dejehan “Luckystickz” Hamilton, this recorded workshop covers the 2027 JUNO Awards cycle, including eligibility and fees, category types, Academy membership, project details, application preparation, and audience questions.
Recorded September 30, 2026. Check the JUNO Awards website for current deadlines, fees, and requirements.
The story so far
Built through experience.
2023
The first cohort
Launched as an eight-week artist development program.
2024
More time to develop
Expanded to 12 weeks of creative and professional development.
4
Cohorts through 2026
Blueprint 4.0 culminated in a live showcase at Mills Hardware in Hamilton.
November 1, 2026 · Mills Hardware
On stage at Fresh Up.
Mazii, Belladonna, Salomé and Stacey brought The Blueprint to Sonic Unyon’s Fresh Up event in Hamilton. Revisit the performances and community moments through photography by Moments w/ Matt.
View the showcase photos →The Blueprint · Partners & supporters
Stronger, together.
The Blueprint is presented by Tune In Foundation in partnership with the Hamilton Arts Council.
With support from FACTOR, the Ontario Arts Council and Ontario Creates, alongside artists, facilitators, industry professionals and community partners.
Explore The Blueprint’s partners & supporters →Taking the next step
Stay ready for
the next call.
No current application window is announced on the program page. Sign up for Tune In updates or contact the team about the next cohort.
Artists are selected for artistic potential, commitment to growth, readiness to participate and alignment with the program—not follower counts or popularity.
Keep building your creative practice
Artist development resources
Featured resource · Artist Enterprise Incubator
The Business of Being an Artist:
Understanding the Arts Business Model Canvas
Build the business side of your creative practice. Explore creative value, audience development, revenue streams and partnerships through practical examples and participant Q&A.
Dejehan “Luckystickz” Hamilton
Founder & Executive Director, Tune In Foundation
Session 2 · October 13, 2026 · 1 hour 10 minutes · Complete edited presentation and Q&A
Use the player’s CC button for captions. Watch on YouTube.
Session 5 · Artist Enterprise Incubator
Revenue Stacking:
Build an income portfolio that protects your practice
Explore how different income streams can work together without exhausting the time and energy your creative practice needs. Dejehan walks through assessing opportunities, mapping current revenue and planning a focused 30-day test, with practical examples and participant discussion.
Dejehan “Luckystickz” Hamilton
Founder & Executive Director, Tune In Foundation
Presentation, guided workbook exercises and Q&A · Break and housekeeping trimmed
Watch Revenue Stacking on YouTube
The workbook is a tool for experimentation, exploration and decision-making. Revisit it at your own pace; it is not an assignment with a deadline. PDF resources open in a new tab.
About the Artist Enterprise Incubator
A free, 10-week entrepreneurship program for Hamilton-based artists, covering pricing, income streams, financial management, funding and creative business development.
Led by McMaster University’s Reframery Incubator at CRCE and Hamilton Artists Inc., with Tune In Foundation as a community partner. Sessions combine in-person learning at McMaster with online learning.
The published 2026 application deadline has passed. Contact the organizers about future intakes.
Explore the incubator (opens in a new tab)
Explore The Blueprint →
Questions, answered
Before you apply.
When can I apply?
Applications typically open in March for April–June programming. Check Tune In updates for the next confirmed intake.
How long is the program?
The Blueprint runs for 12 weeks and uses a small cohort model for mentorship and individualized support.
Are there age, location or fee requirements?
Confirm the next cohort’s eligibility, location, schedule and any participation costs with the team when recruitment is announced.
What happens after the showcase?
Alumni remain connected through the Blueprint Collective and may be considered for paid performance, community and industry opportunities.
Can I support or partner with the program?
Yes. Contact Tune In to discuss mentorship, partnership, sponsorship or other support.
The Blueprint 4.0 · 2026 recap · 90 seconds