The Blueprint 2025: Building the Future of Canadian Music, One Artist at a Time
Every great artist begins with a spark — a moment where passion meets possibility.
At the Tune In Foundation, we’ve built a home for that spark to grow, evolve, and shine through The Blueprint Artist Development Series — Hamilton’s only artist incubator dedicated to empowering emerging and mid-career musicians, especially those from racialized and underrepresented communities.
Now in its third year, Blueprint 2025 continues to redefine what professional artist development looks like in Canada.
A Platform Built for Purpose
The Blueprint program was born out of a simple but powerful belief: that talent alone isn’t enough — access, mentorship, and community are what truly unlock an artist’s potential.
Led by Dejehan “Luckystickz” Hamilton, a Berklee College of Music graduate and international performer, Blueprint equips artists with the real-world tools needed to thrive — from performance and branding to business strategy and media readiness.
Each year, we welcome a new cohort of ten artists into a 12-week journey of growth, learning, and collaboration. Over the course of the program, participants meet weekly at Mainstage Rehearsal Studios in downtown Hamilton — a creative hub that becomes both classroom and stage.
Through hands-on workshops, industry panels, and peer collaboration, artists gain insight into:
Stage Presence & Performance Techniques
Vocal Coaching & Audience Engagement
Music Business & Royalties Management
Branding, Marketing & Digital Strategy
Networking & Professional Pitching
But beyond the lessons, Blueprint is about community — artists learning from each other, supporting each other, and growing together.
Rising Voices, Real Impact
Since its launch, the Blueprint program has supported over 40 artists from Hamilton and surrounding cities, many of whom have gone on to perform at major events and festivals, release original music, and secure new creative opportunities.
Our alumni are proof that the system works.
Blk Orchid, a Blueprint artist, recently won Top Reggae Single (Female) at the 2025 Reggae North Music Awardsfor her single “How Long.”
D.M. opened that same awards show with a live performance alongside Blk Orchid, showcasing the caliber of artistry cultivated through the program.
Tesharah, another Blueprint graduate, continues to rise as one of Hamilton’s most promising young vocalists, known for her soulful tone and powerful storytelling.
These milestones are more than personal victories — they’re community wins, representing a movement of artists who are reshaping the sound of Canadian music from the ground up.
A Showcase of Growth
Each cohort concludes with the Blueprint Finale Showcase, held at Mainstage Rehearsal Studios as part of the Hamilton Arts Council’s hArt Music Series. The event offers artists a professional platform to perform before industry peers, partners, and the public — marking the moment where preparation meets performance.
In 2025, the showcase once again highlighted the power of intentional artist development. The room was electric — filled with family, fellow musicians, and local arts leaders celebrating the growth of each performer.
This finale is more than a concert; it’s a declaration of what’s possible when creativity is met with structure, mentorship, and belief.
Community Partnerships & Support
The Blueprint Artist Development Series is presented in partnership with the Hamilton Arts Council and supported by the city Enrichment fund, with additional opportunities through Fresh Up Fest and the hArt Music Series.
Together, these partnerships expand access and visibility for emerging artists — connecting them to performance stages, grant opportunities, and media coverage that help turn passion into profession.
Looking Ahead
As we step into 2026, the Blueprint program continues to grow in both scale and impact. Our vision is to establish The Blueprint as a national model — expanding across the Golden Horseshoe and into new cities, offering a roadmap for artist development that is inclusive, sustainable, and transformative.
Because when artists are equipped with knowledge, mentorship, and opportunity — they don’t just perform; they lead.