Canada House at SXSW Sydney 2024

Canada and Australia share many commonalities, including a passion for the creative industries. With its thriving sector, world-class events, and technology hubs, Australia offers numerous opportunities for Canadians. Facilitating partnerships in the creative sector is a priority for Canada’s hybrid Trade and Public Affairs programs in Australia. We proudly support and promote Canadian Creators in music, film, theatre, publishing, and visual arts across Australian festivals and key events. Now in its second year, Canada House at SXSW Sydney highlights our commitment to showcasing Canadian talent and innovation. We foster strong ties between our nations through cultural diplomacy, business, government, and community engagement. SXSW Sydney serves as an exceptional platform to advance Canadian interests in this international city, throughout Australia, and into the Indo-Pacific region.

Dear friends,

On behalf of the Government of Canada, it is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to Canada House at SXSW Sydney, from October 16 to 18, 2024. We are delighted to return to this flagship event for its second year.

This year Canada House has relocated to the Abercrombie Hotel on Broadway, where it will serve as a central hub for Canadian music. The Canadian Independent Music Association has curated an impressive delegation of artists and industry professionals. Canadian acts will deliver dynamic performances on the main stage of Canada House and we hope you will join us for these exceptional showcases.

Our speaker program will explore the transformative potential of AI and its impact on content creation within the innovation ecosystem. We invite you to discover Canada’s potential as a world-class destination, gain practical insights on conducting business in Canada, network with like-minded entrepreneurs, engage with industry leaders, and immerse yourself in the vibrancy of Canada’s creative sector.

Your visit to Canada House coincides with a heightened focus on this region through Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. Australia is a pivotal partner in this strategy, which further strengthens our connections across the Pacific. We look forward to highlighting these connections through various activations at Canada House over these three days.

Under the leadership of Téléfilm Canada, and in collaboration with Canadian Heritage, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to meet you, engage in meaningful conversations, and share a taste of Canada here in Sydney.

Yours sincerely,

Sarah Quigley

a/Consul General of Canada in Sydney

Aysanabee (Ace-in-abbey) is a two-time JUNO award-winning Oji-Cree artist. With a swirling mix of indie, soul, and electronic sounds and pulse-quickening fingerpicking, his music is both hypnotic and melodious. Aysanabee made history as the first Indigenous artist to win the JUNO Awards for Alternative Album of the Year and the coveted Songwriter of the Year, for Here and Now.

• Aysanabee.com
• Facebook.com/AysanabeeOfficial
• Instagram.com/_aysanabee
• YouTube.com/Aysanabee
• Spotify

With her soulful voice and lyrics that wash over the heart and mind like waves, singer-songwriter Ila Barker is a force to be reckoned with. This Winnipeg based folk-soul artist of Anishinaabe and settler heritage takes listeners on an introspective journey, inviting them to connect deeply with their own emotions. Her latest album Fool Under Water (2022) is an honour song to her metamorphosis and a promise that the tide will turn. In 2024 Ila will take the show across the world with official showcases at Folk Alliance International, SXSW Austin, Reeperbahn, SXSW Sydney, and Folk Music Ontario.

• Ilabarker.com
• Facebook.com/ilabarkermusic
• Instagram.com/ilabarkermusic
• YouTube.com/@IlaBarkerMusic
• Spotify

Claire is co-owner of and artist manager/consultant with Winnipeg-based company Misfit Music MGMT. Their full-time roster includes Super Duty Tough Work, Kelly Bado, Kimmortal, and Jade Turner. Through Misfit's Artist Evolution Program, she works with emerging and professional artists to instill confidence and broaden their reach. Claire spent six years prior at the Manitoba Music Industry Association as an export and membership coordinator, youth mentor and more. She continues to work in the live sector as a stage manager and has been a recording and touring artist for the past fourteen years.

• Misfit Music MGMT

With more than 20 years' experience in the music industry and international trade, Trisha heads CIMA’s global export service, delivering international market and business development initiatives, showcases, and Canada House venue takeovers through strategic partnerships at various conference festivals around the world. To support CIMA members’ business & professional development interests, Trisha develops uniquely targeted custom missions and has led Canadian delegations and their artists to markets in Japan, Chile and Portugal, as well as bringing inbound delegations from Australia, France and Eastern Europe to Canada. Trisha is leveraging her vast experience in developing Canada's largest music export office along with extensive international networks to work closely with Canada's music industry to develop and implement business continuity strategies in our present and shifting landscape. One of those is starting and co-producing the “Make It Music” Future Thinking conference in Toronto, currently going into its 3rd edition.

• Cimamusic.ca

Canada House showcasing artist: Jess Moskaluke

Carmen Choney has shown remarkable dedication and expertise in stage and tour management, significantly impacting the music industry over the past 25 years. She has left her mark on prestigious events such as Country Thunder Music Festivals across multiple locations and the acclaimed Big Valley Jamboree.

Canada House showcasing artist: Jess Moskaluke

Mike Denney founded MDM Recordings Inc. in 2008 working with several artists including Chad Brownlee, Charlie Major, Bobby Wills and Jess Moskaluke to name a few. He successfully launched new artist, Tyler Joe Miller, during the COVID pandemic in 2020 with Miller’s first two singles reaching #1 on Canadian country radio.

• MDMRecordings.net

Tim Hicks continues to lead the way with his sure-footed everyman approach - expanding the songwriting and style that has helped define today’s country music. Delivering track after track with unparalleled quality and consistency, Hicks’ ascent as an elite chart-topping act since making his country-label debut in 2013 is undeniable. His vast catalogue of highly praised releases including Throw Down, 5:01, 5:01+, Shake These Walls, New Tattoo, Wreck This and Campfire Troubadour Volume I has earned the five-time JUNO Award nominee and CCMA Award winner a DOUBLE PLATINUM selling single, four PLATINUM selling singles, seven GOLD singles, one GOLD album and seventeen Top 10 radio hits (including the #1 singles “No Truck Song” and “What A Song Should Do”), in addition to over 200 million collective streams, 35 million YouTube views, multiple sold-out headlining dates and back-to-back national tours.

• Timhicksmusic.com
• Facebook.com/timhicksofficial
• Instagram.com/timhicksmusic
• YouTube
• Spotify

Jeremy Johnson is an artist manager whose artists have toured in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K., with upcoming EU dates. With a deep love of Americana and Country music, he is working towards building a global industry network to create opportunities for everyone he works with.

• JohnsonTalentManagement.com

Erin Kinghorn owns eEK! Productions a label services company based in Toronto, Canada. She holds the position of Label Manager at Ishkōdé Records, an Indigenous- and women-owned label which is committed to amplifying Indigenous voices for a time of healing, freedom and wholeness. Ishkōdé’s roster includes Amanda Rheaume, Aysanabee, Digging Roots, Morgan Toney, and Sebastian Gaskin.

• IshkōdéRecords.com

Canada House showcasing artist: Tim Hicks

Founder and CEO, Ron Kitchener is a pillar in the Canadian music business. He has a gift for recognizing outstanding talent and originality and surrounds himself with a team of passionate professionals who inspire artist development. Kitchener himself has been honoured with several notable awards that have established his proficiency in artist management, including CCMA Manager of the Year 14 times and Record Company Person of the Year three times.

• RGKEntertainment.com

An internationally celebrated artist, Jess Moskaluke continues to break barriers in the country music world with her big voice, pop-infused hooks, and sonic versatility, as seen across her 2023 EP “Heartbreaker”, including hit singles “Knock Off”, “Heartbreaker” and “Go Get Er” which has peaked at #15 on Canadian country radio and at #4 on Kix Country. As of May 3rd, Jess Moskaluke's current single "Go Get Er" has reached #1 at Australian country radio.

• JessMoskaluke.com
• Facebook.com/JessMoskalukeMusic
• Instagram.com/jessmoskaluke
• YouTube
• Spotify

The OBGMs from Toronto blend punk, rock, and hip-hop, earning acclaim for "The Ends." With intense live shows, they've performed alongside Death From Above, PUP, and Alexisonfire. Their dynamic energy and genre-blending style promise to captivate global audiences with their bold, unapologetic approach.

• TheOBGMs.com
• Facebook.com/TheOBGMs
• Instagram.com/theOBGMs
• YouTube.com/theOBGMs
• Spotify

Jenn Sookdeo has been a prominent figure in the music industry across Canada for over a decade. She manages Aysanabee, Canada’s first Indigenous Artist to reach #1 on Canadian radio, co-manages Montreal's alt-rock chart-topping, awards-winning, darlings Sam Roberts Band, and produces events. Her multiple hats engage expertise that allows her to fully support a musician’s journey to the stage while making the fan experience a memorable one. SOOKS also focuses on creating opportunities to nurture and guide the next generation of entertainment industry professionals and continuously strives to break down barriers for herself and others.

• SOOKSProductions.com

Olivier is the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at Moov AI, recognized as a leader in deploying artificial intelligence solutions in Canada.

Having played a role as an editor of the international ISO standard defining the quality of artificial intelligence systems and leading a team of 50 AI professionals from different countries, he was appointed as the President of the Canadian Committee for Artificial Intelligence (AI) at ISO/IEC. This committee aims to promote global cooperation and drive progress in the field of AI, ensuring that Canadian expertise has a significant impact on a global scale.

His cutting-edge knowledge in AI and machine learning has led him to lead the implementation of a data culture in various industries and support digital transformation projects in numerous Canadian companies.

Olivier is an inspiring leader, placing innovation and security at the core of his concerns. Firmly believing that AI can empower humans, he is always on the lookout for new solutions to help businesses achieve their objectives.

Source: moov.ai/en/olivier-blais

With a career spanning more than 20 years at Telefilm, Julie demonstrates an ongoing commitment to the film and audiovisual industry, nurturing projects while managing public funds in a transparent, responsible, and ethical manner. She is dedicated to streamlining processes, modernizing programs, and improving customer service. As National Director of Business Relations and Co-Productions, Julie, who holds a law degree from the Université de Montréal and Bachelor of Science degrees from the Université de Montréal and the University of New Hampshire, leads a passionate team of professionals across Canada and is responsible for managing all of Telefilm’s funding programs and audiovisual co-production recommendations.

Zane, a Métis writer, producer, and digital storyteller based in Vancouver, British Columbia, has crafted a diverse and impactful career path. Starting as a freelance journalist, he quickly transitioned into travel media when he was named the 2019 Saskatchewanderer by Tourism Saskatchewan. This opportunity not only solidified his expertise within the tourism industry but also opened the door to his current role with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC). There, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the creative direction of The Original Original authentication program and Destination Indigenous, ITAC’s consumer-facing platform.

In his role at ITAC, Zane manages content and brand integrity while serving as the executive editor of Nations magazine. His reach as a writer extends beyond ITAC, with regular contributions to Canadian Geographic and Explore magazines, where he focuses on ethical travel. Zane’s work has earned him the prestigious title of Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, and he serves as a judge for the Travel Media Association of Canada Awards.

His leadership extends to advocacy, as seen through his close collaboration with the Assembly of First Nations. In April 2022, he attended the historic Papal Visits in Rome, aligning his work with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.

A sought-after speaker, Zane has appeared on panels and delivered keynote addresses at high-profile events such as South by Southwest (SXSW), the International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC), and The IMPACT Conference. Following his mission in Sydney, Zane will head to Austin to deliver the closing keynote at the SEE 2024 conference. Additionally, he presents the Contemporary Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year Award at the annual Juno Awards Ceremony.

Beyond his speaking and editorial roles, Zane is the founder and creative director of CIVL Creative, a digital agency that addresses the unique needs of nonprofits and social enterprises.

Shant Joshi is an award-winning producer and president of Fae Pictures, based in New York and Toronto, on a mission to decolonize Hollywood. His credits include award winners at Sundance (Framing Agnes), Red Sea (In Flames), Iris Prize (Scaring Women at Night), Durban (Runs in the Family), premieres at Cannes, Toronto, Canneseries (Streams Flow From A River), Aspen (I Live Here), Palm Springs (Diaspora), Hot Docs, Black Star (Noor and Layla), Bentonville, and BFI London, and nominees for the Canadian Screen Awards (Queen Tut). He was also an executive producer on Nisha Pahuja’s Academy Award ® nominated film To Kill A Tiger, an impact producer on John Greyson’s TEDDY Award-winning film International Dawn Chorus Day, and an associate producer on Ingrid Veninger’s Canadian Screen Award-nominated film Porcupine Lake.

Shant currently sits on the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) Regulatory Committee and was previously Co-Chair of the BIPOC TV & Film Board, on the CMPA EDI committee, and co-founder of the Future of Film Showcase.

He is an alum of the Canadian Film Centre, Rotterdam Lab, and Osgoode Hall Law School, and was named a MIPTV Producer to Watch, Reelworld Trailblazer, nominated for an Indiescreen Award, and to York University’s Top 30 Changemakers under 30.

Source: faepictures.com/team

Yifat Shaik is a game developer and an Assistant Professor at York University’s Department of Computational Arts. She is known for her innovative contributions at the intersection of technology, art and design. With a keen interest in exploring the boundaries between digital and physical realms, her work often delves into themes of identity, culture, and the impact of emerging technologies on society.

Storyteller, interpretive guide, and proud member of the Wendat Nation, Dominic Ste-Marie is passionate about sharing his culture and heritage. Based in Wendake, he brings to life the rich myths and legends of the Wendat people, offering a unique window into their traditions, history, and worldview. Through his storytelling, Dominic guides audiences on a journey of cultural discovery, highlighting the various facets of Wendat identity and their deep connection to the land. His engaging narratives illuminate the beauty and complexity of Wendat mythology, making it accessible and inspiring for all.

Matt Zagurak is a video game narrative director with 17 years of experience in the games industry. During his career he has worked on franchises such as Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, Rainbow Six and Prince of Persia. His main area of professional interest is how the intersection of theme, world and active gameplay can be leveraged to tell new kinds of stories only possible in interactive media. Matt is originally from Montreal Quebec, and also lived in Berlin Germany for 4 years.