OMIC’s Vision, Mission & Mandate
The Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC) is a bilingual member-based non-profit whose mission is to play a lead role in the economic, cultural, and social prosperity of Ottawa and the surrounding region by creating a thriving and inclusive music ecosystem. OMIC provides opportunities for local artists, music professionals, and venue owners, fosters collaboration and innovation, and engages the local community.
OMIC is committed to connecting music communities, along with its municipal, provincial, national and international partners, to work toward common goals to create a vibrant and sustainable music industry in Ottawa that benefits all members of the community:
- Continuous development and programming for artists, workforce, entrepreneurs and venues
- Advocating local government, industry and institutional partners for increased openness to embedding live and recorded music into their day-to-day operations
- Committing to diversity and inclusion in OMIC performing, programming and workforce opportunities
- Strengthening musical connections within the city and beyond
- Developing cross-industry partnerships to the benefit of the music sector
Vision:Â
Instrumental in Connecting Ottawa Music.
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Mission:Â
OMIC is committed to embedding music in the fabric of the city, supporting and developing careers in music, and empowering and engaging all who contribute to the music industry in the City of Ottawa.
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Values:Â
OMIC values Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (EDI), collaboration, innovation, excellence, growth, and community engagement.
OMIC History Timeline
Ottawa launches a plan to enhance arts and culture, sparking development in the local music industry. The City of Ottawa’s Cultural Development and Initiatives (CDI) team and 29 music professionals brainstorm ways to boost the local music sector's economy, creating the Ottawa Music Industry Working Group/Consortium.
The Consortium receives a grant from the Ontario Music Fund to research and develop a profile of Ottawa's music scene.
The Connecting Ottawa Music Report and memorandum of understanding are released at MEGAPHONO, setting the stage for the birth of an Ottawa Music Industry Association (OMIC), which the City Council later approved.
OMIC's debut strategic plan includes:
- A music media survival panel at LIVE! on Elgin with Ottawa Showbox, Apt613, Ottawa Beat, and a performance by Trails.
- Its inaugural AGM at the University of Ottawa.
- A seminar with MEGAPHONO on pitching music to film and TV at Ottawa Bluesfest's Barney Danson Theatre.
- The implementation of Music Mondays with a performance by The Peptides at Bar Robo.
The City of Ottawa's Economic Development and Cultural Departments begin working on the first Ottawa Music Strategy, suggesting a non-profit group represent the music scene. Meanwhile, OMIC manages Ottawa’s music micro-grant initiative and secures funds from various sources, including provincial and national organizations.
The first Ottawa Music Strategy (2018-2020) is released, helping OMIC secure annual operational funding through the City of Ottawa’s Economic Development Department.
The first annual Capital Music Awards take place as recommended in the initial Ottawa Music Strategy.
The Ottawa Economic Development Department backs the first City Sounds Live concert series, encouraging OMIC and various Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) to join forces and boost local foot traffic and economic growth.
OMIC secures annual sponsorship with Kinaxis, marking a groundbreaking partnership between public and private entities in Ottawa’s music industry.
OMIC reaches 425 active members! OMIC collaborates with the City of Ottawa’s Economic Development Department to release the Nightlife Economy Action Plan 2023-2026.
Economic Development increases funding for OMIC and extends the agreement to the end of 2026. The City of Ottawa is the first city in Canada to appoint a Nightlife Commissioner.
