Application Eligibility and Rules:

The Henry Armstrong Award is administered by MDM Recordings Inc. (“MDM”) and is
intended to support the growth and development of emerging Indigenous artists across
Canada.
The Award is designed to identify artists with strong creative potential and provide
mentorship, funding and professional guidance to help advance their careers.
 

Eligibility 

The Contest is open to legal residents of Canada (excluding Quebec) who are the age of
majority. Both individuals and groups may apply.
This program is intended for emerging Indigenous artists who are actively developing
their careers and would benefit from mentorship and industry support.
 

Disqualification

By participating in this Contest, Contestants agree to be bound by these Rules and by the decisions of MDM which are final in all matters relating to this Contest and furthermore acknowledge compliance with these Rules. MDM reserves the right to disqualify any Contestant for any reason, including but not limited to inappropriate or disruptive behavior, as determined in the sole and unfettered discretion of MDM. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW. Employees, agents or representatives of MDM and the persons with whom they are domiciled are not eligible to enter. MDM reserves the right to make the final decision in respect of any and all Contest matters.

In the event that MDM discovers that Contestants are not in fact Indigenous, MDM shall have the right to demand immediate return of the funds paid hereunder. 

General Requirements

· Applicants must be Canadian citizens and of Indigenous descent.

· Applicants may be solo artists or bands.

· Applicants should be in the early or developing stage of their music careers.

· Artists must demonstrate commitment to building a professional music career.

· Applicants must be registered SOCAN members or willing to register.

· Artists must actively create and perform original music.

· Artists should maintain active online platforms where their music can be shared.

· Applicants must demonstrate connection to their Indigenous community and culture.

· Eligible artists must have completed at least ten (10) Live Performances in the last three (3) years. “Live Performances” means live performance engagements where the artist or band was paid a guaranteed fee or percentage of revenue from ticket sales.

· Eligible artists must provide contact information for two Indigenous community references (ie. Chief or council member or community leader, Elder, local historian, etc.) that recognize your family lineage is linked to a specific Nation. These individuals must be Indigenous.

MDM may request documentation to confirm eligibility.

How to Enter

Applications will be accepted during the official Contest Period.
 
Applicants must submit:
· An online application form
· A written or video submission describing their artistic journey and goals
· Links to original music or performances
 
Applicants should explain:
· How the Henry Armstrong Award will help advance their career
· What goals they hope to achieve in the next 12–24 months
· What inspires their music and creative direction
· Challenges they have faced as emerging artists
· Areas of the music industry where mentorship would be valuable
 

Prize

One recipient will receive:
· $10,000 CAD for career development
· Mentorship consultations with industry professionals
· Strategic guidance in music business, marketing and grants
 
50% of the prize will be paid upon selection and the remaining 50% after completion of
the mentorship period.

    Application

    Your application to this award can be in the form a written submission or a short video (approx 2 mins), which answer the following questions. The more creative the better!

    1. How will the Henry Armstrong Award benefit and help to progress your career in music? 
    2. What goals would you like to accomplish in your music career over the next 12-24 months?
    3. What ultimately made you decide to pursue a career in music?
    4. Have there been any barriers you’ve faced as an artist? 
    5. Are there any areas of the music industry would you like to learn more about?