Project time period: May 2024 - Oct 2024
Listen Up! - What immigrant musicians, in Toronto, want you to know.
Many of us believe in the transformative power of art and listening to diverse voices to drive meaningful change. But what does it really take to build a creative career in a new country? And how can we better support the immigrant folks who make it possible?
As Canada’s Global Orchestra, KUNE has always been about fostering connections and championing meaningful careers for immigrant musicians. In 2024, as the collective transitioned into a global music hub, we took a moment to reflect and learn from the community they serve.
In early spring 2024, I was contacted by Matias Recharte, KUNE’s Director, to help him design a study, which would run from May to August, to better understand the challenges and opportunities immigrant musicians face in Canada.
The objective was twofold: to hold space for these artists, learn from their experiences, and co-create solutions to the barriers they encounter.
We created a Zine compiling our key findings, and a Final Report which has a more in-depth account of our project.
You can download both of them here —>
We discovered a wealth of insight—stories of resilience, creativity, and determination. From navigating the complexities of the music industry to balancing cultural identities in a new country, the musicians we talked to shared challenges that are as diverse as they are inspiring.
Together, we imagined ways to address these hurdles, building a roadmap for programs that truly reflect their needs and aspirations.
This work reinforced something I’ve always believed: meaningful change starts with listening – with understanding the nuances and complexities of real lives and translating those insights into programs that truly serve a community.
And it was a reminder that supporting immigrant creators isn’t just about acknowledging their contributions—it’s about creating systems that enable them to thrive.
As KUNE grows into a new platform, I’m proud to be part of this process, helping to lay the foundation for a more inclusive and vibrant future for Canada’s creative landscape.
This is just the beginning! We’ve applied for funding to pilot some of the ideas we presented based on our research in 2025! Meanwhile, we’re still working on developing partnerships and alliances and will continue to create opportunities to meet, discuss and learn from each other. So if you have any ideas or suggestions, hit me up!
If you’d like to hear more from KUNE, check out their Spotify and keep up to date with their performance schedule via Instagram. Need a little more context? Visit their website to learn more about their journey and the amazing work they’ve done over the years.
Text: Val Duarte
Photography: Joel Rodriguez