New partnership gives local youth artists a pathway to perform at Cultivate Festival
Northumberland has always been a place where community shows up for its young people. This summer, Cultivate Festival and Sounds of the Next Generation are joining together to create a new opportunity for young local musicians to take the next step.
Growing Stages is a new youth artist development partnership between Cultivate and SONG that will give one young artist or group the opportunity to perform at Cultivate Festival this September.
The program is open to youth artists ages 13–18 who are ready to perform a 30-minute family-friendly set and are available during Cultivate Festival weekend, September 25–27, 2026. Applicants will submit a short artist profile, promotional photo, and performance video as part of the application process.
One artist or group will be selected as the 2026 Growing Stages Featured Artist and will perform on Sunday afternoon at Cultivate Festival. The selected artist will also receive professional photo and video content from the festival media team, inclusion in SONG and Cultivate promotional materials, and support preparing for a professional festival-stage experience.
Growing Stages is designed to create a clear local pathway for young artists: from community music-making, to youth performance opportunities, to one of Northumberland’s most beloved festival stages.
“Every artist starts somewhere,” says Miles Bowman, Executive Director of SONG.
“Growing Stages is about making sure talented young people in Northumberland can see a future for themselves right here at home. We’re proud to partner with Cultivate to help young musicians take that next step.”
The partnership reflects a shared belief that investing in young people strengthens the cultural life of the whole community.
Applications are now open. Youth artists and groups can apply
About SONG
Sounds of the Next Generation provides free music education and performance opportunities for children and youth across Northumberland County. Through after-school, in-school, and their SoundStage programs, SONG helps young people build confidence, connection, and a lifelong relationship with music.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
