ROBINSON EMERGING ARTIST SHOWCASE
The Goderich Celtic Roots Festival is thrilled to announce that applications for the 2026 Robinson Emerging Artist Showcase are now open! Now in its fifth year, this highly anticipated showcase continues to celebrate and support emerging talent in the world of Celtic music.
Named in honour of festival founders Warren and Eleanor Robinson, the Robinson Emerging Artist Showcase provides a career-boosting opportunity for musicians in the early stages of their careers. Previous winners include O'Jizo (Japan) & Clíodhna Ní Aodáin (Ireland) in 2022, Kinnfolk (USA) in 2023, Apolline (Australia) in 2024, and Arthur Coates & Kerran Cotterell (Scotland) in 2025, all of whom have made significant strides in their musical journeys following their participation.
The Goderich Celtic Roots Festival remains dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Celtic music for future generations, and this showcase serves as a launchpad for rising artists within the genre.
How to Apply:
We invite emerging artists from around the world to submit a video of a live performance for review by our panel of judges. Please note: this must be live performance footage (from a concert, showcase, session, or similar). Studio tracks, lyric videos, or audio-only submissions will not be accepted. The top five selected videos will be featured on our website, where fans will have the exciting opportunity to vote for their favourite act.
The artist with the highest number of votes will receive a series of online artist development sessions with industry professionals before making their on-stage debut at the 2026 Goderich Celtic Roots Festival!
Eligibility:
- Open to artists internationally
- Applicants must be 18 years and older
- Artists should be in the early stages of their professional career
Key Dates:
Submission Deadline: February 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to showcase your talent and gain international exposure at one of the world’s most respected Celtic music festivals.
The Robinson Emerging Artist Showcase is proudly supported by:
Dolmen Entertainment Group, SoundBox Music, and Irish Music Magazine.