APPLICATION – Grand Prix de la relève 2026

We’re delighted to announce the return of the Grand Prix de la relève Festi Jazz, our annual competition that showcases up-and-coming jazz talent! Artists wishing to apply have until 5 p.m. on April 30 to submit their application and try to earn a place among the finalists who will perform during the 40th edition of the festival, from September 3 to 6.

Eligibility requirements

• A limit of 5 musicians per group is accepted;
• Artists or groups not judged to be jazz are automatically ineligible. However, the selection committee may accept applications from artists or groups presenting jazz-style music that incorporates influences from other styles. Non-exhaustive examples include blues, funk, Latin music and Afrobeat;
• Artists or groups failing to submit material deemed original are automatically deemed ineligible;
• Emerging artist or group status is based on age as of Septembre 6 (35 and under);
• An artist or group that has already been selected to take part in the Festi Jazz Grand Prix de la relève may not apply a second time with the same material;
• Applications received after the deadline of Thursday, April 30, at 5 p.m. will not be considered eligible;
• Artists must be Canadian citizens or have permanent resident status;
• For touring in Quebec, artists must be Canadian citizens or have permanent resident status or a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) and a valid work permit;

To apply, your dossier must include all the following elements:

• In a Word document, a written presentation of the project in French and English (max. 500 words), as well as a biography with the ages of the musicians;
• 2 high-resolution photos;
• Listening links or audio and video excerpts in downloadable format;
• Applications must be sent by by filling out the form below.

Send my application

Other information

• Applications are received and evaluated by a selection committee. This committee is usually made up of a member of the Festi Jazz International de Rimouski organization, a member of the jazz media and an individual working in the jazz industry. Only those applications selected will be returned by the organization;
• The performance will take place on Sunday, Septembre 6, 2026, starting at 1pm;
• Performances at the Grand Prix de la relève are remunerated at the rate of $750;
• Accommodation for a maximum of one night for selected artists is provided by the organization;
• One meal per artist provided by the organization, on the day of their performance;
• Only the first 20 minutes of a total 45-minute performance will be evaluated;
• The winning artist or group of the Grand Prix de la relève Festi Jazz 2026 will receive broadcast support from Festi Jazz international de Rimouski. The Festi Jazz organization cannot, however, guarantee all the opportunities that will result from the nomination of the winning artist or group;
• Winners of the Grand Prix de la relève Festi Jazz 2026 must make themselves available for the various broadcast opportunities, accept the conditions of remuneration and support, and participate in promoting the shows and the Festi Jazz international de Rimouski and its touring partners.