Abby McCartney (she/her) began to teach herself guitar in early 2021. She published her first demo Pretty When I Cry in 2022, winning the Jane LeBlanc Music Award in August of that year. In 2023, she released her first self-produced single Tired in collaboration with the Jane LeBlanc Legacy Fund, showcased at the 2023 ECMAs, filmed an artist spotlight with Nancy Regan for Roger’s TV, and released her debut EP Everything At Once. Abby’s main influences are artists such as Leith Ross and Lizzy McAlpine. Tired was nominated for Song of the Year at the 2023 Prix Music New Brunswick Awards. Everything At Once was nominated for Song of the Year and Record of the Year at the 2024 Prix Music New Brunswick Awards.

Jeremy Murray (he/him) is a University of New Brunswick graduate with a focus in media arts and cultures (2017) and film production (2011-2018), specializing in film editing. Jeremy is a wheelchair user and has limited access to creative opportunities in his New Brunswick community of Willow Grove.

Justine Richardson, from Deer Island, New Brunswick, is an emerging artist recognized for her soulful acoustic music and socially conscious songwriting. Her singles "Independence" and "Better Run"—accompanied by a new music video, have quickly established her as a notable voice in the provincial music scene. Justine is committed to using her platform to inspire conversation and inclusivity through her art.

Hannah Crothers is an emerging Saint John playwright and performer. Her character-driven dramas explore intergenerational trauma, grief, and the importance of human connection. She is currently developing her one-act play, "Twelve Steps Forward, Twelve Steps Back," which employs a dual timeline to explore a father’s struggle with alcoholism and his son’s path forward. Hannah is dedicated to telling authentic, local stories that blur the line between theatre and lived experience.

Jonathan Wiseman is an emerging filmmaker based in Saint John, New Brunswick. He operates an independent video production practice where he develops skills in directing, cinematography, and editing through applied creative work. Jonathan is committed to ongoing learning and collaborative storytelling, and is focused on strengthening his craft in film and screen media. He aims to continue developing original short and long-form projects within New Brunswick’s creative community. 

Evan Cooper is an emerging singer-songwriter from Fredericton whose work explores themes of adolescence and self-expression through acoustic, lyric-driven compositions. His artistic practice reflects early-stage creative development and draws from pop and alternative folk traditions.

As part of his ongoing learning, Evan has participated in songwriting camps and collaborative educational environments across multiple provinces. These experiences have supported his artistic growth through peer learning, mentorship, and exposure to professional arts contexts. He has also taken part in regional performances and media interviews, contributing to his understanding of the Canadian music ecosystem.

Stephanie David is a Moncton-based multidisciplinary Métis artist originally from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Her work includes writing, dance, step-dancing instruction, and film direction. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre and is involved in arts practices that support education, training, and public engagement in the creative and performing arts.

Rebecca E. Tremblay is a trilingual actress and filmmaker based in Fredericton, New Brunswick. She has written and directed several short films and has experience working across directing, production, editing, and screenwriting roles. Her work has screened at film festivals in Canada and the United States and has been supported by public arts funding bodies, including the Canada Council for the Arts and the New Brunswick Arts Board. Rebecca’s practice focuses on storytelling and creative development in film, and she contributes to the broader arts community through continued professional learning and collaboration

Emma Dawson is an emerging folk-pop artist based in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Her work draws from 1970s rock, contemporary folk storytelling, and pop composition. She regularly participates in community music events and festivals, where she continues developing her songwriting and performance practice.

Emma’s artistic focus is lyric-driven storytelling and inclusive narratives. Her participation in educational and mentorship programming supports her ongoing learning in composition, performance, and creative expression within the public arts community.