Artist Exchange Program
Since 2012, the Artist Exchange Program (AEP) has featured renowned PEI artists such as Catherine MacLellan, Meaghan Blanchard, Tim Chaisson, Dennis Ellsworth, Ashley Condon, and Nick Doneff, collaborating with partners in England, Wales, and Denmark. In 2027, Music PEI will be represented by Tara MacLean in England.
2026 Program Details
Music PEI’s artist exchange program returns this year during Showcase PEI 2026 – and we are thrilled to partner the English Folk Expo‘s, Bev Lee Harling with PEI’s Tara MacLean
Music PEI x English Folk Expo
Bev Lee Harling is a multi-genre vocalist, violinist, composer and storyteller whose work spans performance, theatre and dance . With a career blending folk, classical, jazz, and experimental found sounds, Bev’s innovative approach to
music through storytelling and heritage has culminated in her latest project, Ploughing the Salt Sea, exploring her female fishing family ancestry through a one-woman music theatre show and album released on a seaside postcard, funded by UK Arts Council and Help Musicians.
Canadian singer/songwriter Tara MacLean is an internationally renowned and award winning recording and touring artist. She’s written and recorded 7 solo albums and two with her band Shaye. She received the Senate of Canada medal as well as the SOCAN songwriter of the year award. She released her memoir in 2023, Song of the Sparrow with HarperCollins, as well as the corresponding soundtrack. It was an instant best seller. A playwright, author, poet, and mother of three daughters, Tara resides in her home province of PEI. She is currently recording a new album and writing her second book with the Transatlantic Literary Agency.
The Artist Exchange Program will include 3 days of collaborating, co-writing and recording between each pair and a showcase during the Showcase PEI conference . These respected artists are considered innovators and at the top of their respective genres.
Tara will travel to England in March of 2027 to showcase at the English Folk Expo!
