How We Operate

Trade Routes is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to developing infrastructure that enables professional performing artists to have sustainable careers. Founded in 2020, our mission is to eliminate the economic and systemic barriers that disrupt creative livelihoods—both on the road and at home. To achieve this, we currently operate two integrated programs: a Presenter Network of 80+ Canadian music presenters executing cooperative multicycle tactics to develop strong touring routes, and an Attainable Workforce Housing Program that partners with leading institutional landlords to secure stable, rent-controlled live/work apartments for professional music and arts workers. we keep creative talent anchored, active, and productive in Canada’s urban core.

"We started Trade Routes to help Canadian artists navigate international touring. But today's market failure in housing threatens our sector's very foundation. We are building a model that keeps our creative workforce anchored, active, and housed in the cities they serve."

- MICHAEL OWEN, FOUNDER

View Trade Routes policies here

Mission

To support music in performance—especially in the space where cultures intersect and current descriptions fail—by building the borderless networks and stable domestic foundations artists need to create, perform, and survive.

Vision

To provide a comprehensive framework of vital infrastructure—spanning both global trade networks and rent-attainable domestic spaces—that enables borderless collaboration, creative production, and multi-season audience development.

Values

  • Career Sustainability: To enable performing artists and arts professionals to have more sustainable careers by securing both global export stages for their work and stable, barrier-free spaces to live, work, and create.
  • Borderless Cooperation: To foster and support deep, multi-cycle economic and creative cooperation between Canada, the United States, and the international marketplace.
  • Access & Representation: To present culturally diverse artists to audiences and geographic regions that lack access, while ensuring these creators are permanently anchored in our urban cores.
  • Empathy & Community: To promote increased cross-cultural understanding, community resilience, and empathy through the shared experience of creative expression and stable creative spaces.

Board of Directors

Director

Michael Owen

Michael Owen is a veteran music entrepreneur with over 20 years of dual experience operating at the intersection of global music export and real estate development. A JUNO Award-nominated musician, producer, and founder of UNFIT Music, he has toured globally and managed campaigns for many of international artists. He is also a licensed Realtor and developer who has driven major cultural infrastructure projects in Toronto — including developing and operating over 300 studios and live/work spaces for the Rehearsal Factory. As Director of Trade Routes Canada, Michael acts as an institutional translator, aligning developer portfolios and municipal housing policy to secure stable, permanently affordable space for professional creators.

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BOARD MEMBER

Maria Grajales

Maria is a writer and music enthusiast with a background in marketing analytics and creative copywriting. Her 10+ years of experience in client relations have led her to build loyal partnerships and solid client relationships on a B2B and B2C basis. She has also worked alongside digital marketing agencies on a consultancy basis, managing projects and building out campaigns for clients in a number of different industries. Passionate about music and a strong supporter of Canadian artists, she is excited for the opportunity to further support the music community through Trade Routes.

BOARD MEMBER

Lyle Crilly

A&R/VP Marketing Roland Canada and a Juno Award Nominated musician with Battle of Santiago, Lyle has been kicking around the Toronto music scene for the last 20 years, primarily as an audio manipulator and producer for acts like Stop Die and CcenturiersS. Several albums and 12 inchers were released under the Stop Die name and Lyle has done numerous remixes and production projects for acts like Tegan & Sara, Buck 64, Die Mannequin, Little Dragon, New Buffalo, Apostle Of Hustle, and You Say Party We Say Die to name just a few. Lyle’s approach to music has always had an experimental side, often featuring live shows and recording with unique instrumentation, live sampling and noise.

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BOARD MEMBER

Patrice Agbokou

Patrice is a touring artist, manager, and booking agent based out of the South shore of Montreal, Canada. Fostering creativity and diversity, his agency serves as a springboard for Canadian artists involved in innovative music and related arts. With one foot in the indie scene and the other in the flourishing world music scene, Patrice is always expanding and on the lookout for new and original talent. Connecting ideas and cultures, his agency approaches the music industry from a fresh angle with cultivation the art of innovation.