Scion Canada supports Canadian talent as new presenting sponsor of Polaris Music Prize

TORONTO, ON., (April 4, 2013) – Growing as a unique brand that actively supports and collaborates with people who are driven to follow their own passions, Scion Canada has become the new presenting sponsor of the 2013 Polaris Music Prize.

The annual prize awards $30,000 to the artist who creates the Canadian Album of the Year. Nominees are judged by an independent jury of experts, based solely on artistic merit, and without consideration of genre or record sales.

“Scion owners are youthful, active, urban, and love to express their individuality both in the cars they drive and the music they listen to,” said Cyril Dimitris, Director, Scion Canada. “Scion has been a strong supporter of emerging Canadian talent and we’re proud to sponsor an award that shines the spotlight on Canada’s top musical talent.”

The eligibility period for album consideration of the 2013 Polaris Music Prize will run until May 31. A Long-List of 40 contenders will be unveiled on June 13, with a Short-List of 10 finalists revealed on July 16. The winner will be announced at a gala event in Toronto on September 23.

The 2013 Polaris Music Prize highlights Scion Canada’s ongoing contributions to Canadian music with Scion Sessions, the automotive brand’s own music support program. Scion Sessions collaborates with Canadian artists on original music releases, concert tours, and performance videos, including projects with past Polaris Music Prize nominees.

Scion Returns to Igloofest

Scion returns to the 5th edition of Igloofest, Montreal’s signature outdoor winter dance party, as the exclusive sponsor of the 2011 Scion Podcast Series.

Featuring leading artists in the Canadian and international electronic music scenes, including Akufen, Kid Sister, Egyptrixx, Isolée, Carl Craig, Poirier, and many more, Scion presents live recordings from each of the festival’s 9 nights this January, available throughout the winter months. The Scion Podcast Series also includes four preview podcasts that are already available, featuring Poirier, Green & Lateez, two from Maher Daniel, and a special contribution from the Igloofest team’s very own FunkyFalz.

Listen to all the Scion podcasts at Igloofest.ca.

Scion is your free ticket to Igloofest. Throughout the month of January, stop by any Greater Montreal Scion dealership and test drive a Scion for free admission for one (1) person to any night of Igloofest 2011. Visit the Dealer Locator to find a dealer near you. Promotion runs from Jan 6 to Jan 29, while supplies last.

Visit the Scion display at Igloofest, check out the hottest car in the city this winter, roast a marshmallow and talk to one of our Scion brand ambassadors to get free and exclusive Scion stuff! Scion will be with you by the igloos every night of the festival, which happens January, 13-15, 20-22 and 27-29, 2011.

Introducing Scion Sessions

Scion has always been associated with busting conventions, opening eyes to a different way of doing things, and forging new cultural experiences. It’s only natural that the brand should launch Scion Sessions—a micro sponsorship program in support of alternative arts, music, fashion and sports.



"Grassroot events are where new ideas, new trends, and original events are created," says Larry Hutchinson, Director of Scion in Canada. "But, to take root and thrive outside of the mainstream, grassroots initiatives and organizations require nurture and support. Scion Sessions will provide the sponsorship for smaller communities and collectives to help them realize their larger vision."
Starting in May 2010, Scion will seek out Session opportunities in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal—working with local promoters, schools, and retailers to identify nascent musical groups and genres, emerging artists and art collectives, independent fashion designers and fashion design collectives, and action sport enthusiasts.

Depending on the type of event, Scion Session support will take different forms—as a grant, as prize money, or as the seed money to get an event up and running. All together, 70 Sessions and events are planned over the next five months. They’ll be announced through social media networks, including Facebook and Twitter, in time for fans and followers to mark the dates on their own calendars—and maybe even scoop up some of the free tickets Scion will be doling out.
"Music, fashion, art, extreme sports, and Scion Sessions," says Hutchinson, "it promises to be one interesting summer."