Mapping the Canadian Steelpan Community

Led by artist, educator, and creative consultant Joy Lapps, this national initiative aims to research and digitally map Canada’s vibrant but under-documented steelpan ecosystem. Funded by the Canada Council for the Arts, this project addresses a key challenge in the Canadian steelpan community: the absence of a centralized, up-to-date digital platform to discover steelbands, soloists, tuners, educators, composers, arrangers, and service providers. 

Though the steelpan is a relatively young instrument—it has become an essential part of Caribbean culture and Canada's multicultural arts landscape. Despite this, many Canadian steelpan practitioners lack the resources or infrastructure to maintain an online presence, leading to missed opportunities and decreased visibility.

Through extensive research and community engagement, the project will culminate in the creation of a searchable website and/or mobile app that showcases Canadian steelpan talent and related businesses. As a follow up to last year’s inaugural Canadian Steelpan Industry Conference, the 2nd annual conference will take place on August 8, 2026. The conference will take place at the University of Toronto Scarborough, presented in partnership with SoundLife Scarborough and the University of Toronto. This gathering will offer space for connection, shared learning, and celebration, while also functioning as an interactive component of the research process—further informing the digital map and exploring how it can help address key challenges in the steelpan sector.

This initiative will nurture national and international connections, increase discoverability, and build long-term sustainability for steelpan practitioners and stakeholders. Ultimately, it aims to elevate the presence and impact of Canada’s steelpan community within the broader arts and culture ecosystem.

REGISTER FOR THE 2026 CONFERENCE

🎶 FAQ – Canadian Steelpan Industry Conference 2026

📍 When & Where

  • Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026

  • Location:

    Kina Wiiya Enadong Building (KW Building) - Map
    University of Toronto Scarborough
    1265 Military Trail
    Scarborough, ON M1C 1A4

  • Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

🥁 What’s happening on Saturday?

A full day of conference programming including:


🥁 What’s happening on Saturday?

A full day of conference programming:

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Arrival, Registration & Industry Marketplace
Music by DJ Lady Q

10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Official Welcome with host Asha Lapps

  • Steelpan Story

  • Greetings from OSA and CFSB

10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
TASPO: A Pivotal Part of Steelpan History
Presentation by The 3 Trinis: Tony Pierre, Ivor Picou, and Gregory Christmas

11:00 a.m. - 11:10 a.m

Coffee & Water Break

11:10 a.m.
Steelpan Story

Andrea Gunraj

11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Keynote Address
Dr. Mark V. Campbell

12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Lunch & Steelband Performance
Featuring Souls of Steel Orchestra

Catered lunch from Charcoal Catering

1:30 p.m.
Steelpan Story
Darren Sheppard

1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Session 3: Mapping the Possibilities of Steelpan in Canada

Interactive Presentation by Joy Lapps

Coffee, Tea and Water available

2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Session 4: Panel Discussion

Steelpan - The next generation

3:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Conference Closing Remarks & Thank You

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Industry Marketplace & Networking

Lunch will be provided — be sure to note any dietary restrictions when you purchase your ticket.

👥 Who is this for?

Steelpan players, tuners, builders, arrangers, teachers, students, cultural workers, and lovers of the instrument. If pan is part of your story — or you want it to be — this conference is for you.

💬 Need help covering the cost?
We don’t want money to be a reason you stay home. Reach out to us at info@kgrp.org — we’ll work with you.

✊🏾 How can I get involved?

This conference is community-powered. You can:

  • Volunteer for conference event days

  • Share your knowledge as a part of our ongoing community consultation or volunteer on our conference planning and mapping team.

  • Spread the word

  • Make a donation or become a sponsor

  • Purchase/reserve a conference spot!

Email info@kgrp.org and let us know how you would like to get involved!

❓ Still have questions?

Reach out anytime at info@kgrp.org ! Map to Event