Back in February, we reported on the establishment of the new $15 million BC Music Fund, supported by the Province of British Columbia and administered by Creative BC. The Fund has now announced The Sound Recording Pilot Program, the first official program to move forward through the Fund.

A press release notes that “The Sound Recording Pilot Program is designed to strengthen the province’s sound recording industry and help BC studios attract Canadian and international business. It provides eligible applicants up to $75,000 to support British Columbia-based sound recording projects. Applicants will be evaluated on a first come, first served basis to the pilot’s maximum of $500,000, and can submit applications until November 30, 2016.

“British Columbia has become a hub for creation and innovation, and we are proud of the musical talent and technical expertise we have in our province,” said Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training. “Creative BC’s Sound Recording Pilot Program, funded as part of the BC Music Fund, will help increase sound recording activity in our province, and encourage more artists to produce their work here in British Columbia.”

The pilot program will give Creative BC insight on opportunities to develop and grow additional programs in the areas of sound recording, touring, live music and industry development.

Creative BC CEO Prem Gill explains that “Creative BC has worked closely with the Province to launch the BC Music Fund. We have an immense amount of talent in the province’s music industry, and, through the administration of this fund, we hope to showcase this domestically and globally.”

Eligible applicants’ primary business activities must be in the music industry, including record labels, music publishers, music managers and artist entrepreneurs. All recording activities under the new pilot must take place in British Columbia at B.C. facilities.

In February 2016, Premier Christy Clark announced $15 Million for a BC Music Fund to support the music sector’s ability to diversify B.C.’s economy, stimulate foreign direct investment, enhance music tourism, create and retain jobs, and increase industry activity in B.C.’s regions.

This announcement coincided with the release of an exhaustive research report from Music Canada, entitled B.C.'s Music Sector: From Adversity to Opportunity. Clearly, the wheels of opportunity are now turning.

Two of the province’s biggest musical exports, Bryan Adams and Michael Buble, have expressed their support of the Fund and its objectives.

Guidelines, application materials and registration for Creative BC’s information sessions on the Sound Recording Pilot Program here 

Additional Fund-backed programs are expected to be announced later this year.