B.C. Gov’t Announces $7.5M Music Fund
On Thursday (22nd) the provincial government in British Columbia announced the launch of a new, $7.5-million music fund to find emerging artists, foster up-and-coming talent and support live music events in the province.
Amplify B.C. will focus on four different funding areas:
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Industry Initiatives supporting the development of B.C.’s music industry, including training, skills development, research and a new focus on young up-and-coming talent
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Career Development will focus on emerging and established artists
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Live Music will support B.C.-based live music events, creating engagement opportunities for audiences, artists and youth to enhance music tourism throughout B.C.
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Music Company Development will focus on sustainability and building the capacity of B.C.’s music companies
“We listened carefully to advice from people involved in many facets of the music industry. I’m excited that our government is creating this new funding program designed to give artists and other music professionals the support needed so they can continue to grow,” Tourism, Arts & Culture Minister Lisa Beare said in a statement. “B.C. has a well-earned reputation for excellence in music production. This fund will help place B.C. talent on the world stage.”
Separately, the City of Vancouver announced its strategy to help local musicians and industry professionals.
The Vancouver Music Strategy is designed to help the city bolster the "creative economy" and better work with musicians and industry professionals.
The Vancouver Music City Steering Committee will advise the city on how it can do that.
The board is made up of representatives from organizations including Music B.C., Music Canada, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the Vancouver Opera Orchestra.
According to a statement from Creative B.C., the province is home to more than 285 music companies, 160 recording studios and more than 200 music festivals. The announcement was made at the Juno Host Committee's Music Cities Forum which took place at the Parq Vancouver Casino Resort.
The local music industry brings in around $400 million to the provincial economy every year. – Sources: Government press releases, CBC, Music Canada, Creative BC
