$7.5m for music in BC
Building on Canada’s already impressive public funding programme for music, its third most populous province, British Columbia (BC), has announced Amplify BC, a C$7.5m (US$5.8m) to support the growth of the local music industry.
British Columbia is Canada’s third-largest music centre, with over 285 music companies, 160 recording studios and more than 200 music festivals across the province. The music business contributes approximately C$400m each year to the provincial economy.
According to the BC ministry of tourism, arts and culture, the Amplify BC programme will focus on four funding areas:
- Industry Initiatives, supporting the development of BC’s music industry, including training, skills development, research and a focus on young up-and-coming talent
- Career Cevelopment, focusing on emerging and established artists
- Live Music will support BC-based live music events, creating engagement opportunities for audiences, artists and youth to enhance music tourism throughout BC
- Music Company Development will focus on sustainability and building the capacity of BC’s music companies
“The government’s commitment to the sector is exemplary”
“We listened carefully to advice from people involved in many facets of the music industry,” explains Lisa Beare, minister of tourism, arts and culture. “I’m excited that our government is creating this new funding programme designed to give artists and other music professionals the support needed so they can continue to grow.
“BC has a well-earned reputation for excellence in music production. This fund will help place BC talent on the world stage.”
Erin Benjamin, executive director of industry association Music Canada Live, says: “This is thrilling news, and so timely for the broader industry and artists. As we ready to release our Here, The Beat: the Economic Impact of Live Music in BC report this coming spring, which will demonstrate the value and impact of BC’s incredible live music community, we know that this meaningful support will ensure the momentum being built in the province can continue.
“The government’s commitment to the sector is exemplary.”
British Columbia in October 2016 launched the special event permit, a new event licence aimed at cutting red tape for promoters.
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