Canada increases export funding

The Canadian government has increased the public money available to ‘export-ready’ artists for 2017.

The increase in funding, delivered through the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (Factor), follows a report by the Canadian Independent Music Association (Cima), Music in Motion, which recommended more money for exports after finding 60% of Canadian music businesses consider international markets to be critical to their survival.

No details are available of exactly how much extra funding will be available, although FYI Music News noted in November an estimated C$8–10 million was then available for export activities. Cima president Stuart Johnston told the site it isn’t enough: “There is tremendous pressure on existing public programmes. […] The growth of the industry – the global demand and the global approach – has all made the existing programs oversubscribed.”

As in 2015, a maximum of $10,000 will be available per inbound and outbound trip for touring artists, for a maximum of $20,000 per year.

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