Today the Province of British Columbia and Creative BC announced the allocation of $4.41 million from the BC Music Fund.
Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, and Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, alongside Prem Gill, CEO of Creative BC and industry representatives, made the announcement today at the Alix Goolden Performance Hall, with an acoustic set performed by Jasper Sloan Yip, a B.C. musician who has received support from the BC Music Fund.
A total of $1.41 million has been allocated to Music BC to support the expansion of the association’s activities in the areas of export and professional development, touring and expanded showcase opportunities for B.C. artists. Music BC plays an integral role in delivering projects that develop B.C.‘s music industry, and will be essential in connecting musicians with the BC Music Fund and its suite of programs.
Sound recording plays a vital role in the overall music ecosystem and today, Bond and Gill congratulated thirty-five successful applicants who received grants from the previously announced $500,000 Sound Recording Pilot Program.
Further to applicant and industry feedback, Creative BC has extended the Sound Recording Program providing an additional $3 million in funding. The expanded application criteria reflects increased access for unincorporated recording studios and artists. The announcement today brings the total investment in sound recording to $3.5 million.
Applications for the Sound Recording Program will be accepted by Creative BC as of today, and on a first come, first served basis until funds have been allocated. Successful recipients will receive grants to record at B.C.-based recording studios.
From December through March, the BC Music Fund will launch additional programs to support B.C.’s diverse music industry. The seven programs will be: sound recording, live music, industry initiatives, research, careers of B.C. artists, music company development, and innovation.
