MORE than 220 B.C. musicians and music companies are being supported by four Amplify BC programs to develop their careers and businesses.
“We are proud to be the third largest music hub in Canada. Our music sector promotes and showcases B.C. culture on the global stage,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Supporting B.C.’s artists and music businesses helps them continue to create the music we love and contributes to vibrant and connected communities throughout the province.”
Today’s recipients are receiving $3.3 million through four Amplify BC programs. This is a part of the government’s $7.5-million contribution in 2023 to build the province’s music talent and help launch careers.
This year, the Career Development Program will support 105 emerging and established artists in B.C. with more than $1.1 million to record songs, film music videos, and market their music and intellectual property.
The Record in BC program will provide almost $350,000 to 21 projects that encourage out-of-province and international talent to come to B.C. to record and to grow essential business relationships with B.C. producers and recording engineers.
The Music Industry Initiatives program will assist 19 projects with $400,000. Grants will help develop the ecosystem and the people working within the music industry through training and professional development projects, showcasing and export projects, and industry research.
The Live Music Program will support 78 B.C.-based live music events and business-development activities with nearly $1.4 million so that they can create engagement opportunities for audiences and artists and enhance music tourism throughout B.C.
“Music is a powerful form of creative and cultural expression,” said Bob D’Eith, Parliamentary Secretary for Arts and Film. “I am excited to see the amazing things that recipients of the Amplify BC grants will achieve and create with this support. We look forward to showcasing our talent at marquee events such as the 2025 Juno Awards in Vancouver.”
The grants will not only support B.C. artists to create new work and develop their careers, but they will also help promote more business activity in B.C., fostering development, innovation and partnerships. That means more opportunities for B.C. artists and more secure jobs for people throughout the province.
Learn More:
To see a list of Amplify BC grant recipients, visit:Â https://knowledgehub.
To learn about B.C.’s historic investment of $42 million in the creative sector, visit:Â https://news.gov.bc.ca/
To learn about Amplify BC’s programs, visit:Â https://www.creativebc.com/
BACKGROUNDER
Facts about Amplify BC’s grants to the music community
* In April 2023, the Province announced a historic contribution of $42 million over three years to support the creative sector in B.C.
* The Province’s commitment includes $22.5 million over three years for Amplify BC, which aims to develop music talent and help launch careers, extending the Province’s music funding programs until 2027.
* Administered by Creative BC, the BC Music Fund was originally established in 2016, and it transitioned into Amplify BC in 2018.
* Grants from the BC Music Fund have amplified thousands of artistic voices, built local talent and helped launch careers.
* B.C.’s music industry has more than 200 music companies, 270 recording studios and 600 live music presenters.
* In 2022, the music industry contributed $341 million in total GDP to B.C.’s economy and more than 6,700 jobs, an increase of 20% and 22%, respectively, over 2021.