On Thursday, December 1, 2016, at the Alix Goolden Performance Hall in Victoria, the Province of British Columbia and Creative BC announced the allocation of $4.41 million in funding as part of the $15 million 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 various industry representatives – confirmed that this funding would go toward creating opportunities for BC artists. The announcement was accompanied by an acoustic performance from Jasper Sloan Yip, a BC musician who himself received support from the 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 BC artists. Music BC plays an integral role in delivering projects that develop BC’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 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. This announcement 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 December 1, and on a first come, first served basis until funds have been allocated. Successful recipients will receive grants to record at BC-based recording studios.
From December through March, the BC Music Fund will launch additional programs to support BC’s diverse music industry. The seven programs will be: sound recording, live music, industry initiatives, research, careers of BC artists, music company development, and innovation.
For more information on BC Music Fund programs, including the Sound Recording Program, click here.