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The province is investing $22.5 million in the music sector over the next three years.

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B.C.'s music industry gets an encore

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 3:19 PDT, Wed April 14, 2021

Last Updated: 2:13 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021

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As the province celebrates Creative Industries Week, B.C.'s music industry is getting some noteworthy news.

More than $22 million is being dedicated to the sector over the next three years though Amplify BC.

"I know what the music industry has gone through this past year because I've been working closely with musicians, producers and businesses," said Bob D'Eith, parliamentary secretary for arts and film. "People told us they needed stability."

Administered by Creative BC, Amplify BC offers four programs:

• Live Music supports the operations, development and adaptation of venues, festivals and concert presenters in B.C.

• Music Company Development supports the operations, development and adaption of music companies in B.C.

• Music Industry Initiatives support the development of B.C.'s music industry, funding projects that support training, skills development, export activities, business development, research and up-and-coming talent.

• Career Development supports the careers of emerging and established artists in B.C., funding sound recordings, music videos and marketing initiatives.

"Over the last year musicians have comforted us and inspired us. Now they need our support to come back stronger than ever," said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. "We heard the call to action from the music sector, and I know that by continuing to work together we will support our talented artists, sustain our vital music businesses and continue making our mark in the music industry."

Working closely with the industry, Creative BC adapted several programs in 2020 to help the sector during the pandemic. For example, music companies, venues and festivals used their grants to cover their operating costs and people in the music industry received grants to adapt to the challenges of the pandemic.

These changes were based on extensive consultation with industry. Creative BC will continue to adapt Amplify BC's programs each year to meet the changing needs of the music industry as part of B.C.'s economic recovery.

"The provincial commitment to support B.C.'s music industry over three years is tremendously important,” says Prem Gill, CEO of Creative BC. “It comes at a time when this industry needs it most. The investment demonstrates government's real understanding of current challenges and a need for stability.”

Lindsay MacPherson, executive director, Music BC, adds: "At a time when our industry is still struggling, this is a vote of confidence in our recovery. Whether you are a touring artist, a sound engineer or a concert promoter, this is the news we all needed right now. The three-year commitment means Music BC can maintain programs like SoundON and build new opportunities to develop emerging B.C. talent."

Learn more at Amplify BC: https://www.creativebc.com/programs/amplify-bc.