The Province of British Columbia and Creative BC are allocating $300,000 for a new innovation program, as part of the BC Music Fund.

The innovation program supports the development of new ideas, such as cross-sector collaboration between technology and music, the launch of new B.C.-based businesses that fill gaps in the industry, and other projects that foster diversity and support broad regional and cultural engagement within B.C.’s music industry ecosystem. 

Eligible initiatives include cross-sector and multimedia projects related to music, experimental or experiential projects that increase visibility, access, or awareness for British Columbian music, projects that develop new technology, software, or programs, and projects or initiatives related to British Columbia’s music industry that are innovative or experimental in nature.  

Applicants welcome to apply include B.C.-based corporations, registered business, and B.C. or Canadian not-for-profit organizations with headquarters in British Columbia that have been in operation for a minimum of two years. Applicant companies that are not primarily in the business of music are eligible to apply as long as the project is music related.

Applications for the innovation program will be accepted beginning May 1, 2017. The deadline for applications is June 15, 2017. Projects must be completed by Oct. 1, 2018, with final reports submitted by Nov. 1, 2018.

This new program is one of several being funded by the $15-million BC Music Fund announced last year by Premier Christy Clark.

Additional information about how to apply can be found online at: www.bcmusicfund.com

Quotes:

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour –

“British Columbia is home to an abundant wealth of musical talent. This funding from the BC Music Fund will provide assistance to artists who think outside the box, allowing them to further develop innovative ideas. I look forward to seeing the unique projects that come from this new program.”

Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services –

“Technology permeates every sector of our economy, and British Columbia’s music industry is no exception. This funding will support the development of new programs and potentially new software, further underscoring the unique opportunities afforded to those working in our growing technology sector.”

Prem Gill, chief executive officer, Creative BC—

“The Innovation program encourages new collaborations, creative courage and fresh thinking. Through the BC Music Fund, innovators across the province can intersect with the music industry.”

Quick Facts:

• B.C. has the third-largest concentration of independent labels, sound recording studios and other music businesses in Canada.
• B.C.’s music industry includes over 80 independent record labels, 123 sound recording studios and hundreds of music publishers, managers, talent agencies, marketing and other businesses that support the development and delivery of music.
• There are more than 6,400 artists in B.C.: these include 600 conductors, composers or arrangers and 5,825 musicians or singers.
• B.C.’s music industry contributes over $400 million in revenue to the provincial economy annually.
• The industry generates revenue from multiple streams that include record label production and sound recording ($52.7 million) live music performances ($87.8 million), music publishing ($13.7 million) and artist income ($255 million). 

Learn More:

To apply for funding from the BC Music Fund, please visit: www.bcmusicfund.com

To find out more about Creative BC, please visit: www.creativebc.com

To find out more about Music BC, please visit: www.musicbc.org

Twitter: #BCMusicFund / @BCMusicFund / @CreativeBCs / @MusicBC / @BCGovNews

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