To help people in B.C.’s music industry continue to create and operate during the pandemic, the B.C. government is investing $7.5 million through Creative BC for Amplify BC.

“The important role that music plays in our culture and well-being has only been highlighted during this pandemic,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “Our government is stepping up to support people in the industry to continue creating music and bringing it to our homes.” 

Amplify BC strengthens and supports B.C.’s music industry. The Province’s music fund is delivered by Creative BC. The suite of programs will focus on relief, recovery and renewal for B.C. artists, live music presenters and music companies in four areas:

1. Industry initiatives: supporting the development of B.C.’s music industry, including up-and-coming talent, training, business development, export and research
2. Career development: focusing on emerging and established artists
3. Live music: providing support for B.C.-based live music events and the businesses that run them
4. Music company development: focusing on innovation and supporting the sustainability of B.C.’s music companies

In April and May 2020, Bob D’Eith, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission, led industry consultations on needed supports during the pandemic. The government and Creative BC made changes to the live music and music company development programs based on this feedback.

“I want to thank all of the business owners, organizations and artists that I’ve worked with over the past few weeks for their insight and passion,” D’Eith said. “Their creativity helped us collaborate on solutions. I’m confident that the measures we’re announcing today will help the sector move towards recovery.”

The B.C. government established Amplify BC in 2018 after consultations with the music industry. Creative BC also has established partnerships with Music BC and the First Peoples’ Cultural Council to design and deliver targeted funding through their respective activities. This is the third year in a row the B.C. government has invested in Amplify BC.

Quotes:

Prem Gill, CEO, Creative BC –

“Over the last two years, Amplify BC has played an essential role in galvanizing B.C.’s music industry around creation, collaboration and competitiveness. This year, renewed funding comes at a time when this hard-hit sector needs it most. This support will contribute to help businesses, companies and creators endure and adapt in challenging times.”

Lindsay MacPherson, executive director, Music BC –

“This provincial investment is what we need right now. Amplify BC has been supporting our music ecosystem for the past two years and this renewal means ongoing support for studios, live venues, festivals and development for artists and companies. An investment now fosters the creativity and collaboration our industry needs as we work collectively on building a stronger future in the months ahead.”

Tracey Herbert, CEO, First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC) –

“We are thrilled the Amplify BC program will continue to uplift the careers of Indigenous music industry professionals in B.C. Our strong partnership with Creative BC honours the principles of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and reinforces FPCC’s capacity to deliver quality music programming, including professional development retreats and Indigifest, elevating the role of Indigenous music professionals within the industry.”

Tarun Nayar, executive director, 5X Festival –

“As a festival, we’re facing an uncertain time ahead for our staff, our artists and our communities. Working with the B.C. government and Creative BC to address our needs gives us the assurance we need that we’ll get through this together.”

Quick Facts:

• Including this year’s funding, the B.C. government has invested a total of $22.5 million through Amplify BC. This year’s investment is from existing 2019-20 funds.
• To date, through Creative BC the program has helped:
  • 66 music companies expand and diversify their activities;
  • 352 artists with career development projects;
  • 374 recipients via Music BC;
  • 20 Indigenous artists and industry professionals through the First Peoples’ Cultural Council;
  • 141 live music events, festivals and concert presenters expand performances throughout the province; and
  • 64 industry-building events and initiatives.

Learn More:

Follow @creativebcs on Twitter or sign up for Creative BC’s music industry newsletter to get program notifications: https://www.creativebc.com/contact-us/newsletter#subscribe-to-creative-bc-s-music-industry-newsletter

Visit Creative BC for up-to-date information on Amplify BC funding programs, launch dates and deadlines: https://www.creativebc.com/programs/amplify-bc

Watch livestreaming content from B.C. artists at: https://showcasebc.ca
Find information about new livestreaming events by following #ShowcaseBC on Twitter.

Read about Amplify BC’s impact on the music sector in the 2018-2019 Impact Report: From Idea to Implementation: https://www.creativebc.com/about-us/research-and-reports/index/sb_expander_articles/247.php