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Smithers Chamber of Commerce and local arts council work to develop music strategy

Posted June 11, 2018 by Ramlah Ismail

The Smithers District Chamber of Commerce and the Bulkley Valley Community Arts Council, located in British Columbia, have begun working to create the town’s first comprehensive music strategy. The group hosted a social on May 30^th to bring together key stakeholders in the local music industry, and help secure their involvement in the strategy development.

The impetus to begin this project arose out of a Music Cities Toolkit that Music Canada custom-built last spring for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s network of over 450 chambers of commerce and boards of trade. The Toolkit was designed to provide Canadian chambers of commerce with a roadmap and guide to activate the power of music in their city.

“We as a group decided we need a music strategy, and we need to understand how music contributes to our economy here in the Bulkley Valley before we can start marketing ourselves as ‘Smithers: the Music City,’” Project Coordinator Liliana Dragowska told The Interior News.

The group received funding through Creative B.C’s Industry Initiatives Program. As Dragowska described, the group began working on the early stages of the strategy that was introduced to attendees at the May 30^th event.

A Smithers District Chamber of Commerce release from March 2018 listed the key goals of the Smithers music strategy as:

Gather information to assemble a Smithers music sector inventory that will inform a website. The website will be developed through the Northern Development Initiative Trust’s Marketing Community Development Fund.
Gather preliminary economic information that will create a baseline for all things music.
Conduct a Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threats analysis of the music sector in Smithers.
Draft focused recommendations on how to strengthen and grow the music sector in the Smithers area.

According to Chamber Manager Heather Gallagher, the music strategy will include 16 total recommendations aimed at three types of stakeholders: the local government, Chamber of Commerce, and those within the local music community.

The final version of the music strategy will be presented to the Smithers town council on June 26th, 2018.

Categories: Music Cities
Tags: British Columbia, Music Cities, Music Cities Toolkit, Music Strategy, Smithers BC

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British Columbia music community celebrates new music fund, AMPLIFY BC

Posted March 22, 2018 by Corey Poole

Vancouver, March 22, 2018: Music BC and Music Canada today applaud the Government of British Columbia’s announcement of a new music fund for the province called AMPLIFY BC. Administered through Creative BC, the new Fund will provide much-needed support for the development of BC artists and musicians, music companies, skills development and live music production, stimulating economic growth and activity in the sector.

“Music Canada would like to applaud the Government of BC and Minister Beare for this important investment which demonstrates their confidence in the music sector,” says Amy Terrill, Executive Vice President of Music Canada. “The intense interest in the former BC Music Fund’s suite of programs underscores that BC is home to a vibrant, diverse and engaged music community ready to take their songs and businesses to the next level. With this new investment BC will continue to benefit from leveraged private and other government dollars, and ensure the BC music sector remains competitive with other jurisdictions.”

The announcement was made during JUNOs Week, as the Canadian music industry was congregated in Vancouver for the 47^th annual JUNO Awards, celebrating excellence in Canadian music while also showcasing Vancouver, and the province’s music sector to the rest of the country.

“This is a great day for the province’s music scene allowing us to build on the momentum of the last two years,” says Alex Grigg, Executive Director of Music BC. “In this time, our industry has focused on helping BC artists develop their careers and showcase their talent around the world, boost business in BC studios, create greater opportunities for live music performances that bolster activity in our communities, and facilitate professional development so that we can build a stronger, more sustainable industry. On behalf of the staff, board of directors and the BC music industry we extend our gratitude to the Government of BC and Minister Beare for their continued support and investment into the BC Music sector.”

Music BC and Music Canada would also like to thank all members of the BC music community who participated in the effort to secure provincial funding and shared their insights, experiences and success stories. The one-year investment of $7.5 million will contribute to BC’s strong and vibrant communities and also benefit BC tourism, arts and creative industries, and small business development.

-30-

For more information:

Corey Poole, Music Canada
cpoole@musiccanada.com
(647) 808-7359

Neesha Hothi, Music BC
nh@neeshcommunications.ca
(604) 715-6057

About Music Canada
Music Canada is a non-profit trade organization that represents the major record companies in Canada: Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Universal Music Canada and Warner Music Canada. Music Canada also works with some of the leading independent record labels and distributors, recording studios, live music venues, concert promoters, managers and artists in the promotion and development of the music cluster. For more on Music Canada, please visit www.musiccanada.com

About Music BC
Music BC Industry Association is a not for profit association serving the for profit and non-profit music industry, including artists from all genres, industry professionals, service providers, studios, promoters, venues, festivals, producers, agents, managers and educational institutions. For more on Music BC, please visit www.musicbc.org

Categories: Industry News, Music Cities, Music Tourism, News Release, Uncategorized
Tags: AMPLIFY BC, BC Music, British Columbia, JUNOs, JUNOS 2018, Music BC, Vancouver

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2018 JUNO Host Committee releases BC education program resources

Posted January 4, 2018 by Bram Gonshor

The 2018 JUNO Awards in Vancouver are just around the corner, and communities across British Columbia are invited to be part of Canada’s biggest annual celebration of music and musicians.

Let’s Hear It BC, the 2018 JUNO Host Committee, recently unveiled learning resources designed by BC music educators Jilaine Orton, Carol Dirianni, Adam J. Con, and Mark Reid for use in classrooms across the province and developed using BC’s redesigned curriculum. Teachers can use the resources to improve students’ awareness of the music industry, and outline the importance of investing in Canada’s growing music economy.

For grades 4 through 7, students are encouraged to study recipients of the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award, analyzing their major contributions to both local and international communities through social activism and humanitarian work. For high school students grades 10 through 12, the program outlines ways to improve students’ awareness of the music industry and career opportunities through examining emerging and evolving trends in music.

Students and teachers are invited and encouraged to share their expertise and experience through social media with the hashtag #JUNOLearning.

The resources can be viewed here:

Grade 4 to 7 classrooms

Grade 10 to 12 classrooms

Categories: Music Education
Tags: 2018 JUNO Host Committee, British Columbia, Juno Awards, JUNOS 2018, Let's Hear It, music education

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BC announces new music Innovation Program

Posted April 5, 2017 by Alex Clement

Last week, the province of British Columbia and Creative BC announced the new $300,000 Innovation Program as part of the BC Music Fund. The new program will support cross-sector collaboration between technology and music, the launch of businesses to fill gaps in the industry, and foster diversity and cultural engagement within the music industry.

“British Columbia is home to an abundant wealth of musical talent. This funding from the BC Music Fund will provide assistance to companies that 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,” said Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour.

“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,” added Prem Gill, chief executive officer of Creative BC.

British Columbia is the third largest centre for sound recording in Canada and the music industry contributes over $400 million in revenue to the provincial economy every year. According to Creative BC, the province’s music industry includes 80 independent record labels, 123 sound recording studios, and hundreds of music industry professionals such as publishers, managers, talent agencies, and other businesses that support the development and delivery of music.

Premier Christy Clark announced the creation of the $15-million BC Music Fund in February 2016, following the recommendations of Music Canada’s report BC’s Music Sector: From Adversity to Opportunity. The fund is administered by Creative BC and is designed to support the growth of BC’s music industry through direct investment, job creation, music tourism, increased regional activity, and the export of BC music.

The new Innovation Program will support music related projects, including “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.”

Applications for the Innovation Program will be accepted beginning May 1, 2017.

You can read more about the new program and the announcement on Creative BC’s website.

Categories: Industry News
Tags: BC Music Fund, British Columbia, Creative BC, Prem Gill, Shirley Bond

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Creative BC and Province announce four new BC Music Fund programs

Posted December 20, 2016 by Corey Poole

In two separate announcements this month, Creative BC has detailed the allocation of $8.21 million from the BC Music Fund, which will support four new programs, as well as a funding boost for Music BC.

On December 1, Ministers Shirley Bond and Peter Fassbender, along with Creative BC CEO Prem Gill, announced $4.41 million in funding allocations, $1.41 million of which will support the expansion of Music BC’s activities in the areas of export & professional development, and touring & expanded showcase opportunities.

“As the voice of British Columbia’s music industry, we continue to provide funding to support the growth and sustainability of the province’s music community — artists, music professionals, and other creators,” said Music BC’s Executive Director, Alex Grigg in a press release. “This additional $1.41 million will allow us to provide greater support for our industry partners and expand our own network to reach more of the province’s artists and industry professionals. We applaud and thank the support from Creative BC and the Province for this opportunity and partnership.”

A further $3 million has been allocated to the Sound Recording Program. This program follows the Sound Recording Pilot Program, which distributed $500,000 for sound recording projects in its first stage. Following industry feedback from the pilot program, the expanded criteria for the Sound Recording Program allows for increased access for unincorporated studios and artists. More information on the Sound Recording Program, including eligibility guidelines and the application process, is available on Creative BC’s website.

On December 15, Creative BC and the Province of British Columbia held an announcement at 604 Records on the allocation of $3.8 million more from the BC Music Fund. The announcement featured a performance by celebrated BC songwriter Frazey Ford.

The $3.8 million will support three brand new funding programs:

The Live Music program will receive $2.5 million in dedicated support, available to BC-based festivals, venues, live music presenters and event producers. The program is intended to increase the number of live music performances within the province.

$1 million has been earmarked for Industry Initiatives, which according to Creative BC’s release will “support industry events and export activities, including industry conferences, trade missions, and collaborative export marketing, to further grow and showcase BC’s music industry.”

The Research program devotes $300,000 to projects that inform the growth, evolution and innovation of BC’s music sector.

“British Columbia’s music sector has seen immense growth and success, thanks to the contributions of our many talented artists,” said Shirley Bond, BC’s Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour. “The funding announced today (December 15) from the BC Music Fund will serve to further support artists and live music related businesses including festivals, venues, and event producers, ensuring a strong sector for years to come.”

Below is the full video of the December 15 announcement.

Categories: Industry News, News Release
Tags: BC Music Fund, British Columbia, Creative BC, Music BC

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Creative BC launches Sound Recording Pilot Program

Posted August 2, 2016 by Corey Poole

The first program of the $15 million, provincially supported, BC Music Fund, has officially launched. The Sound Recording Pilot Program is designed to support long term sustainability of British Columbia’s sound recording industry, and to help support BC studios in attracting Canadian and international business.

Administration of the BC Music Fund is being carried out by Creative BC, who will announce additional programs on October 18, 2016, to compliment the four streams the Fund aims to support and promote. Those streams are music company development, live music performance, distant location tour/export market development, and industry development. To date, no grants have been distributed.

“British Columbia has become a hub for creation and innovation, and we are proud of the musical talent and technical expertise we have in our province,” said Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training in a release. “Creative BC’s Sound Recording Pilot Program, funded as part of the BC Music Fund, will help increase sound recording activity in our province, and encourage more artists to produce their work here in British Columbia.”

The sound recording program will aid record labels, or other eligible applicants, by allowing them to recuperate 50% of expenditures associated with recording activities up to a maximum of $75,000. Eligible sound recording projects must have a budget of $3,000 or higher.

The Sound Recording Pilot Program has a total budget of $500,000, and applications will be evaluated on a first come, first served basis until the budget is fully committed, or until November 30, 2016. At that point, Creative BC will reassess the structure of the program.

Creative BC is holding information sessions on the program on August 10 and August 11. Interested applicants are invited to attend the sessions in Vancouver to learn more about the application process and the BC Music Fund. Transcripts of the sessions will be made available on Creative BC’s website for those unable to attend.

Interested parties are also invited to provide feedback though the BC Music Fund Pilot Program Survey. The survey will help Creative BC assess the program’s overall benefit to the community, and provide insights for the development of additional future programs to support the BC music sector.

Creative BC has also set up a BC Music Fund mailing list to keep the industry informed with news about the fund’s progress and additional programs.

The BC Music Fund was announced by Premier Christy Clark last February, during a release event for Music Canada’s report BC’s Music Sector – From Adversity to Opportunity. The report encouraged decisive action from the provincial government, municipalities and stakeholders to put BC’s music sector firmly back on the map and secure the benefits it can generate, and it is very encouraging to see that action take shape with the launch of the Sound Recording Pilot Program.

Categories: Industry News
Tags: BC Music Fund, BC’s Music Sector: From Adversity to Opportunity, British Columbia, Christy Clark, Creative BC, Shirley Bond

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Video: BC’s Music Industry Gathers to Identify Opportunities for Support

Posted November 2, 2015 by Quentin Burgess

Last week, we recapped a recent event in Victoria, BC, in which a collection of British Columbia artists, including Bryan Adams, Jesse Roper, and members of Current Swell, Cowboy Junkies, Chilliwack, and Spirit of the West, as well as members of the province’s music industry, came together to express the need for provincial support for music in the form of regulatory reform and reduced red tape, as well as financial support.

Video of the event is now available, including speeches from Graham Henderson, President and CEO of Music Canada; the Honourable Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development; Bryan Adams on the importance of music in British Columbia; and a performance by Jesse Roper.

Categories: Advocacy
Tags: British Columbia, Bryan Adams, Cowboy Junkies, Current Swell, Jesse Roper, Spirit of the West

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BC’s Music Industry Gathers to Identify Opportunities for Support

Posted October 30, 2015 by Amy Terrill

A who’s who of BC’s music industry and artists including Bryan Adams, Jesse Roper, members of Current Swell, Cowboy Junkies, Chilliwack, and Spirit of the West came together Monday evening at the Royal BC Museum for an event hosted by Music Canada for provincial politicians and decision makers. Together, they expressed the need for provincial support for music in the form of regulatory reform and reduced red tape, as well as financial support.

Many members of the government attended, including the Honourable Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, who expressed his support for BC’s music community in his remarks from the stage.

In his remarks, Music Canada President Graham Henderson announced that Music Canada has, with the help of many partners in BC undertaken analysis of the province’s music sector to identify strengths and weaknesses. Our full report is forthcoming but our recommendations would help the province to:

Create and retain jobs
Grow and diversify the economy
Attract foreign direct investment
Build more vibrant music scenes
Boost tourism development
Attract talent to other sectors like the digital arts
And contribute to cultural and artistic growth

Attendees were not only treated to a wonderful acoustic performance by Jesse Roper, currently a finalist for the Peak Performance Project, but to a passionate speech from Bryan Adams on the importance of music in the province.

The music industry in BC has a long and deep history, a pipeline for upcoming talent, many talented professionals and good infrastructure for live performance and recording, but has been plagued recently by such things as the widening gap in funding between BC and other provinces, rising property costs in BC’s large urban centres, and regulatory barriers.

In his remarks, Bryan Adams recalled his time as a musician starting out in BC. “British Columbia, as a young musician was a great place to start out, because they had a lot of venues to play, and it was receptive to live music. There was a lot of opportunities for musicians and a good musical scene when I started out, and it’s because of that – the local scene, and the fact that it was thriving on its own – that I was able to create the music that I’ve created over the years…But the thing that we’ve created here over the years is leaving us, and we need to protect it.”

We are very excited by the success not only of this event, but of our report and its recommendations to come, asking for BC’s provincial government to support music education, live and recorded music businesses, and tourism in its Spring 2016 budget.

Stay tuned for further details about the report in the coming months.

Several attendees shared highlights from the event on social media:

Standing room only at @Music_Canada reception @RoyalBCMuseum. BC has great talent incl @bryanadams in attendance pic.twitter.com/OQ9M7Ik17g

— Marc Dalton MLA (@MarcDalton) October 27, 2015

An honour to speak at the Music Canada reception tonight in Victoria. pic.twitter.com/NSssJIFg6z — Peter Fassbender (@FassbenderMLA) October 27, 2015

Thx @Music_Canada @GFHenderson for visiting #BCLeg to explain the industry issues @FassbenderMLA @shirleybond pic.twitter.com/0u0YnVsn9g

— Jane Thornthwaite (@jthornthwaite) October 27, 2015

So great to see @BryanAdams tonight at the @Music_Canada event at the @RoyalBCMuseum in #Victoria. #YYJ pic.twitter.com/tMuYEHuDfg — John Martin (@JohnMartinMLA) October 27, 2015

Loved performance by local #yyj talent @ropershow tonight @RoyalBCMuseum hosted by @Music_Canada #MusicMonday pic.twitter.com/oIex7OhOVz

— Michelle Stilwell (@Stilwell2013) October 27, 2015

Additional photos from the event are embedded in the gallery below:

: The crowd enjoying Jesse Roper’s set.

: Bill Henderson (Chilliwack), Jennifer Hardy (Music Canada), Jesse Roper, and MLA Jane Thornthwaite.

: Graham Henderson (Music Canada) and MLA Richard Lee

: Graham Lee (Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre), Prem Gill (Creative BC), MLA Spencer Chandra Herbert

: Attendees, including the Hon. Stephanie Cadieux, Minster of Children and Family Development, and MLA Jane Thornthwaite enjoy a performance by Jesse Roper.

: Bryan Adams’ second gig is as Jesse Roper’s mic tech!

: Graham Henderson (Music Canada), taking in everything with the music.

Categories: Advocacy
Tags: British Columbia, Bryan Adams, Cowboy Junkies, Current Swell, Jesse Roper, Spirit of the West

Music Canada

Gold/Platinum

Music Canada

Gold/Platinum

Tag archive: British Columbia (8)