Amplify BC Gives Boost to B.C. Music Industry

British Columbia’s music professionals and artists have reason to celebrate, with the announcement of $7.5 million in government funding for AMPLIFY BC, the province’s new music fund. AMPLIFY BC will support people working in B.C.’s diverse music industry. The new program focuses on four funding areas:

AMPLIFY BC will support people working in B.C.’s diverse music industry. The new program focuses on four funding areas:

• Industry Initiatives supporting the development of B.C.’s music industry, including training, skills development, research and a new focus on young up-and-coming talent
• Career Development will focus on emerging and established artists
• Live Music will support B.C.-based live music events, creating engagement opportunities for audiences, artists and youth to enhance music tourism throughout B.C.
• Music Company Development will focus on sustainability and building the capacity of B.C.’s music companies

“We listened carefully to advice from people involved in many facets of the music industry. I’m excited that our government is creating this new funding program designed to give artists and other music professionals the support needed so they can continue to grow,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “B.C. has a well-earned reputation for excellence in music production. This fund will help place B.C. talent on the world stage.”

The new fund was created following consultation with Creative BC and discussion with B.C.’s music industry stakeholders. AMPLIFY BC will be administered by Creative BC over the next year.

“This new investment into B.C.’s music industry will build on the momentum to date,” said Prem Gill, CEO, Creative BC. “On behalf of my team, we are excited to continue supporting talent across the province, and we thank B.C.’s music sector for their continued collaboration toward growth and success.”

AMPLIFY BC will shine a light on the many artists and industry professionals working throughout the province to support their growth. The fund will also benefit B.C. tourism, arts and creative industries and small business development.

“This exciting announcement shows that our government is committed to the industry,” said Nick Blasko, of Amelia Artists Inc. and Atomique Productions Ltd. “This honours all of the work that has been and continues to be done to ensure B.C.’s music industry is competitive at a national and international level. It is truly news to celebrate and what better time to do so than at The Juno Awards in Vancouver?”

British Columbia is Canada’s third-largest music centre, with over 285 music companies, 160 recording studios and more than 200 music festivals across the province. Provincial programs like AMPLIFY BC attract investments and leverage support for B.C.’s music industry, which contributes approximately $400 million each year to the provincial economy.